Historic Sites in Kelty

"The unconventional design has long been a topic of much debate and discussion. Some people think it's the best place to house our government, others think it's quite frankly ridiculous and would prefer a more traditional looking government building. The design has won awards in the past, but we don't think we're wide of the mark in saying it's something of a marmite structure, having featured in many lists of this nature in years gone by."

"Address: Edinburgh, EH99 1SPWebsite: The Scottish Parliament Building. The Scottish parliament building in Edinburgh is the home of the Scottish government and it is a world-class example of modern architecture. Sitting at the bottom of The Royal Mile on 4 acres, the building is an unusual tourist attraction but it’s well worth taking a look around inside, especially as it’s free to get in."

"Swing by the Scottish Parliament and see a, how shall I say this diplomatically (I made another lame funny!), rather interesting building. Yeah, the design is super offbeat and modern so you will either love it or place a curse upon the man that conceived of the building."

"This beautifully preserved 19th-century village is one of Edinburgh’s favourite hidden gems. Despite being the subject of countless Instagram photos over the years, it remains a tranquil haven in the city. As if frozen in time, this romantic gem is filled with little alleyways, storybook bridges and charming architecture, all set alongside the Water of Leith River."

"Dean Village is one of Edinburgh’s hidden treasures, located just outside of the city and besides the picturesque Water of Leith. Historically, Dean Village was a key player in Edinburgh’s milling industry, and you can still see signs of this heritage today. Explore the village to find millstones and stone advertisements for bakeries."

"Located on the Royal Mile a short distance from the castle, the John Knox House & Scottish Storytelling Centre attraction is a treat for anyone interested in Scotland's rich cultural heritage. It was built in 1470 and is said to be the one time home of the protestant reformer after which it's named. A highlight of a visit is exploring the exhibits and displays related to the Scottish Reformation, a pivotal moment in the country's history."

"Address: 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SRVisitor guide:John Knox House. John Knox’s house in the middle of The Royal Mile is a historic building that was reputedly lived in by the Protestant reformer in the 16th-century. Although Knox only lived in the house for a short time it’s his association with the building that prevented it from being demolished in 1840 when many other derelict buildings were being torn down."

"A stylish contemporary building appended to the 15th-century home of Protestant reformer John Knox, housing materials relating to Scotland’s rich oral culture.43–45 High Street, 556 9579, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk. Mon–Sat 10am–6pm (also Sun noon–6pm during Aug only). Free entry to SSC; John Knox House £4.25 (£3.75; children £1; under 7s free)."

"The Grassmarket is a bustling part of Edinburgh, which has great nightlife and places to eat, as well as an intriguing past. Situated in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle to the south, it is named, as it was the market where all animals that ate grass –as well as the grasses to feed them – were sold. The bustling square hosts a food and craft market on Sundays and has a plethora of great old character-filled pubs to visit and great restaurants to sample Scottish or international food."

"After all, the picturesque streets and quintessentially Scottish pubs located in the Grassmarket make it a must-see attraction on any Scottish adventure. There, you’ll find vibrant streets matched only by an ever-lively nightlife. This is where locals come to hang out, and where you’ll want to grab dinner, or simply head for some after exploring drinks. Nearby, you’ll also find plenty of historical buildings, including the once famous Magdalen Chapel."

"Fun fact: Back in 1477, the Grassmarket was a huge market in Edinburgh with most of it trading cattle and horses. This is apparently where the name Grassmarket originated as the western end of it was where the animals’ grass was kept."

"This palace is the royal family's official residence in Scotland but is more famous as the 16th-century home of the ill-fated Mary, Queen of Scots. The highlight of the tour is Mary's Bedchamber, home to the unfortunate queen from 1561 to 1567. It was here that her jealous second husband, Lord Darnley, restrained the pregnant queen while his henchmen murdered her secretary – and favourite – David Rizzio. A plaque in the neighbouring room marks the spot where Rizzio bled to death."

"All the recommendations so far have been along the Royal Mile, the lovely stretch of interconnecting streets which run from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace. It’s not exactly a mile long, but it’s near enough, and is filled with a variety of attractions, from the above mentioned, through to souvenir shops, restaurants and pubs."

"The Palace of Holyroodhouse — usually simply referred to as Holyrood Palace — is the Queen's official Edinburgh residence and has frequently been at the center of Scottish history. Built in 1678, it was where James II and James IV were each married, where James V and Charles I were crowned, and where "Bonnie Prince Charlie" held court in 1745. When the Queen is away (which is typically 51 weeks of the year, as she's only here for "Royal Week" each summer), public access is permitted to the stunning Historic Apartments (former home of Mary Queen of Scots) and the State Apartments, famous for their fine furnishings, tapestries, and plasterwork."

"The abbey was later used partially as a royal residence, and as a location for the Scottish Parliament from the 13th to the 15th centuries. The abbey has seen a large chunk of Scottish history, politics and culture, including the end of the First War of Scottish Independence, and the birth and coronation of kings. The remains still show beautiful and impressive original architecture which have inspired numerous painters and writers."

"Adjacent to Holyrood Palace are the ruins of Holyrood Abbey which are an important part of the Edinburgh landmarks list. The history of this church dates back to the 12th century. You gain access to the abbey with your Holyrood Palace ticket."

"Edinburgh's 18th-century City Chambers were built over the sealed-off remains of Mary King's Close, and the lower levels of this medieval Old Town alley have survived almost unchanged amid the foundations for 250 years. Now open to the public, this spooky, subterranean labyrinth gives a fascinating insight into the everyday life of 17th-century Edinburgh. Costumed characters lead tours through a 16th-century town house and the plague-stricken home of a 17th-century gravedigger. Advance booking recommended."

"Real Mary King’s Close This is the perfect tour to learn about medieval life in Edinburgh. Journey back in time to 1645 Edinburgh, down Mary King’s Close, a real alleyway in the city. This was the year of the Black Death, when one-third of Edinburgh’s population succumbed to this terrible illness."

"The magnificent Scone Palace stands proudly just two miles outside of Perth city centre. Steeped in Scottish history, Scone has welcomed many royal figures into its stately home over the decades. Most famously, the palace once housed The Stone of Scone, better known as The Stone of Destiny."

"So thanks to all at once and to each one, whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.' This line from Macbeth indicates the importance of Scone (pronounced 'skoon') as the coronation place of Scottish monarchs...."

"Mimi's motto is "it's all about the cake", but this delightfully retro cafe also boasts one of the most luxuriant breakfast menus in the capital. The "Belly busting" breakfast menu incorporates local treats such as delicious Crombie's sausages, award-winning Stornoway black pudding and Ramsay of Carluke's bacon, as well as truly delectable homemade bread and deliciously warming porridge with nuts and honey. The pink and black burlesque wall paper complements the decadence of the menu and even after a generously proportioned breakfast you will find it hard to resist their cakes and pastries."

"Mimi’s is one of the most popular spots for a coffee and cake in Edinburgh, and being the Scottish Baker of the Year for 4 years running, it’s understandable. While their breakfast, brunch and lunch menu is hearty and delicious, it’s really the cakes put this warm and welcoming family-run bakery on the list. Find Mimi’s main cafe right by the river in the heart of Leith, or Mimi’s Little Bakehouse in two locations in the Old Town."

"Edinburgh has some great afternoon teas, but what if you can’t wait until the afternoon to indulge?. Mimi’s Bakehouse on the Shore have you covered with their Beforenoon Tea offering. If you’re not already aware of the delights of Mimi’s Bakehouse, stop what you’re doing and get yourself to the flagship store in Leith."

"Disclaimer: My meal at Loudons New Waverley was a gifted experience. All opinions are my own. Loudons runs two cafes in Edinburgh – the original on Fountainbridge, and a new spacious location at New Waverley, a development project with living space, hotels, shops and restaurants just off the Royal Mile."

"Covid-19 alert: Currently closed and focussing on cookies and cake to order. Opening a new café in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was always going to be a risky gambit, but the folks behind Grams seemed to have pulled it off with their latest venture: Plant Bae. With Grams now moving to Stockbridge, Plant Bae has settled into its big brother’s old digs opposite Haymarket Station."

"In Santosa Yoga and Wellness Centre you will find the Santosa Café, a lovely wee place that offers a meat-free menu including soups, wraps, paninis and hotpots. They sell Planet Kuku’s kurus with salad, as well as sourdough toast and a yummy grazing plate full of goodies like hummus, falafel, olives and fresh veggies. Stop by the counter and you’ll also find a range of vegan-friendly sweet treats like flapjacks and energy balls, perfect for enjoying with a warming mug of herbal tea."

"Vitality and Kynd is a vegan café that specialises in food and drink infused with CBD. Cannabidiol (or CBD) is found in the hemp (or cannabis sativa) plant, and is separate from the THC compound that is usually associated with a cannabis high. Their menu is completely vegan and includes goodies such as waffles (pictured) hemp bagels, and a range of hot drinks and wholesome fruit juices which can be boosted with a shot of CBD."

"Fhior epitomises everything that’s exciting about Edinburgh’s food scene – high-quality Scottish ingredients spun into creative dishes. Diners can opt for an element of theatrics by selecting the four- or seven-course tasting menus, with the identity of the dishes and their ingredients only revealed from a sealed envelope at the end of the meal. The wine pairings are equally as creative as the dishes."

"This aesthetically pleasing restaurant is all whitewashed walls and stripped wooden tables and serves deceptively pared-back dishes that burst with flavour. Much of the food is sourced locally, such as the asparagus, which is grown in Angus just over an hour away, while the beremeal and malted barley bread is baked on-site daily and served warm from the oven with Fhior’s house-made butter."

"Scott Smith fans were left saddened by the closure of his debut restaurant, Norn – but luckily they didn’t have to wait long to taste his cooking again. His second venture, Fhior, opened its doors on Broughton Street last summer, with a focus on honesty (‘Fhior’ translates as true in Gaelic): really good quality modern Scottish cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere."