Surprising facts and tips learned while traveling in Edinburgh and the Highlands
The cars are so small that “one way streets” are actually two way streets. Look both ways!
The buses move at a surprisingly speedy rate. The Tram is also a convenient option to get around, especially to/from the airport!
The city is very clean but there are a lot of seagulls and pigeons.
Not all parks and gardens are open to the public. Most are within the New Town Gardens: a series of 18th and 19th century town gardens and squares owned by private shareholders or a joint ownership by the local residents. Each have different rules!
A lot of pubs don’t have bar seats, and even those that do, most people don’t sit there.
Edinburgh is one of the most expensive cities to live in. The cost of living is high and private schools like Fettes College can make it even pricier.
Princes St separates Old and New Town. New Town was built by the wealthy as a way of removing themselves from the overcrowded and filthy land Old Town had become.
The west coast of Scotland is often damp and wet. With this comes the infamous “midgies” or little biting flies that will ruin your trip if you’re not prepared.
Loch Ness is 745 feet deep. Only 3 people have ever reached the bottom. It’s so dark and cold (5 degrees) that no one is quite sure what is beneath the surface. It might not be Nessie, but sonar images often capture large movements below and there is unidentifiable DNA in the water.
Bagpipes are the official instrument of Scotland. The “music of the pipes” was used to encourage war troops on to victory. Since they were used in battles, they were subsequently banned after the uprising of 1745, though in secret they continued to be played.
The Old Town beauty hides the dark history: murders, witch burnings and a continuous series of torcherings.
Some of the buildings are not as old as they appear. The historical society commissions the buildings to “fit in.” If it doesn’t have a plaque acknowledging the year on the wall, it is likely a newer construction.
There are traditions that have been carried through for hundreds of years. For example, the Mercat Cross is where all the royal proclamations take place. Because they originate from England, it used to take 3 days for the news to reach Edinburgh. Even now, the proclamations are made three days later than England.
The modern game of golf was born in Scotland, possibly St. Andrews. There are 550 courses to choose from right now.
The word “caddie” comes from Edinburgh and was essentially an errand boy. Once visitors would arrive in town, the caddies would take the visitors bags and show them the way.
The Old Town buildings are actually the equivalent of “skyscrapers” back in the day. Residents built upward because of space restrictions.
It doesn’t rain as often as you think! In fact, many areas of Scotland are in a drought unfortunately. Loch Ness lost 4.5 feet of water recently.
What is more common is the “Scotch mist,” which really just makes everything more mystical and romantic. Right?
