The name Edinburgh comes from the ancient Celtic word "Dun-edin" which means "the fort on the hill". Edinburgh Castle (open all year) dominates the city skyline and attracts over 1 million visitors per year. Castle Rock is an ancient volcano and has had a human presence since 1000 B.C. The Castle is home to Scotland's crown jewels, the Scottish National War Memorial, and the tiny St Margaret's Chapel built in1090. The castle has been occupied, destroyed and rebuilt many times in its turbulent history.
The Old Town is built on the lava flood plane from Castle Rock. The Royal Mile (Old Town) leads from the Castle down to Holyrood Palace. The Old Town was surrounded by the Flodden Wall which was completed in 1560 and which confined any city expansion. The only way to expand the city was upwards. As a result, in the 1600's, Edinburgh was one of the earliest Cities in the World to have high-rise housing of ten to twelve floors. The New Town was built in the late 1700's. The Georgian influence is very clear in the layout and architecture of the New Town. The New Town with its uniform street layout and many gardens is considered one of the finest town planning ventures of the period.
Visit The Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party 31st December 2007 and don't miss out on this year's festivities. This celebration is an absolute must. Here is what is on offer - Torchlight Procession 2007, 29th December, Parliament Square by St Giles Cathedral, 6.30pm where hundreds of torch carriers are accompanied by Scottish pipes and drums. Night Afore 2007, 30 th December, George Street, 8 - 11pm free family-orientated event. Street Party 2007/08 The world famous festival.
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We would also like to extend an invitation to our fellow webmasters or community leaders to submit their website link for Edinburgh community here. We appreciate a reciprocal link in return.
