Old Town from Calton Hill

View of the Old Town of Edinburgh as seen from Calton Hill, looking west.

Newhaven Lighthouse

The lighthouse in Newhaven Harbour with storm clouds gathering behind it; I barely made it back inside before the heavens opened....

Deep Fried Mars Bar

Yep that's right, this post is about the well-known Scottish delicacy called the deep-fried Mars Bar. This horrendously unhealthy (but surprisingly tasty) item is said to have been invented in the famous Haven Chip Bar in Stonehaven in 1995, but can now be found throughout Scotland. The Mars bar is dipped in batter used for fried fish, sausages etc and fried in chip fat. To make sure the chocolate doesn't melt, it is usually chilled beforehand.

Connaisseurs will recognise the location of this poster as Cafe Piccante on Broughton Street.

East Claremont Street

Neo-classical stateliness that is East Claremont Street, here on a map.

Airbus A380 visits Edinburgh

At 1.30pm this afternoon, the world's largest commercial airliner, the Airbus A380, performed an 'approach and go' manoeuvre at Edinburgh airport. (Just as well - had it landed, it wouldn't have been able to leave again because the runway would have been too short!)

Anyway, thousands of people watched this magnificent plane fly directly over the airport first before turning over the bridges, doing a big loop and finally a fly-through just above the runway. I took this photo at the plane's lowest point, as it (noisily!) pulled its nose up and rose again to disappear into the clouds. We must have had the best, exclusive view - from the roof of the airport!

The real castle!

And here's a picture of the 'real' castle, high on the rock in the background. In the front left is the Fruitmarket Gallery, next to Waverley Station (right). The blue bus is the Airport Bus 100, waiting at its stop on Waverley bridge. Above it you see the National Gallery on the Mound. The blue domed building at the top of the Mound is the Bank of Scotland HQ. This well-known view can of course be seen from North Bridge.

Castle?!

The way this block of tenement flats just peeps over the trees and overlooks the Water of Leith always reminds me of a castle on a hill!

Five Pound Fringe

Over the last few years, ticket prices for Fringe shows have shot up quite a bit. Expect to pay at least £8 pounds for lesser known shows, and £15 for the big names! This is why some venues - like the Tron on Hunter Square - have decided to support initiatives like the Five Pound Fringe, or even Free Fringe, each of which does exactly what it says on the tin!

C Venue - Chambers Street

Normally a quiet, stately University building, during the festival Adam House is transformed into C Venue!

Piper with Drummers

This is the piper who plays with the drummers (see yesterday's post).

Drummers on the Mound

A guest entry from Difa - during the Fringe, this well-known group of drummers & piper often perform on the Mound next to the National Gallery. Can anyone remind me of their name?

Fringe Framed!

I'm totally blowing my cover here but I don't care, because... today my picture got printed in the Metro!! The Fringe Office and Metro run a competition called Fringe Framed, where each day they select a photo for publication. If you want to take part, all you have to do is e-mail your photo (jpeg) to fringe.framed@edfringe.com. Good luck!

Not sure what to call this!

As spotted at the Cavalcade in Holyrood Park - this Lord of the Rings-like figure is, I believe, part of a theatre company that specialises in stilt-based, costumed street theatre. These imposing figures (there were three of them) wandered around high above the crowds, scaring unsuspecting bystanders by suddenly pecking them in the neck.

Wedding at St James's

At the weekend I photographed the wedding of this lovely couple, Kaivo and Margit from Tallinn, at St James's Church (see post on Sunday). See here the happy two, accompanied by the Rector, Tembu Rongong, in kilt!

Pants!!

This is of another preview of a show we saw on the Royal Mile. I've forgotten the title; the costumes and makeup were pretty cool but despite the obvious enthusiasm of the actors, it was a bit, well, pants really!

William Hole Murals in St James's

Anyone who's ever visited the Scottish National Portrait Gallery will remember the beautiful murals and frieze painted by William Hole around 1900. Few, however, will know that Hole painted two equally fabulous murals in St James Church at Goldenacre, some years before his more famous commission. St James's , a red stone building on Inverleith Row, was Hole's own church, and he carried out the decorations as a favour to his own parish. Just as well he did, because this work later earned him the Portrait Gallery job!

Performance on the Royal Mile

All day, performers showcase their shows during allotted slots on stages on the Royal Mile. These guys are from "Bloodbath - the Musical" (21:30 at George Square), and this lady definitely stood out from the crowd with a fenominal voice - though you couldn't really hear the music from the stereo.

Street Performance on the Royal Mile

Edinburgh street performer Todd Various doing what he does best, spotted yesterday on Parliament Square - just off the Royal Mile. With guest performances of 'England' (left), 'Scotland' (right) and two very cheeky little boys.

Festival Time!!

Hi Everyone!!

Back by popular demand... after this inexcusably long absence I'll keep the blog going during the Fringe and International Festival at least.

This picture was taken during the cavalcade on Saturday, the official start of the Fringe. The entire cast of the Tattoo, as well as a host of other performers and bands parade through the city - except this year due to tramworks on Princes Street the entire show was moved to Holyrood Park. And you know what? I actually preferred it - there was lots of space for everyone to go, no traffic restrictions for other good citizens, and the setting is just so beautiful! I met up with a couple of good friends and gave my brand new zoom lens a run for its money :-).

Oddfellows

When you walk past this bar on Forrest Road you will probably not notice the interesting facade of the building, let alone know about the history of this place. Built in 1873, Oddfellows Hall was the gathering point for members of the Oddfellows Order. I understand that these were guilds with members from an odd assortment of trades (rather than all from the same trade), hence the term 'odd fellows'. Oddfellows Hall was a Lodge where they would congregate, with lecture rooms, meeting rooms and domitories.

Many Edinburgh people will remember "Bar Oz", previously located in this building, which was accessed through a narrow passage and laid out over two floors. In 2006, £1.05 million was spent on redesiging and opening up the space, and many of the original features can now be seen again.

Stone - Crown Office

I think this blog is due another 'stone' picture, so here's a nice one! This decorative stonework can be found on columns on either side of the entrance to the Crown Office on Chambers Street, the body responsible for prosecution of crime in Scotland.

Colourful shops

Some long-established, colourful shops on Greyfriar's Place, opposite the Museum of Scotland.

George IV Bridge

After serving as starting and finishing point for the Great Edinburgh Run on Sunday, this is George IV Bridge returned to normal. It's really more a high-level street than a bridge, although it does bridge the Cowgate (just behind the bus).

May the 4th... Edinburgh Run part 2

What can I say....? Except that last year, the Great Edinburgh Run was held on May 4th, aka Star Wars Day, and so this year I suspect that Princess Leia and this Stormtrooper wanted to recycle their outfits... May the 4th be with you today!

Great Edinburgh Run part 1

Today saw some 10,000 runners take part in the Great Edinburgh Run 2009! This 10k road run followed a route across the Royal Mile, past Holyrood Palace and along the Meadows to a finish on George IV Bridge. I was there merely in a supporting role and to take pictures of various friends who are much more sporty than me. This picture was taken about half way along the route, from South Bridge looking down on the Cowgate. As you can see the weather was gorgeous.

Well done to all of you!!

Theme Day: Shadows

At low tide, Newhaven Harbour is almost completely dry, with the ropes between boats and pier hanging rather limply across the mud. A great contribution from Mr Dido who, for recession reasons, suddenly has a lot of time on his hands...

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Same Guy

... and this is the same guy (see yesterday's picture) from a more conventional angle, with houses in Parliament Square in the background.

Famous fireman

Dear all - I'm back!! For several weeks my (working) days have been completely taken over by conference organisation, but I'm pleased to report that all this is over now and I am back to my normal blogging self. Better still, I have a new camera - a Canon EOS 1000D. We're still getting used to each other but I have a feeling we'll be best friends before too long!

Anyway, this handsome fireman is James Braidwood (1800-1861) who founded the world's first municipal fire service in Edinburgh in 1824. He tragically died fighting a fire in London, and is commemorated with this statue in Edinburgh's Parliament Square.

Sunset over George Street

Sun setting over George Street....

Add-on

I really like this recent addition to the Chrystal Macmillan Building, now home of the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh. The building sits on the north-west corner of George Square and faces the Middle Meadow Walk. The extension was designed by SMC Davis Duncan Architects and completed in 2008.

Chrystal Macmillan was an important suffragist and the first woman science graduate of the University in 1896.

We Love Ice

And another clear sign that spring is fast approaching! (OK it's a little Photoshop-tastic, but who cares!!)

Sea of Yellow

Clear signs of spring alongside the Middle Meadow Walk earlier today!

Stick no bills

I found this little piece of history on the walls of the University's Old College on Chambers Street. Amusing really, that this bit of non-grammar appears on the exterior of one of the most famous academic institutions in the country...

Minto House, Chambers Street

You don't often see architecture this ornate in Edinburgh, and although the delicate Italianate style is perhaps a bit out of tune with the rest of Old Town, the sandstone from which it was made is certainly the dominating building surface in this city.

Close in Newhaven

A doorway in one of Newhaven's 'closes', or narrow passageways.

St James Chapel, Newhaven

I haven't posted a Stone picture for a while, so here's one! This is part of the west gable of the oldest building in Newhaven; that of St James' Chapel which is now a ruin.

The Chapel of St Mary and St James was built around 1508 by James IV for those who worked on the construction of his magnificent shipt, the Great Michael. The chapel later fell into disuse and was bought by the Society of Free Fishermen in the middle of the 18th century, and used as a place of burial until 1848. At an archeological dig in 1972, skeletons were indeed found, and the discovery was made that the chapel had been built on a foundation of oyster shells!

Fly like a bird!

Birdseye view of the roofs of buildings on George IV Bridge, Old Town.

St Giles Cathedral Organ

And here it is, the organ in St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile in all its glory. This picture was also taken by Mr Dido, who was fortunate enough to be at a 'lock-in' where they were allowed to play the organ after hours.

Stopping to organize

Part two of yesterday's mystery machine - yes yes you've guessed it! See tomorrow for the final installment (courtesy Mr Dido).

Mystery Mechanism

Mr Dido has requested a guest slot, so here it is. In which Edinburgh landmark can this mystery mechanism be found?

Roofs of the Old Town

Still on the roof of the Museum, now looking to the right of the castle in almost northerly direction. The large church steeple is what used to be a Church of Scotland and its Assembly Hall in one. It is now known as the 'Hub', or the headquarters of the International Festival. In the distance you can just make out some snowy hills in Perthshire, on the other side of the Firth of Forth.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle on a blustery March day, as seen from the rooftop terrace of the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street - a place that cannot be beaten on views so if you find yourself in the area, do pop up - it's free and there's a lift!!

Trams in Edinburgh

One of the most - if not the most - contentious issues in Edinburgh at the moment is the Tram Project. After an absence of about 50 years, trams are being reintroduced in the city - but not without a lot of upheaval, roadworks and bitter complaints by what I believe to be a very vocal minority. Personally I think they will be a good thing, and the only possible fast, clean, potentially non-carbon form of transportation across the city. However, in order for it to function as a 'network' we will need more than the one line + loop currently being built. But hey, you have to start somewhere!

So - in order to win the battle of the hearts and minds of the people of Edinburgh, this mock-up tram has been erected on Princes Street. And yes - the new urban myth of people asking when it's leaving (not till 2011!) is absolutely true, because it happened even as I was chatting to the man looking after it!

Seagull on approach

Seagull landing in Newhaven Harbour.

Edinburgh on fire?

Apologies for not posting something a bit more recent - this picture dates from earlier this winter - but I've been so busy I haven't had much chance to pop out with my camera. This is the view from the rooftop of the National Museum of Scotland, looking west at sunset. It was taken minutes before the one of Edinburgh castle.

Victoria Park

This is a view of Victoria Park from Newhaven Road, with Victoria's son King Edward VII surveying the grounds on her behalf. The park itself was created in 1919 and was once known as Bonnington Park, after Bonnington Park House. It is now part of a Conservation Area that includes 'the Dudleys' and Summerside Place.

Spring is coming!!

Crocuses in Victoria Park.

Waverleygate

This is Waverleygate, on the corner of North Bridge and Waterloo Place. This wonderful classical building was once the General Post Office and went through a series of improvements in the 1890s, 1900s and 1960s but by the 1990s all post services had moved out and the building stood empty for several years. More recently it has been redeveloped into fancy new office spaces. Take-up has been slow, however, and I believe the building is still largely empty.

Arthur's Seat from Pollock

And to complete the series on Arden House; this is the view from the window of yesterday's room, or rather just in front of it on the lawn. The hill is of course Arthur's Seat, but seen from a more unusual angle.

Arden House

I simply had to share this with you; this is the drawing room in Arden House (for hire from the University) - downstairs from the Confucius Institute. It's beautiful!!

Confucius

I came across this guy yesterday when my colleague and I went on a tour of the University of Edinburgh's conference facilities at Pollock Halls. The Confucius Institute for Scotland promotes cultural and economic ties between Scotland and China. It is based in the University, on the top floor of Arden House - a stunning mansion with views over Arthur's Seat and the Queen's park.

Royal Museum Work in Progress

In my lunchbreak I walked past the Royal Museum - currently closed for major redevelopment - and noticed that the door to the East Wing was left open. This space is fondly remembered by many as the mammal hall with the elephants, giraffes etc etc. Looking quite a bit different at the moment!!

RSA on the Mound

The Royal Scottish Academy on the Mound, basking in the winter sun. Originally built as an art school by William Playfair in the mid-19th century, it is now used by the National Galleries of Scotland as its primary exhibition space.

Loving Memory

A lovely Edinburgh tradition; remembering lost loved ones by donating a public bench and putting it in a place that was special to them. This one looks out over Newhaven Harbour.

Buccleuch Place and Meadows

I took this photo a couple of days ago from the 11th floor of the David Hume Tower on the University of Edinburgh Campus, looking to the south-west. In the foreground is Buccleuch Place, part of the central University campus, with behind it the Meadows and the residential area of Marchmont (not -d) beyond that.

Crows in the snow

Two crows sharing a piece of bread in Newhaven Harbour this morning.

Roslin Glen Gunpowder Mill

On Sunday, Mr Dido and I went for a walk in Roslin Glen, a beautiful wooded area just south of Edinburgh. Nowadays, thanks to the Da Vinci Code, it is most famous for nearby Rosslyn Chapel, but back in the days of the Napoleonic Wars it housed the largest gunpowder mill in the country! The mill produced gunpowder from around 1804 until 1954. Today's photo shows the location of the large water wheel (between the two walls) which was used to power the factory - you can't quite see the river but it runs right behind it.

Pentlands

OK - I know that this is not strictly speaking Edinburgh, but it's not far off. This is in fact Saturday's sunset over one of the Pentland Hills, just to the south of Edinburgh near the village of Penicuik. This is a very beautiful area, and very easily accessible from the city - and it usually gets much more snow than the town itself!

Snow again!

Last night we had 1-2 inches of snow across Edinburgh - more than we've had so far, but not as much as some areas of England last week, where there has been widespread disruption (but then, they're really not used to it...). This was the view from the car on our way to work this morning; Arthur's Seat looking even more imposing than usual.

Over the coming days I'll post some more pictures of yesterday's beautiful snowy walk just south of Edinburgh.

Old Town from the graveyard

The Old Town of Edinburgh as seen from Greyfriar's churchard. Spooky!!

Central Library

This interesting piece of sculpture sits on the exterior of the Central Library on George IV Bridge. My interpretation of it is that it shows Caledonia ('Scotland' - note the tartan plaid) in the middle, with farmers on either side (note the sickle on the left and plough on the right). Look closely and you can see the kilt and beautiful sporran on the left-hand farmer.

I think the motto means: "Always up in arms, now also industrious" which I guess points at a desire to move away from militarism in the Highlands towards peaceful and productive farming. Now a library, this part of the building was once the Highland and Agricultural Institute.

Accidental Art

I spotted this 'accidental art work' on the side steps of the National Gallery. It reminds me of a Roman senator addressing the masses. Can you guess what it really is?

Playfair Steps

The Playfair Steps, between the National Gallery of Scotland and the top of the Mound/Market Street leading into Old Town.

Royal Mile... with a difference!

This is one of my favourite objects in the city centre: a cast model of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, which sits on the Mound between the National Gallery and the RSA. Apparently it was given to the city by the staff of Marks & Spencer to commemorate their centenary.

The accompanying plaque says: "This relief was crafted to enable people with impaired vision to enjoy the grandeur of the City".

... And it's gone

Well 'all' of the snow has disappeared again... but here's another pretty picture I took yesterday, of the back of Candlemaker row as seen from Greyfriar's. How very Charles Dickens, don't you think?!

Snow is here!

Well it's official; Britain is gripped by snow anxiety! For days now the forecasts have been warning us that blizzards from Russia were fast approaching. And this morning we finally got a bit of snow here in Edinburgh - apparently there's more to come today and overnight. On my way to work this morning I took a detour via Greyfriars' Churchyard for some photo opportunities - and got stuck in a true snowstorm at the other end of the graveyard!

View of the beach

As requested, the view from yesterday's tenement building which is, of course, on the Portobello waterfront.

Beach house anyone?

Imagine: you wake up in the morning, stumble out of bed, open the curtains.... and look out over a sandy beach and the sea (well, estuary...) - how amazing would that be?!

Cool turret on Newhaven Road

Every morning I pass this little turret on the end of a terrace on Newhaven Road. I've been meaning to take a photo of it for ages; it looks even better with the dark clouds behind it!

Cold Monday

A frosty Monday morning... our car was cold too!

Addressing the Haggis

Today we celebrate Robert Burns' 250th Birthday - well actually, we did it yesterday (partly to give us a chance to sleep off the whisky and partly to have the party coincide with Mr Dido's birthday). We organised a proper Burns Supper at our house, complete with all the toasts and addresses. This is my good friend Alex addressing the Haggis, and doing so brilliantly!!

Portobello Baths

These are the Victorian baths in Portobello. They are being looked after by Edinburgh Leisure, and include a swimming pool, turkish baths and even normal bath tubs that you can use if you don't have one at home!

Seagulls on the beach

Another impression of a cold but bright Saturday afternoon on Portobello beach.

Portobello beach

Portobello beach (to the northeast of Edinburgh) also goes by the name of 'Edinburgh's Seaside'. Like many 19th-century seaside towns it has gone through some rough patches but the beach is still as lovely. We caught a few hours of sun here at the weekend, before the rain and gales set in. I'll show a few more pictures over the coming days.

Cold, cold January

So yesterday was supposed to be the most depressing day of the year? No money left after Christmas, no holidays in sight, no sunlight, hmm... well how about a nice cheerful picture to represent this particular state of mind!? (And no this picture was not taken as or converted into B&W...)

Ross's favourite graffiti

OK, one more then. I was walking past these on my way back from a meeting, together with a male colleague - who, incidentally, is much more of an expert on graffiti than I ever will be. Not surprisingly, his favourite was this one.

My favourite graffiti

This is my favourite bit of graffiti on the Potterrow wooden fencing (see yesterday's picture). As I am totally ignorant of these things I have no idea what it stands for or represents; I just like the shape and colours of it, and I also like how it stands out among the many tags.

Graffiti in Potterrow

This is the footpath from South College Street along Potterrow, in the University area just to the south of the city centre. Graffiti such as this is rare in Edinburgh's city centre, but here the walls and wooden boards along the pavement have been full of it for as long as I can remember. Great for colourful pictures on a dreary January day!

Students protest against war

Anti-war protest by students on Bristo Square, yesterday lunchtime.

That path...

Well after a bit of tweaking and testing the camera seems to be working again. Fingers crossed.

Not the most picturesque image today, but a topical one nevertheless. This is 'the path' where on 31 December 2008 some poor soul discovered the head of a woman in a blue IKEA bag.

Sorry!

Apologies once again for the long gap in posting. There's a problem with my camera in that it keeps turning itself off. At first I thought it was something to do with the batteries but it now appears to be the camera itself. (It's a Canon S5 IS if anyone has any suggestions!)

I took a few pictures on my sister's camera at the weekend so am waiting for them to come through to start posting again.

Lights in trees

I am feeling really rubishy today with a cold and sore throat, so I'm afraid today's picture is a stock photo I took a few months ago but never used! At the various festivals - summer or winter - Edinburgh's trees get lit up beautifully. At the moment they're taking down all the winter decorations... which is why January always feels much darker and more depressing than December!

Bonfire and Vikings

The torchlight procession (see yesterday's picture) ended on the top of Calton Hill where a large bonfire was lit by the Vikings of Up Helly Aa.

Torchlight Procession

On 29 December we took part in the annual Torchlight Procession, which starts on the Royal Mile and finishes with a bonfire and fireworks on Calton Hill. It's an amazing experience being part of this river of light with around 20,000 (!) people taking part. You buy your torch for £6 on the Royal Mile (the money goes to a city charity) and queue up, or you can simply watch the procession snake down the Mound and onto Princes Street. Highly recommended if you find yourself in or around Edinburgh for Hogmanay! (pic courtesy of Difa!)

A Fresh Start

After an inexcusibly long absence, I am finally back! It may not surprise you that keeping up to date with the blog is one of my main New Year's resolutions.

Happy 2009 everyone!!

North Bridge

This photo should be seen next to yesterday's one. North Bridge connects the Old Town on the right with the New Town on the left (at the Balmoral Hotel). It was originally built in 1772 but was reconstructed in the 1870s. The ravine it spans houses Waverley Station.

Balmoral Hotel

Opened in 1902 as the North British Hotel, the Balmoral hotel is one of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks. It was originally a railway hotel and at 1 Princes Street it still towers over Waverley station. Its name and ownership changed after a refurbishment in the 1980s, but the clock is still always set a few minutes fast so that travellers don't miss their trains (except for at New Year when it is set accurately!)

Interesting fact: Edinburgh author J K Rowling finished the last Harry Potter book at this hotel. Rowling left a signed statement written on a marble bust in her room saying; "JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room (552) on 11th Jan 2007".

Skating minister?

A lone skater on the Winter Wonderland icerink, following in the footsteps (skate marks?) of our own 'Skating Minister'.

Sunrise over North Bridge

On our way to work this morning we were treated to a beautiful sunrise - this was the view from North Bridge looking south-east at about 9am.

More Christmas decorations

Another shot of the Christmas decorations stall on the German Market! Have you decorated your tree yet?

P.S. I was very honoured to receive a mention as one of the "20 Awsome Photography Blogs - Edinburgh, Scotland".

West End

A view of the West End of Princes Street - the main, though not the best, shopping street in New Town - as seen from the Mound. The church on the left is St Cuthbert's on the corner of Lothian Road. In the distance you see Costorphine Hill, home to Edinburgh Zoo.

HBOS Takeover

On Friday it was announced that HBOS shareholders agreed with the takeover of their bank by Lloyds TSB. Shares fell by 23% but the HBOS headquarters on the Mound stood tall and proud, basking in the sun (OK this may have been the previous day...!).

Old Town winter sun

A low winter sun over the Old Town skyline as seen from Princes Street whilst doing some (rather unsuccessful) Christmas shopping at lunchtime!

Victoria Primary School Fireworks

Earlier tonight I attended the switching on of the Christmas lights at our local primary school. It was lovely to see literally hundreds of people who had turned out to support the event and to watch the amazing fireworks!

Wheel and Scott Monument

And how could there not be a picture of the wheel next to the Scott Monument, on Princes Street?

Skating in the gardens

Some happy skaters on the Winter Wonderland ice rink in Princes Street Gardens.

Gorgeous decorations

Christmas decorations for sale at the market, along with lots of gluhwein, sausages, wooden toys and lots of other christmassy stuff.

German Market

A freezing cold German market!

Edinburgh Winter Wonderland

Every December, the Princes Street Gardens play host to Edinburgh's Winter Wonderland, a collection of attractions which includes an ice rink, caroussels, a German Market and of course the large ferris wheel next to the Scott Monument. Over the next few days I'll show you a few more pictures of what goes on - right now, my hands are freezing from being outside and I'm finding it quite hard to type!!

Greyfriars Bobby

Outside Greyfriar's Churchyard stands the much-photographed sculpture of Bobby, the Sky Terrier who watched over the grave of its owner for 14 years. Rather than put up with all the attention, do you think Bobby might like to be somewhere else for a change? Taxi!