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!