Help! I'm in Scotland!
Edinburgh Skyline. © Peter Guthrie
If it's your first time living in a Scottish city, you may find the following information and contact details useful!
Survival Kit:
Scottish summers are temperamental so make sure you bring warm clothes. Additionally, planned trips to the highlands require sturdy footwear so bring walking boots if you have them! Believe it or not, you also ought to bring sunglasses, the sun sets late so it stays low in the sky for a long time. Edinburgh's quite a safe city but you should still be careful. If you use a bicycle, make sure you lock it properly when parking it outdoors. Also make sure you know your route home if you find yourself out at night. The main streets are fine to walk home along but please try to avoid parklands and less well lit streets.
The City in General:
New Town: the area north of Princes Street. Mostly a commercial area, with lots of shops and the more expensive bars and nightclubs. There's a farmers market on Saturday mornings along Castle Street which is nice to walk around.
Old Town: The area comprising of Cowgate, the Royal mile with the edinburgh castle perched at the top of it and Grassmarket. The more touristic area with ghost tours, Scottish produce shops and museums. The Grassmarket area and the roads leading to it have some fun pubs, restaurants and clubs.
Marchmont: a very residential student heavy area. Situated close to the meadows which is a popular park area during the summer. Come and have picnics or play football!
Newington: close to the university with plenty of charity shops. Also close to Arthur's seat (one of the 7 hills Edinburgh is built on) and Holyrood Park which is a nice area to walk in during the day. Holyrood Park also leads to the Scottish Parliament (free tours available) and the Holyrood palace where the Queen likes to spend her time when she comes to Edinburgh for a visit.
Some standards:
Every culture has its own food and tradition, Scotland is no different. One well known meal is Haggis with neeps and tatties - a satisfying meat based dish (made from sheep) with turnips and potatoes. There's a delicious vegetarian option for the skeptical!
A full Scottish breakfast is different from the English version- it contains a slice of black pudding and a potato scone as well as the usual egg, bacon and sausages!
The most famous Scottish export is probably Whisky. It is drunk either neat or with a little water. If you're a fan of Whisky, why not visit the Whisky museum on the Royal Mile! www.whisky-heritage.co.uk/
You may notice that some of the men wear a kilt. This is the traditional dress for Scottish men and the colour of the tartan describes the clan the wearer originates from. If you want to hire a kilt during your stay to see what they're like to wear, then visit www.thekiltstore.com/
Scottish Phrases:
Of course everyone speaks English in Scotland but there are some charming differences in some turns of phrase!
Some of the more common ones are:
"wee" = little/small
"hogmany" = New Year
"Where do you stay" = where do you live/come from
"ken" = know
"aye" = yes
"pure" as in "pure good" = really as in "really good"
"pal" - "alright pal?" (generic meaning 'mate' or 'friend' but not always friendly!)
"hen" (affectionate term for women but also used generically).
Of course, Gaelic is still spoken in some areas of Scotland and the following phrases may be useful during a trip outwith Edinburgh!
Welcome = Fàilte
How are you? = Ciamar a tha thu/sibh?
Cheers! = Slàinte!
Where's the toilet? = Càite bheil an taigh beag?
Useful contacts during your stay:
Official Edinburgh site: http://www.edinburgh.org/ For information on local activities, from the tourist board and for local maps.
If you need a doctor in Edinburgh: http://www.city-visitor.com/edinburgh/doctors.html
The British Council in Edinburgh: http://www.britishcouncil.org/scotland.htm For cultural information on Scotland and local activities.
