EDINBURGH

Edinburgh is one of the coolest and most exiciting places in the globe to be just now, with loads of new bars and restaurants opening all the time, cultural festivals throughout the year and the recent re-opening of the Scottish Parliament.Some of the best places in Edinburgh are:

• Fish Tank (Hip & Trendy wee Bar)
• Beluga (Bar in old Dental School)
• Opal Lounge (Busy Nightclub)
• Po Na Na (Casba style club)

Best Restaurants

• Witchery (Top Class Scottish Food)
• Oloroso (Great food & great views)
• Juniper (Global Soups & Stews)

Top Hotels

• Malmaison (Quality Hotel in Leith)
• Balmoral (Traditional Hotel)
• The Howard (Exclusive smaller hotel)

Shopping

• Jenners
• Harvey Nichols
• Hamilton & Inches

I've lived in the centre of Edinburgh for five years, having moved back from London. Before that I lived in Glasgow, another very vibrant city, with some of the most friendly people in the world.

Edinburgh's a great city...a wonderful place to live..with most things I want within walking distance. Edinburgh has developed beyond all recognition in the last few years, with lots of new shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. There has been a housing boom, with huge wave of property redevelopment, and house prices rising by over 30% last year.

The best times to be here are during the Edinburgh Festival in August and after Christmas for Hogmanay and the start of the New Year. Both are world famous, attract people from all over the world and help to dramatcially swell the numbers of people living in the city.

If you're visiting Edinburgh there a few things you must not miss. These include Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum, and the Dynamic Earth. Have a great time when you visit.

Iain Stirling.