From Arthur's Seat to John Rebus's pub

At which of the two locations you would rather be probably depends on Edinburgh's weather.

(MAIN PHOTO)

View from Calton Hill to Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat

First, an explanation of the townscape below, where several significant buildings can be seen.
 
The apparently plain building at the right, surrounded by a churchyard, is the Canongate Kirk (or Church).  More on this will follow in tomorrow's blip.

In the centre, the white tent-like structure has the inspiring name of Dynamic Earth and styles itself a "contemporary conference or corporate entertainment venue".  You may make of this what you will.  (Sounds like a load of rubbish to me.)

Just to the left of Dynamic Earth is another complex of buildings, predominant colour of white.  These are the Scottish Parliament buildings.  It's worth visiting, as are all parliament buildings,  but don't worry too much if you don't find it particularly impressive.  And bear in mind that the Parliament is built on the site of the old Scottish and Newcastle brewery.

If you want to visit a really impressive building, go to the Palace of Holyrood House, part of which (flying a yellow flag, it seems)  is just visible at far left of photo.  This is the Queen's official residence in Scotland, and the scene of murder and mayhem in former years.  You'll just love it.

Salisbury Crags is the name of the 46 metre (151 feet) high, vertical rock formations on the top the steep hillside close to the city.  Just below the Crags, and barely visible in this photo, is the Radical Road.  This was constructed in 1820 to give work to unemployed weavers, following serious unrest and strikes, variously known as the Radical War and the Scottish Insurrection.

The Crags are an outrunner of Arthur's Seat, the highest point of which (at 251 metres or 823 feet) is clearly visible in the centre of the photo.  More on this subject will follow in three days time.


(EXTRA PHOTO)

The Oxford Bar

If you know Ian Rankin's Rebus novels, little needs to be said.  If you haven't yet read them, you should start now.

The Oxford Bar is reputed to be also Ian Rankin's pub.

The two curious blue additions to the pub's wall are cigarette disposal units.  I'm not too sure that the Scots ever use them though.


This blip was added in May 2015