Latest news with #EdinburghCastle
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Iconic 19th century time ball back on Edinburgh's Calton Hill
A large wood and metal ball used by ships' crews as a visual aid to set their clocks by has been reinstalled at the top of Edinburgh's Nelson Monument following restoration device, which is called a time ball and is more than 170 years old, is traditionally dropped down a pole to signal that the time is 13: firing of the one o'clock gun at Edinburgh Castle was later added to mark the time on foggy days when it was harder see the Calton Hill monument from Leith 19th Century time ball, restored at a cost of £500,000, is to be dropped again daily from next month. Karl Chapman, City of Edinburgh Council's head of heritage, culture, museums and galleries, said the time ball was once cutting edge said it allowed sailors to set their clocks to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), an international standard for time from 1884 to 1972, and used as an aid to ships' navigation Chapman said: ''Now we have GPS and phones but back in the day this was modern technology."''People are still fascinated by this today which is why it's important we maintain the time ball and the Nelson Monument - it's a fascinating piece of history and mechanism.'' The wood and metal time ball was taken down for repair last in the north of England found the zinc coating had failed and the wood beneath was rotten in ball was lifted and lowered manually, the last public timepiece in the UK to be wound by process is now to be automated. Mark Crangle, a restorer from the Cumbrian Clock Company, said it was great to be involved in such a prominent said: ''It's not very often you get to work on a time ball."It's quite unique and it has its own history so it's quite nice, because it's not worked for quite a few years now."It's right in the centre of Edinburgh and everybody looks up and sees it so it's nice to bring that back alive again.'' Margaret Graham, City of Edinburgh Council's culture and communities convener, said: ''Half a million pounds sounds like a lot of money but in the scheme of things, in our heritage buildings, it's not a lot."It's a lot of specialist work that needs to be done.''She added: ''The Calton Hill itself gets a million visitors every year and it's important that we keep our heritage buildings in good repair, and also residents are very proud of their heritage so it's important from that perspective as well.''
CNET
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
I Live in the City Where Netflix's Thrilling New Crime Drama Is Set. I Barely Recognize It
Any well-reviewed crime drama that draws numerous comparisons to Apple TV's brilliant Slow Horses will easily earn a place on my to-watch list, but as soon as Dept. Q hit Netflix last week, I hit play without hesitation. The reason I was in such a hurry to dive in is that I live in Edinburgh -- the city where the new detective show is set. Edinburgh is often used as a filming location, but most of the time it simply provides a picturesque and/or historical backdrop for a TV show or film -- it's more about the aesthetic effect rather than playing a pivotal role in the plot. Dept. Q is different. Jaded detective Carl Morck, played by a grizzled Matthew Goode, who is recovering from a shooting that killed one police officer, nearly killed him and paralysed his partner on a call-out, has been tasked with running a new department delving into Edinburgh's cold cases. The case that Goode picks out, along with the circumstances surrounding his shooting, has complex, knotty links to Edinburgh's justice system and criminal underworld. Here, the city provides more than just a pretty skyline -- it's pulled into the foreground, with the key players moving between the grand courts on Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile and the grimier parts of the city that tourists never see. As someone who calls Edinburgh home, I'm more than familiar with the landmarks, but I don't recognize the side of the city I see in the show at all. That's not to say it's not accurate. Edinburgh Castle is obviously a familiar sight to me. Netflix Sure, Edinburgh isn't exactly a hotbed of violent crime compared with other cities in the UK and definitely compared with cities in the US. In the five years I've lived here, I can remember only one fatal shooting making the news. But I also fully acknowledge that the majority of organized crime is often hidden from the view of those not immersed in that world. Occasionally, violent incidents, police raids or trials spill over, sending ripples of anxiety through neighborhoods and cropping up in headlines. But artistic portrayals, while often exaggerated for dramatic effect, can expose us to versions of places that otherwise might remain hidden from view. As a city famed for its beauty, often thought of as genteel and rather sedate, it's interesting to see Edinburgh portrayed as a place that is so much more than the tourist ideal. Not since the 1996 film Trainspotting has a less romanticized vision of the city been seen on screen. Dept. Q even wasn't originally set in Edinburgh -- it's actually adapted from a Danish novel of the same name -- but as a resident, I appreciated the way it provided a different perspective on the place that I know and love. It was also fun to spot parts of town I'm intimately familiar with appear in a relatively high-production show -- the castle view from outside my favorite indie record store, for example. There are many flaws with Dept Q, from little niggles (what local journalist can afford to drive a Porsche?) to pacing issues -- especially in the first episode. The plot is so meaty that at times it becomes convoluted. But in spite of all of this, I found myself staying up past my bedtime to watch "just one more episode" -- as my husband and I would tell each other with a sideways glance, fully aware that we were succumbing to a full-on binge. Is it perfect? No. Am I already hankering after season 2? Absolutely. Am I hoping Edinburgh will loom even larger in future episodes? I'm asking nicely -- yes, please.
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Dive into Scotland's history, win a copy of Art Deco Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is the lead public body established to investigate, care for and promote Scotland's historic environment and is responsible for more than 300 properties including Edinburgh Castle, Glasgow Cathedral, Skara Brae and Elgin Cathedral. But did you know that we also publish books? From coffee table must haves celebrating Scotland's historic environment to visitor guides on heritage sites, conservation guidance for historic buildings and even children's books, there is something for everyone's bookshelf. Art Deco Scotland by Bruce Peter (Image: Historic Environment Scotland) What is the historic environment? After our people, it's one of Scotland's most precious assets. It's not just our wonderful castles and cathedrals - the historic environment is all around us in our towns and villages, tenements, factories, gardens, lighthouses, battlefields, railway stations and even skateparks! The places we live in, work at and visit remind us how people have shaped our society and landscape over time, right up to the present day. Our heritage is expanding, with buildings that have not yet been designed destined to one day become a part of our historic environment. History never stops. It's a lived, participative experience where new generations will decide what is valued. The stories our historic places tell connect us with our families, our friends and ourselves. They mean something to us as a nation, a community or as individuals and they belong to everyone. Without these local or national landmarks, Scotland just wouldn't be Scotland. Part of our mission is to tell Scotland's story, which we strive to do across the properties in our care, our events, outreach and learning programmes, and our publications. The Story of the Scottish Crown Jewels (Image: Historic Environment Scotland) Each year, we publish a varied range of books about Scotland's historic environment, working with top award-winning authors. Bloody Scotland, which is one of our best-sellers, is a collection of gripping short stories by 12 of the country's best crime writers including Val McDermid and Denise Mina. Other popular titles include Where Are the Women? by Sara Sheridan, which celebrates Scotland's forgotten heroines and entertainingly reimagines a history of what might have been, dedicating fictional streets, buildings and monuments to real women and sharing their true stories; and For the Safety of All, written by Donald S Murray, which explores Scotland's lighthouses through history, storytelling and the voices of the lightkeepers. Many of our books delve into stories of the heritage on our doorstep, showcasing how history has shaped Scotland, as well as featuring images from our extensive archives collection, including the Honours of Scotland, that we are entrusted to conserve. St Kilda the Last and Outmost Isle (Image: Historic Environment Scotland) St Kilda, The Last and Outmost Isle by George Geddes and Angela Gannon is a detailed account of Britain's most remote island; A History of Scotland's Landscapes by Fiona Watson and Piers Dixon brings the past to life with a new perspective on Scotland and the renowned Alexander McCall Smith takes readers on a unique tour of Scotland's capital with Edinburgh: A Work of Beauty telling the story of Edinburgh's famous landmarks and lost buildings, the people who made them and the people who lived in them. Stirling Castle for Kids book (Image: Historic Environment Scotland) Meanwhile, St Peter's: Birth Death and Renewal by Dianne Watters, explores the history of the 1960s Modernist seminary, featuring an insightful photographic essay by the artist Angus Farquhar. A number of our works have been shortlisted for and won prestigious literary awards including Bloody Scotland, which won the Crime Writers' Association's Silver Dagger award. From Mousa to Mackintosh: the Scottishness of Scottish Architecture by Professor Frank Walker was shortlisted in Scotland's National Book Awards 2023 for an exceptional study of the country's architecture over the millennia. We were also highly commended as runner-up for 'Publisher of the Year' at the Saltire Society Literary Awards 2018. You can enjoy our range of detailed pocket books, available at our sites, that visitors can conveniently carry around with them while exploring Scotland's historic places. Among these is Scotland's History written by one of the country's leading historians, Fiona Watson, as well as Above Scotland by the writer and broadcaster, James Crawford, which features striking archive and contemporary aerial photography to provide a unique insight into Scotland today. Our latest publication is one of the most exciting yet and one of our fastest selling books to date. Art Deco Scotland: Design and Architecture in the Jazz Age by Bruce Peter is the latest book from the HES publishing stable. Its publication ties in with the centenary of the Art Deco movement, which was born in 1920's Paris. The book has been two years in the making, working with Bruce Peter, Professor of Design at Glasgow School of Art, who had an idea for a book on the decorative style that encompassed not just architecture and buildings but furniture, textiles, ceramics and sculpture. Featuring over 400 photographs and illustrations, including more than 150 images from our archives, Art Deco Scotland shines a spotlight on a fascinating part of Scotland's 20th century heritage and is a beautiful reflection of the period. The combination of expert knowledge coupled with striking imagery and design has created a compelling new book which has been flying off the shelves. Art Deco Scotland: Design and Architecture in the Jazz Age by Bruce Peter is available on for £30. To celebrate its release, we are delighted to offer readers of The Herald the chance to purchase a signed copy of Art Deco Scotland, where the first 25 copies sold will be signed by the author Bruce Peter. Visit to claim your copy. We hope readers enjoy Art Deco Scotland, and do head to to explore our wide collection of books – with topics ranging from architecture and industry to landscapes and royal history, there truly is something for everyone!
The Independent
16-05-2025
- The Independent
Edinburgh is most expensive city break destination in western Europe
Edinburgh is the most expensive major city break destination in western Europe, according to a new report. Analysis by Post Office Travel Money found the total average price of accommodation and other typical tourist expenses is higher in the Scottish capital than other cities in the region. This included £399 for two nights in three-star city centre accommodation. The figure was based on the average price of the 10 cheapest ensuite rooms for stays from June 6 to 8 available on booking website Accommodation in Edinburgh is even more expensive during the school summer holidays and the August festivals. Short-term let booking company Airbnb warned in November last year that Edinburgh's enforcement of new regulations on the accommodation is 'highly restrictive' and means rents and hotel prices in the city have 'soared to record highs'. A licensing scheme for short-term let accommodation came into force across Scotland in October 2023 amid concerns about the impact of the accommodation on long-term rent prices. Other items that are more expensive in Edinburgh than most other tourist destinations are a 48-hour public transport pass (£22), entry to its 'top tourist heritage attraction' – Edinburgh Castle (£19.50) – and a cup of filter coffee in a cafe or bar (£3.50). Edinburgh was ranked the most expensive western European city despite admission to its 'top museum' and 'top art gallery' – the National Museum of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland respectively – being free. The overall basket of goods in Edinburgh was found to cost £601.50. That is more than double the cost in Lisbon (£292.27), the cheapest western European city analysed. Travel costs to reach destinations such as flight tickets were not taken into account. The report looked at prices in 38 cities across the whole of the continent, and found eastern European cities have the best value. Latvia's Riga was ranked number one with a total cost of £252.63, followed by Lithuania's Vilnius (£254.32). The most expensive was Norway's Oslo (£636.20). In the UK, Cardiff (£374.90) was ranked 17th, while London (£523.40) was 26th and Edinburgh was 36th. Laura Plunkett, head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: 'Although city break holidaymakers need to keep a watchful eye on exchange rates, the real challenge will be the cost of accommodation in the cities Britons are considering.' She said price analysis often finds 'big swings in hotel costs depending on how many rooms are available in peak months'. She added: 'Vilnius lost its top spot in the latest chart because the cost of accommodation has risen by over 9% since last year, while it has fallen over 20% in Riga in the same period.' A spokesperson for Scottish Government tourism organisation VisitScotland insisted Edinburgh has 'a variety of experiences and accommodation options to suit a range of budgets'. She said VisitScotland is encouraging the tourism industry to 'consider the importance of providing great quality services and hospitality that offer value for money'. She added: 'We are currently creating an accommodation monitor using data from tourism and events industry sources. 'This will help clarify performance and price competitiveness in the accommodation sector going forward.'
The Independent
16-05-2025
- The Independent
UK city ranked most expensive in western Europe for city break – and it isn't London
Edinburgh has been crowned the most expensive city break destination in western Europe, according to a new report. Analysis by Post Office Travel Money reveals that the combined cost of accommodation and other typical tourist expenses is higher in the Scottish capital than in any other major city in the region. A key driver of this high cost is accommodation. The average price for two nights in a three-star city centre hotel reaches £399. This figure, based on data from represents the average cost of the ten cheapest en-suite rooms available between June 6th and 8th. The report highlights that these prices escalate further during peak periods like the school summer holidays and the renowned Edinburgh festivals in August. Adding to the accommodation cost pressures, short-term let platform Airbnb warned last November that new regulations imposed on such properties in Edinburgh are " highly restrictive." These regulations, which came into effect across Scotland in October 2023, aim to address concerns about the impact of short-term lets on long-term rental prices. However, Airbnb argues that the measures have inadvertently driven up both rents and hotel prices to "record highs." Other items that are more expensive in Edinburgh than most other tourist destinations are a 48-hour public transport pass (£22), entry to its 'top tourist heritage attraction' – Edinburgh Castle (£19.50) – and a cup of filter coffee in a cafe or bar (£3.50). Edinburgh was ranked the most expensive western European city despite admission to its 'top museum' and 'top art gallery' – the National Museum of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland respectively – being free. The overall basket of goods in Edinburgh was found to cost £601.50. That is more than double the cost in Lisbon (£292.27), the cheapest western European city analysed. Travel costs to reach destinations such as flight tickets were not taken into account. The report looked at prices in 38 cities across the whole of the continent, and found eastern European cities have the best value. Latvia's Riga was ranked number one with a total cost of £252.63, followed by Lithuania's Vilnius (£254.32). The most expensive was Norway's Oslo (£636.20). In the UK, Cardiff (£374.90) was ranked 17th, while London (£523.40) was 26th and Edinburgh was 36th. Laura Plunkett, head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: 'Although city break holidaymakers need to keep a watchful eye on exchange rates, the real challenge will be the cost of accommodation in the cities Britons are considering.' She said price analysis often finds 'big swings in hotel costs depending on how many rooms are available in peak months'. She added: 'Vilnius lost its top spot in the latest chart because the cost of accommodation has risen by over 9% since last year, while it has fallen over 20% in Riga in the same period.'
