Edinburgh skyline

“I have an idea. Let’s move to Edinburgh!”

By Victoria Bamber 

Leaving university and taking tentative steps towards growing up is a landmark that many students find more terrifying than expanding overdrafts and approaching deadlines. I was no different. After graduating from the University of Salford with a degree in Journalism and Broadcasting I was fully aware of my next move, although whether the decision was a wise one was more than debatable. 

I arrived in Edinburgh city centre, friends and worldly belongings in tow, with – it is fair to say – an apprehensive outlook. What had started out as a throwaway comment had ended up with 5 school friends relocating to a city where they had few contacts, no source of income and collective savings of around £23. Oops. For the first few weeks I cried – a lot. Jobs were scarce, family were worried and the household mice had begun to take over. Yet for some reason, we couldn’t stop smiling.   

Victoria Street

A man wanders down the royal mile in a cloak. He rings his bell and shouts ‘gardyloo’ down Advocates Close. A gaggle of tourists follow him, eager and impressed, two teenagers keep a tight grip of each other, fearing their separation may result in sacrifice. The sound of bagpipes drifts up from Waverley Bridge, the muffled voices of a choir sound from St Giles Cathedral and snow settles itself at the summit of Arthur’s Seat. 

This is Edinburgh. 

I think it is fair to say that local residents are astoundingly complementative about their home town. People who live in Edinburgh love Edinburgh. You can see why. I didn’t understand this, but I wanted to. I have never lived anywhere that people praised, and this bothered me. I suppose my friends and I took drastic measures to change our situation. My nana asked me: “If you wanted change, why didn’t you just redecorate your bedroom?” I guess we took it one step further… 

View from Calton Hill

After a few weeks surviving off noodles, rice and fear, things started falling into place. After traipsing around, endlessly handing out CVs and enquiring for jobs – we found them. We started exploring, wandering, asking questions about our new home town and were always greeted with enthusiastic answers from locals. We were accepted, encouraged and happy and each one of us feels a different sense of belonging in a city which was once so alien. Before relocating to Edinburgh I had visited it only twice – I’ve visited Italy more than that and never had a desire to live there. So why here? 

For me it’s the history, the scenery, the culture. I love the cafes, the parks, the ghosts. I love the fact that when people visit we have too full a schedule to get through. I love the fact that when it’s August we laugh, at Hogmanay we dance in the street, in June we watch films and in January we stagger through knee deep snow. I have become accustomed with Scottish tradition, folk lore and life, but as much as I like it here and as much as I feel I belong, I will never, EVER understand the love, desire and passion for the drink that is whisky. Maybe I haven’t been completely converted after all…

Thank you Victoria.

Afternoon tea event

Baxterbear

Did you know there was a super friendly bear living in Edinburgh?  His name is Baxterbear and he helps out at charity events, providing support and cuddles for those in attendance.  You can see when he’ll next be appearing in person on his events page.

Baxterbear has lived all over the world, but is calling Edinburgh his home at present.  He’s a very up to date bear in that he has a facebook page,  a twitter account  , a flickr page and his own youtube channel.  He even has his own online shop for all things Baxterbear.  Edinburgh Spotlight were lucky enough to catch up with Baxterbear (and his PA Daisy Tate) for a chat about Edinburgh.

Tell us a bit about yourself in a couple of sentences. 

I’m Baxterbear.  I’m a positive bear with a mission to make the world a better place.  I love shortbread and flying all over the world.  www.baxterbear.com
 
What do you love about Edinburgh?

I love Edinburgh for its history.  It is one of the oldest planned cities in Europe.  When the sun shines it is glorious.  I love the Edinburgh festival which creates such an amazing atmosphere every year.

What would you change about Edinburgh if you could?

I would put in a request that it didn’t rain quite so much.  And I’d make it bigger.  You can never have too much of a good thing.  Also, more places that sell shortbread would be much appreciated!   

Princes Street Gardens

What are your must sees in town for visitors?

My favourite building is the Scott Monument.  The view is amazing because it is 200ft and six inches tall.  My favourite place is Edinburgh Castle Esplanade!
 

Favourite Street or area and why?

My favourite streets are Princes Street, which was named for the then King’s George’s sons, George Street for himself, Queen Street for his Queen, then he named Rose Street for the English and Thistle Street for the Scots.  I like streets that have a story.  I also like the Royal Mile or High Street, even though it is confuddling that a street should have two names.

Where would we find you relaxing in Edinburgh ?

I would go to Edinburgh Castle to take in the views on a quiet evening or perhaps, visit Princes Street Gardens (which I call the magical Gardens) during the day.
 

When you are out of town, what do you miss about Edinburgh the most?

Aside from my favourite buildings, I miss the good friends I have in the city.  I have many friends all over the world, but I still believe that no matter where you travel, coming home is the best journey you can make.
 

If you had 24 hours in town before you had to leave forever, what would you do?

I would go to Edinburgh Castle, visit the zoo, especially as they’ve just got two new sunshine bears.  What could be more positive than a sunshine bear?
 

Edinburgh Castle

Any interesting stories you know about Edinburgh ?

Back in Edinburgh in the 1930s, there were trams just like the ones being put in now, but more exciting was that many people had milk delivered in a cart pulled by horses.  Once a week, early in the morning, the Milkmen used to race their horses along Princes Street to give them exercise.  The horses very much enjoyed this and the police on point duty used to stop the traffic for it to happen!
 

Sum up Edinburgh in 5 words or less.

Home city, Edinburgh Castle, Shortbread!  (Especially shortbread)

Thank you Baxterbear

Baxterbear

1. Tell us a bit about yourself in a couple of sentences.   

My name is Michelle Thompson and I moved to Edinburgh 3 years ago.  I work in the city centre and love everything that Edinburgh has to offer.
 
2.  What do you love about the city?

I actually like the climate here!  Of course it can be miserable when it rains, but it’s not horrendously hot that you need air conditioning or too snowy in the winter that you spend your life shovelling snow.  I love the changes in the seasons in Edinburgh, everywhere looks so different depending on what time of year it is.
 
3.  What would you change about Edinburgh if you could?

Nothing, I like it the way it is, warts and all.
 
4.  What are your must sees in town for visitors?

All the beautiful green spaces as well as the tourist places.  Edinburgh is so green for a city – where else in the world can you nip out of the office for lunch and sit in beautiful gardens with a Castle backdrop?
 
5.  Favourite street or area and why?

Canonmills.  There’s such a lovely atmosphere down there and so close to the Botanics and Water of Leith.  There is also a wonderful selection of places to eat and hang out.

6.  Where would we find you relaxing in Edinburgh ?

I often relax in Moo Cafeteria at the weekend, but love spending an evening at The Orchard Bar before or after a walk in the Botanics.
 
7.  When you are out of town, what do you miss about Edinburgh the most?

Its size.  It’s small enough to get from A to B by walking and you can navigate around town by landmarks such as the Castle and Arthur’s Seat. 

8.  If you had 24 hours in town before you had to leave forever, what would you do?
 
I would go for a walk in Inverleith Park and the Botanics, followed by a huge lunch at The Orchard.  I would do all the tourist things on the Royal Mile that I’ve been meaning to do for years and catch a musical at the Playhouse.

9.  Any interesting stories you know about Edinburgh ?
 
Edinburgh is twinned with my home city of San Diego.

10.  Sum up Edinburgh in 5 words or less.
 

Exciting, vibrant, compact and my home.

Thank you Michelle

A brief stop for dinner in a very busy Kebab Mehal this evening (full review to follow) led me to sharing a table with 2 Swedish men, Anders and Adam who had just arrived in town.  It was their taxi driver who had suggested eating there and the meal did not disappoint.  We talked about Edinburgh and what they should see and do in the 24 hours they had in the city.  I was technically ’off’ Edinburgh Spotlight duty – but as Keith pointed out the other day, I am always working. 

We finished our meal and I offered them a whistle stop tour of Edinburgh and we snapped tourist pictures on the Castle Esplanade, down the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace and Arthur’s Seat.  I explained that no visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to the Grassmarket to sample a fine Scottish ale, so we had a quick drink before leaving them to take in all the Edinburgh architecture in its’ evening-lit glory (with a few more drinks along the way). 

It was a pleasure to meet them and give them a warm Edinburgh welcome and I’m sure they’ll be back again. 

Great meal in town

Anders and Adam from Sweden

Sunset over Edinburgh from Arthur's Seat

 

Haste ye back. 

This week our Reader in the Spotlight is Aurora, who is the creator of the excellent Nekocherry. We also love her drawings of her life in Edinburgh.  You can buy her work in her Etsy shop and follow her on twitter.

Tell us a bit about yourself in a couple of sentences.  

I am from Sardinia (Italy), but at present I live in Scotland.  Ever since I was a little girl, I drew.  My first passion is comic strips, and when I was very young I attended Sardinian Comics School in Cagliari.  After I moved out to Milan where I took a  MSc in Psychology and attended a School of Theatre; I was also a freelance journalist.  I am really interesed in Autobiographical comics and I am organizing a workshop about this here in Edinburgh.  Moreover, I am trying to organize a creative group in Edinburgh, but in the meantime, you can visit my website or my facebook fan page.

At present I am attending some course in ECA and collaborate with a collective of artist based in Edinburgh called KnockMySocksOff.

What do you love about the city?

I have a special feeling about Edinburgh; I fell in love with it at the first glance.  I love fog in the meadows, the look of the buildings and also the way the city is able to surprise you:  just turn the corner, Edinburgh can become a forest, or a little lovely country…and it is like living in a fairytale land.   And it is also related in some ways to my Sardinia.   And I can’t forget to mention the people….People are lovely and warm and know how to welcome you.  I love Edinburgh People. 
 
What would you change about Edinburgh if you could?

Sometimes the weather, but this is part of the charm of the city.
Maybe It could be nice to have sea water warmer, I would love to take a bath in Edinburgh sea, but I am too scared about the temperature of the water…brrrrr
 
What are your must sees in town for visitors?

Craigmillar castle, Calton Hill, Hermitage of Braid, Forest Cafè, Morningside shops, Greyfriars churh, Rosslyn Chapel and…could anyone stop me?  I have too many places to suggest. 
 
Favourite Street or area and why?

Difficult difficult difficult question, I love Water of Leith and the Botanic gardens.  I would love to live in Dean Village, near the river.  This is a very magic place, it is soaked with poetry and mystery. Visiting this place is like to jump in Alice in Wonderland book.   I drew an episode of my comics about this, but I would like to write/draw more.

Where would we find you relaxing in Edinburgh ?


Clarinda’s tea room, Anteaques tea house or in the Meadows.  It is like to live for an afternoon in 1800, I love this sensation and it is also so good for inspiration.

When you are out of town, what do you miss about Edinburgh the most?


The people. The green, in particular the trees, trees in Edinburgh have a special soul; and the sky. Like a friend of mine once said: look at Edinburgh Sky, in every season, with every weather, it is always beautiful….and that’s absolutely true.

If you had 24 hours in town before you had to leave forever, what would you do?


Go on the top of Arthur Seat very early in the morning to see the dawn, then spend the morning in farmer’s market near the castle, have fish lunch in The Ship on the Shore, a stroll in the Botanic gardens and near the river in the afternoon, have a tea in Stockbridge and then have a great dinner in the Witchery with all the people that I love.  I have never tried this place, I am so curious!  And then dance ceilidh until midnight!  I would take also a lot of Polaroid pictures.

Any interesting stories you know about Edinburgh?


Edinburgh has so many stories to say, some of them are inside my comics “My life in Edinburgh”. I arrived just 8 months ago, I let this city surprise me day by day.

Sum up Edinburgh in 5 words or less.
 


Magic, mystery, poetry, alchemy, hail

We are pleased to welcome Tom Allan as our reader of the week today.  He is currently the Guardian’s Edinburgh beatblogger and you can also follow him on twitter.

Tell us about yourself. 

I’m a freelance journalist, a young dad, and a wannabe gardener.  I’ve lived in Edinburgh about ten years – I studied history here, and fell in love with the place.  I started out as a journalist at the same time, starting a student magazine, and later getting into community radio and youth work in Leith.  We’ve left to work and live in other places – South America, London, Cornwall, but we always find ourselves drawn back here.   I’m currently the Guardian’s “beatblogger” for Edinburgh, writing and curating the Guardian Edinburgh website.
 

What do you love about the city?

Being able to walk and cycle everywhere.  And all the layers – the stories buried in the place in the buildings and the landscape.  You can walk around and read it like a book.  It appeals to both sides of my character – the beautiful buildings and the green spaces, and the grittier sides to the city are really close together.

What would you change about Edinburgh if you could?

Nothing. I even like the weather – when the sun comes out, everyone drops everything, because they know it won’t last.  It’s like a gift from the gods!
n.b. There is one thing – bring back Suzie’s Diner.

What are your must sees in town for visitors?

When I go to a new city, I like to just wander and get lost.  I’m not really interested in the main sights (I still haven’t been into the castle after ten years!) Try somewhere different, like the Mosque Kitchen, Wordpower books, the Canny Mans, Sandy Bells, the Royal Oak or Portobello promenade.

Favourite Street or area and why?

Tollcross.   Great local fruit and veg, Saunderson’s Butchers, the Cameo Cinema, Lupe Pintos Deli.  Cooler, cheaper and more down to earth than nearby Bruntsfield.

Where would we find you relaxing in Edinburgh?

Blackford Hill or Arthur’s Seat if I have the time (I love walking.)  The Cameo bar for a pint.

When you are out of town, what do you miss about Edinburgh the most?

The feel of the place.  It has just the right amount of things happening, right at your finger-tips.  But it’s not hectic or stressful like London.  It’s a capital city with the feel of a big village.
 

If you had 24 hours in town before you had to leave forever, what would you do?
 
A swim and a Turkish bath in Portobello; climb Blackford Hill; a film, popcorn and a pint at the Cameo, and get Suzie’s Diner to re-open so I can have a farewell meal there!

Any interesting stories you know about Edinburgh?

Yes. But you’ll have to read my blog to hear about them.

Sum up Edinburgh in 5 words or less.

Light, turrets, towers, trees and…trams!

We agree with you about Susie’s Diner.  Thank you Tom.

One of Tom's favourite pictures of Edinburgh

Tell us a bit about yourself in a couple of sentences.

I was born and raised in Canada, and have lived in Scotland for five years. I’m a total foodie and am a member of Edinburgh Slow Food. A year ago I started my blog, Scotland for the Senses, as a venue for my creativity and enthusiasm for Scotland.   You can also find me on facebook and twitter.

What do you love about the city?

It is both vibrant yet reserved, posh yet proud of its dark underbelly, with genteel architecture perched atop tales of gruesome murder. I love the continuous Jekyll and Hyde façade that has stretched through time.

What would you change about Edinburgh if you could?

Like many people, I remain unconvinced that these trams are going to be any use to the city. And the cost overruns make me seethe with anger.

What are your must sees in town for visitors?

It depends on how long you’ve got! Definitely a walk through the old town, including one of the underground tours if you can. Lauriston Castle is worth the trip, and St. Mary’s Cathedral doesn’t get enough attention, so take some extra time for a visit. One place few people see is the Surgeon’s Hall Museum, which is wondrous. And if you’re here in August, you cannot miss the Tattoo.

Favourite Street or area and why?

I live in Gorgie and I love it because it is unassuming and straight forward. But if I could dream a little dream I would live in Bruntsfield in a heartbeat. Being a foodie, Bruntsfield is a land of wonders – delicatessens, restaurants, chocolate shops, a German bakery and S Luca ice cream. What’s not to love?

Where would we find you relaxing in Edinburgh ?

You would find me on a Saturday morning wandering through the farmers’ market, buying too much cheese. Then heading to the Chocolate Tree in Bruntsfield for a piece of cake and a cup of tea.

When you are out of town, what do you miss about Edinburgh the most?

The skyline of the old town when you stand on Princes Street, or the view of the city from the high curve of Ramsay Lane.
 
If you had 24 hours in town before you had to leave forever, what would you do?

Morning at the farmers’ market (during the summer so there would be jubilee strawberries available).  A long walk starting from Calton Hill, then through the old town and the Meadows to Peter’s Yard, for a piece of cake and a mocha. Dinner at Thai Lemongrass (oh, the monkfish!), followed by a play at either the King’s or the Lyceum.

Any interesting stories you know about Edinburgh?

Many years ago during the Tattoo, the performers from the massed pipes and drums stood on the Esplanade during the finale. As a less-than-subtle dig at the daily, unchanging ration of an orange with their lunch, all the performers, having hidden that day’s oranges in their kit, dropped them at the same time. All those oranges rolled through the ranks down the slope of the Esplanade. No more oranges after that…

Sum up Edinburgh in 5 words or less.

Vibrant, mysterious, refined, enigmatic

Thank you, Sophia

Sophia's picture of Lauriston Castle

1. Tell us a bit about yourself in a couple of sentences

London rat race escapee, Edinburgh resident since 2005, part time shop assistant, jewellery tutor and designer. Check out www.janelock.co.uk for examples of my work.

2. What do you love about the city?

I love the fact that almost everything is within walking distance; friends, shops, galleries, cinemas, restaurants, history and beautiful land and seascapes.

3. What would you change about Edinburgh if you could?

The weather of course!

4. What are your must sees in town for visitors?

The National, Modern Art & Dean galleries, all the specialist independent shops that don’t seem to exist anywhere else, the view of Fife from the top of Dundas Street, the Botanics, cocktails at Oloroso, lunch at Amore Dogs, dinner almost anywhere along The Shore, Valvona & Crolla, the Camera Obscura and much, much more than I have yet to discover for myself.

5. Favourite Street or area and why?

Stockbridge. I am biased; I work and live there. But what’s not to love? So much on the doorstep, I sometimes forget to go anywhere else.

6. Where would we find you relaxing in Edinburgh?

At home, beading!

7. When you are out of town, what do you miss about Edinburgh the most?

The scenery, the people, the pace of life and in the summer the long, long days.

8. If you had 24 hours in town before you had to leave forever, what would you do?

I probably ought to climb Arthur’s Seat, but I’m much more likely to gather all my friends and family together in Hanam’s for a substantial feast.

9. Any interesting stories you know about Edinburgh?

Not yet, but I’m listening…

10. Sum up Edinburgh in 5 words or less.

Eccentric, eclectic, surprising, home.

Thanks Jane!

Steven Sutterby

1. Tell us a bit about yourself in a couple of sentences. 

I am open minded, creative in business and artistic when painting or taking photos.  I believe everything is possible  (with a little help from my friends).  I am an identical twin.  I love where I live and want to tell everyone about it.  See I Love Leith  or find me on twitter @iloveleith.

2.  What do you love about the city?

It’s easy to get about, lots of great free things to do so any one can enjoy it, visually inspiring, coastal location and equally important it’s easy to get away to open spaces.

3.  What would you change about Edinburgh if you could?

Simple. I would magic the trams here now!

4.  What are your must sees in town for visitors?

The top of Calton Hill for views and bearings, The Royal Oak Pub, The Royal Mile, the Botanics, Modern Art Gallery, and a walk down the Water of Leith.

5.  Favourite Street or area and why?

It’s an area and a street called the Shore. It’s got an amazing diversity of architecture, places to eat and drink, views of the working docks, reflections on the water and a big blue sky on a nice day.

6.  Where would we find you relaxing in Edinburgh?

The Shore Bar in Leith for a beer, the docks for a wee walk or Leith Links/Portobello Beach on a sunny day.

7.  When you are out of town, what do you miss about Edinburgh the most?

I miss not having so many good things on my door step. I always feel a warm rush when I get back like it really is home!

8.  If you had 24 hours in town before you had to leave forever, what would you do?

Coffee in the back garden at the Modern Art Gallery followed by a walk down the Water of Leith, great city sky line views en-route to the Shore. Eat at Martin Wishart’s and hope it’s as good as I have been told and spend the afternoon at the Shore Bar sitting with my legs hanging over the water. I’d leave pleased that I had been part of it.

9. Any interesting stories you know about Edinburgh?

Lots of people visit Edinburgh every year. Call it a holiday romance or an affair but lots of people fall in love with the place and never leave.

10.  Sum up Edinburgh in 5 words or less.

An international best seller!

Thank you Steven.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself in a couple of sentences.

I moved to the Capital in 2007 after commuting from Aberdeenshire for the best part of 7 years to be with my then-fiance. Three years on and I’m happily married, and working as a Finance Manager for an architect practice in the New Town and fast approaching my Thirtieth birthday…we won’t dwell on that last part. I’m a big social media fan including Twitter (@iainkendall), I love art, fashion, music and films.

2. What do you love about the city?

I love so much about Edinburgh; the way the whole city looks onto the Castle as though it were a stage during the festival fireworks. I love that although it is a city, there is a big hill in the middle of it. I am fascinated by its (literal) layers of history and its architecture is stunning.

3. What would you change about Edinburgh if you could?

The roads. The road surfaces are pretty bad for pot holes and repaired roadworks, I even think the City as a whole got a runner-up mention on a UK Worst Roads TV show.

4. What are your must sees in town for visitors?

Princes Street Gardens on a sunny day to soak up the Castle in peace. A trip up Arthur’s Seat for breath-taking views of the city. Mary King’s Close to see the darker side to it.

5. Favourite street or area and why?

I love the New Town and Stockbridge because I’ve worked in this area for 2 years now. My wife loves Bruntsfield which will make our next home a battle between North and South. I will always cheer on Easter Road from the sidelines though…and I don’t mean football. I live in this area and many businesses have invested in Easter Road as up and coming including Eero and Riley, The Manna House…I wish more would. COME ON EASTER ROAD!!

6. Where would we find you relaxing in Edinburgh?

As a coffee lover, I will always hunt out a good coffee shop. A family get together at Assembly Bar on Lothian Street for a satisfying breakfast is a regular occurrence for us.

7. When you are out of town, what do you miss about Edinburgh the most?

It has to be the views…I wake up to them every day so I miss not having that.

8 .If you had 24 hours in town before you had to leave forever, what would you do?

A final day would have to start with a good breakfast at Assembly Bar. I love walking and would walk through as many areas of the City as I could before taking an open top bus tour (I’ve still never done this and feel I should). Dinner would be at Vittoria’s on Leith Walk.

9. Any interesting stories or facts you know about Edinburgh?

Not really, but had a Google for facts and it was built on seven hills just like Rome.

10. Sum up Edinburgh in 5 words or less.

Historic, Culture, Village, Stunning

Thanks, Iain!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself in a couple of sentences.

Glasgow girl returns from living in Spain to study in Edinburgh, meets Highlander, and the rest is history.  I’m marketing manager for one of Scotland’s favourite sightseeing mini-coach tour companies. I love working in tourism, travelling, and of course, exploring Scotland. I’m a Twitter fan: @lesleyjudge

2. What do you love about the city?

The architecture and views; it’s great for walking and feels like a village. I love Glasgow and I’ve lived in other great cities including Madrid and Granada but I never tire of looking at Edinburgh. The Festival, Holyrood Park, and a castle in the city centre are also special. I’ve even grown to love salt and sauce on my chips…

3. What would you change about Edinburgh if you could?

I’d put some TLC and trees back on Leith Walk, and sort out a proper integrated transport connection between Edinburgh and Glasgow airports. I’d ban haar on sunny days.

4. What are your must sees in town for visitors?

A walk up to Calton Hill, tours of the Old and New Town, visits to the city’s oldest pubs including the Guildford and the Café Royal, and of course, plenty of food, beer and whisky sampling! In summer, The Mela and the Book Festival for plenty of food for thought.

5. Favourite street or area and why?

Elm Row and Leith Walk. Not the prettiest street, but the Walk has a big heart and bigger personality. Valvona & Crolla, the Sicilian Pastry Shop and La Favorita, as well as bars Boda and Victoria are favourites.

6. Where would we find you relaxing in Edinburgh?

In my garden if the sun is shining! With my other half, walking in Holyrood Park or the Botanics, in any of the city’s art galleries or my local cinema, and eating and drinking in and around Leith and the Shore with friends and family.

7. When you are out of town, what do you miss about Edinburgh the most?

Apart from the views, I’d miss the Festival, the Fringe, and the buzz in the city at this time – the sights you get to see on the way to work are worth it, even if takes longer to get there!

8 .If you had 24 hours in town before you had to leave forever, what would you do?

A walk around Holyrood Park, followed by lunch on the Shore, then an upstairs seat on the bus along Princes Street, a stroll in the centre and a final viewing at the National Gallery. Photos of the city from Mound Place at sunset, finished off by drinks in a favourite bar with good friends.

9. Any interesting stories or facts you know about Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a sizeable Spanish/Latin American population and an Edinburgh Spanish Circle, which was founded in 1932.

10. Sum up Edinburgh in 5 words or less.

Dark, historic and inspiring.

Thanks, Lesley!

We are pleased to announce our new feature: Readers in the Spotlight. It will appear every Friday, allowing you to find out about our readers’ favourite places and views on Edinburgh

If you would like to appear on this page, please drop us an email at info@edinburghspotlight.com and we will send you the question template to answer.  You do not have submit a photograph, but if you would like to, then we will include it with your answers.

Welcome to Mike McGrail, our first interviewee.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself in a couple of sentences.  

I’m Edinburgh born and bred, work as a digital marketing consultant with a massive passion for social media and all things web.  I love to travel and take in as many new things as possible.  I am active on twitter - @mike_mcgrail – and have a Social Media Marketing blog.

2.  What do you love about the city?

The history, the mystery, the charm, the adventure and the people.

3.  What would you change about Edinburgh if you could?

The music scene could do with a boost but it is definitely getting better.  The wind at the top of  Leith Walk hurts too!

4.  What are your must sees in town for visitors?

Mary King’s Close, a climb up Arthur’s Seat, drinks in the Grassmarket on a sunny day and of course the Edinburgh Fringe.  This is a city to walk around and soak up the history and culture.

5.  Favourite Street or area and why?

I love Stockbridge and Brunstfield, the cafes, bars and wee shops.

6. Where would we find you relaxing in Edinburgh?

Most likely walking along the Water of Leith with my wife or having dinner with friends.
 
7.  When you are out of town, what do you miss about Edinburgh the most?

The smell of the whisky distillery that wafts around the west side of town.
 
8.  If you had 24 hours in town before you had to leave forever, what would you do?

Arthur’s Seat for the views, Hamiltons in Stockbridge for drinks and burger and a walk around the National Museum for culture.  My day would be finished off in a drinking den with live music and the locals.
 
9.  Any interesting stories you know about Edinburgh ?

We were the first city in the UK to have an official fire brigade.
 
10.  Sum up Edinburgh in 5 words or less.

 Inspiring, mysterious and perfect.

Thank you, Mike.