It is here that Cafe Andaluz serves as Edinburgh’s foremost provider of unsurpassed traditional Spanish cuisine. The restaurant also operates two locations in Glasgow, however it is in Edinburgh that the true nature of the owners’ Catalan culture shines brightest. Primarily a tapas restaurant, Café Andaluz allows guests to latch onto and enjoy a far more social experience than is typical in contemporary British dining.

Admittedly, it’s quite easy to wander past Café Andaluz, as it boasts quite an ordinary exterior. Upon entry, however, the cavernous restaurant may cause guests to lose all sense of time and geographic location. The interior is more or less tiled floor to ceiling – tables included – and maintains an impressive display of antiques and treasures that can only aptly be described as Spanish Art Deco. The helpful staff will immediately lead you across the hall, past the spiral staircase and into a tiled booth littered with pillows.

Staying true to its Spanish roots, the servers will want to provide you with wine before any talk of food actually begins. The wine list at Café Andaluz is unsurprisingly extensive, and prices range from around £15 – £70 per bottle. That being said, it would almost be wrong to visit the restaurant and not indulge in a massive glass of their signature Sangria. Passed down through generations, Café Andaluz boasts several varying Sangria recipes that leave you pondering whether you really are in Scotland, as opposed to some secluded Spanish holiday.

Once the wine has been poured, attention is turned to the menu. Café Andaluz maintains quite a lengthy menu, with literally thousands of potential combinations. In fact, the chefs provide several different menus based on when you’re dining and how many are in your party; however, all of these are quite flexible and the staff are happy to work past any perceptions of restriction in order to provide you and your party with exactly the dishes you seek.

The most economical selections can be found on the chef’s Pre-Theatre Menu, starting at £12.95 for three tapas dishes and a desert. The members of staff will happily advise you on which selections they prefer, but be sure to get the opinions of the rest of your party. After all, tapas provide a very social and interactive dining experience in which sharing amongst friends is the golden rule. The Pre-Theatre Menu breaks available dishes down into three categories: Vegitarianas, Mariscos y Pescados and Carnes. Highlights include the Gambas Pil Pil (the simple yet undeniably delicious combination of hot roast peeled prawns with olive oil, fresh chillies & garlic), Chorizo al Vino and the Calamares; however, the main attraction is undoubtedly the Paella Valencia, a traditional fusion of Spanish rice, chicken, pork, shellfish and seafood sprinkled with saffron. The dish provides an insight into all that is traditional Spanish cuisine – and if you’re with three or four others, it couldn’t hurt to order more than one bowl.

Gambus Pil Pil

What is most shocking about the tapas experience is how filling the meal is; when the staff unloads half a dozen small bowls onto your table, it’s hard to believe that this meagre offering will be enough to feed your entire party – yet every visit, without fail, you’ll no doubt struggle to finish those last several bites. The meal in Café Andaluz may take some time in and of itself, simply because you’ll no doubt find yourself lost in conversation and a state of indulgence that is all-too rare in many other restaurants. Once it is time for desert, however, that indulgence will be raised to new heights.

Featuring favourites such as Raspberry Pavlova and a faultless Crème Brule, the chefs have created a desert menu that provides the perfect accompaniment to your traditional tapas meal. If you’re feeling bold after desert, be sure to try one of the bar’s many Carajillo Tacados (Liqueur coffee); because after all, you’re on holiday, right?

The staff will have you in and out in a couple of hours, which leaves you plenty of time to wander down a still-lively George Street on your way to a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse or the renowned Festival Theatre in order to appreciate another brand of Edinburgh’s exotic cultural offerings.

Café Andaluz is open 12pm – 10pm Monday through Saturday, ad 12:30pm – 10pm on Sundays. Prices range from around £10-£20 per person, and student and booking discounts are available.

1. Know your programme.

First-time festival goers will be keen to see where the festival wind takes them and spend little to no time looking at the programme, instead wandering the streets until they fall into a venue that has a free show.  While this could mean seeing a fantastic show by an unknown, but soon to be famous, artist/comedian/singer/actor, it’s also likely that you’ll end up in a back-room of a pub listening to offensive jokes about soil erosion.  Really study the programme and make a bit of a plan; there are quite literally hundreds of things to see so it’s a good idea to highlight shows you’re interested in so that you don’t miss something great.

2. Talk to performers. 

If you need help deciding what to see, ask.  All of the people grinning maniacally and brandishing bits of paper really, really want you to come and see their show – talk to them to find out why.  The great thing about the Fringe Festival is that it promotes amateur performers alongside the big names and you might get the chance to witness a great performer at his/her beginning – then you can be really smug when they become famous.

3. Have a budget.

Shows can vary in price and it goes without saying that the big shows with those lucky people that have already achieved fame will be priced a lot higher than amateur shows.  With so many fantastic things on offer, you can feel a bit culture-happy and want to buy tickets for 5 or 6 shows in a day – while this is great for cultural fulfilment; it’s a well-known fact that the Fringe leaves everybody involved totally and utterly broke at the end of August.  Have a budget with a contingency and be selective.

4. Get a map

The festival is spread across the entire city in hundreds of different venues from giant, inflatable purple cows to tiny cafes entered via an alleyway.  Try to get a rough idea of the venue location, especially if you’re seeing shows one after the other as there’s nothing more annoying than missing a show you’ve already bought a ticket for.  One good thing is that you’ll become extremely fit after daily jogging from one side of town to the other for three weeks.

5. Prepare for all weather possibilities

It goes without saying that you should bring an umbrella.  Yes, it’s August, but this isScotlandwhere it rains for over 300 days a year.  Temperatures can vary not only across the festival weeks but also during the day, the morning might be glorious sunshine, by lunchtime the heavens will have opened and you’ll be hanging on to a lamppost trying not to get blown away by a gale.  You cannot predict the weather however much you try so bring a large bag to keep different types of protective clothing in.

And lastly, enjoy! The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the most exciting celebration of arts and culture in the world and is the ideal time to see the city in all its creative awesomeness.    

Flickr CC Credits: theedinburghblog, asturdesig, Alan Sharp, The Wide Wide World, chrisdonia

Just take a look at just a few simple similarities:

• Edinburgh is located on the south-eastern coast of Scotland.
• Reading is located in the south east of England.
• Edinburgh is known as a ‘literary capital’ as it has been home to many great authors.
  • Reading is home to tons of students, plenty of which are writers.
  • Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland.
    • While Reading isn’t necessarily the capital of England, it is the capital of plenty of multinational companies in the Thames Valley – hence the strong supply of hotels in Reading, United Kingdom.
• Both are popular destinations for tourists for many of the same reasons:
  • Beautiful scenery.
  • Plenty of entertainment.
  • Friendly people!

Reading Museum is one of the main attractions in Reading. The galleries that are displayed provide intellectual insights of the history of this large town and offer glimpses of the origin of the Saxon settlements through artwork. Edinburgh Castle is the most recognized attraction within the city. Similar to the Reading Museum, the castle provides an in-depth look at the historical happenings. The famous Palace of Holyroodhouse is where you can find the royal, historical art collection.

Beale Wildlife Park, in Reading, has a huge collection of small and unique animals, wonderful landscape gardens and woodland, farm animals, birds and a playground for children. Edinburgh has a similar setup in their Royal Botanic Garden that hosts acres and acres of greenhouses that are said to be the best in all of the UK.

The Reading Festival is the oldest and most popular music festival. It is held there every year and features a wide range of music including rock, indie, metal, punk and more. Edinburgh also hosts a festival named simply, The Edinburgh Festival. From the end of July to September you can find plenty of theatre, opera, and music from all over the world.

The Reading Abbey Ruins, which lie between Forbury Gardens and the Kennet River, is one of the most important political and religious centers in England. There you will be able to find great historical findings that have helped shape the city. The Royal Mile, within Edinburgh, is a long stretch of road that hosts some of the most beautiful buildings of Edinburgh. Of these, the most important is the Museum of Scotland. It houses the most comprehensive collection of artifacts depicting the history of the region.

Now wouldn’t you agree Edinburgh and Reading are quite close when it comes to similarities?! If you have been to Reading and loved it then instead of going to the same place twice perhaps you should give a visit to the sister city of Edinburgh (and vice versa) a try.

Happy Travels!

The Playhouse Story

Originally built as a variety theatre, the Playhouse opened in August 1929. By the time of its completion, however, the owners of the Playhouse had realised there was much and more to be said of the up-and-coming world of cinema, and so the venue served as Scotland’s most lavish movie theatre for over 40 years – with guests including Marlene Dietrich, Yul Brynner and Laurel and Hardy.

After the market for such large single-screen cinemas reached a decline, the Playhouse closed, was sold and was made ready for demolition. This sparked outrage amongst locals and former employees, who petitioned for over four years in order to have the historic theatre saved until the Regional Council purchased the theatre and refurbished it as Scotland’s premier multi-purpose venue.

Acts at the Playhouse have included Phantom of the Opera, Bob Dylan, Chicago, Grease, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Johnny Cash, Cats, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia and Mary Poppins – amongst hundreds of others.

The Theatre

After visiting the Edinburgh Playhouse, one immediately understands why the city’s locals fought such a long battle in order to see it reopened. Upon entry, the quite ordinary façade gives way to a trip through time utter splendor and luxury of early cinema. Indeed, it’s been said that the Playhouse’s original architects designed many of its features based upon the grandeur of New York City’s legendary Roxy Theatre.

The cavernous and lavish theatre is exactly the sort of venue that springs to mind when one imagines attending the opera in its golden age – and although that same level of decorum is always upheld within the theatre, it must be remembered that the Playhouse also plays regular host to some of popular music’s most rowdy groups.

There are dozens of private boxes to choose from, or even just one of hundreds in the stalls; however, no matter how far away you are from the stage, there is always something to entertain the eye given the thousands of minute details of the inner theatre’s décor.

The Ghost

Many within the industry may argue that a theatre without a ghost is no theatre at all- and the Playhouse is no exception to the rule. The theatre’s resident ghost first appeared in the 1950s, when the police were phoned in order to investigate a potential break-in at the Playhouse. The members of staff were shocked, however, when the police emerged to report that they had been assured by the theatre’s maintenance manager, Albert, that all was well – the shock, of course, stemming from the minute detail that Albert had died alone on the premises several years earlier.

Ever since, staff and patrons have reported mysterious shapes and sounds, as well as frequent missing or rearranged objects. If you don’t spot Albert while catching a show at the Playhouse, however, the staff run regular tours of the theatre on selected Saturday and weekday matinee mornings from 10:30am. The tour runs at £6.50 per person, and is a truly unique experience for those wishing to learn more about Edinburgh and the golden age of cinema.

Photo courtesy of the venue.

Armstrongs

81-83 Grassmarket, EH1 2HJ

Established in 1840, Britain’s largest vintage clothing emporium is like Aladdin’s cave of wonders for clothes lovers. From thirties fedoras to eighties rah-rah dresses, the store is a treasure trove of chic and dare-to-wear retro clothing. Just going into the shop is a day-out in itself; you can get quite easily lost in the array of wedding dresses through the ages.

Goodstead

76 Rose Street, EH2 2NN

Goodstead is an über modern clothes store that sticks out like a sore yet achingly cool thumb amongst the 17th century pubs that line quaintly cobbled Rose Street. The clothes are sourced internationally from the latest, hottest designers specialising in graphic print t-shirts and sophisticated urban wear for men and women though they also stock more established British brands such as Fred Perry.

Cookie

29-31 Cockburn Street, EH1 1BP

This aptly named boutique is a treat – you’ll want to eat everything in it (including the polka dot leather shoes), all displayed with quirky care in the window on one of Edinburgh’s most charming streets. As you follow the winding path downwards towards the high street, it’s impossible not to be lured in by the weird and wonderful retro dresses in the window though inside the shop the stock usually plays a little safer – the perfect first-step outside of the regular style box.

Hilary’s Bazaar

297 Canongate, EH8 8BD

On the Royal Mile as you head towards Holyrood, Hilary’s Bazaar is an incense-scented, ethnic clothing and accessories store geared towards Edinburgh’s Eastern-enthusiasts, with a wide-range of fair-trade and eco-friendly accessories, artwork, musical instruments, costumes and antiques. The bazaar focuses particularly on clothing for belly-dancing, as well as books, CDs and DVDs but is also great for picking up little keepsakes and oriental gifts.

Barnardo’s Vintage

29-31 Deanhaugh Street, Stockbridge, EH4 1LR

Not only is shopping here good for your wardrobe, profits from Barnardo’s go towards the charity’s work with vulnerable children. This little store in residential Stockbridge is a far cry from the usual random and inevitably fusty collections of charity shops, with a funky and fun interior that contains many a hidden vintage gem. Pieces are well-chosen and aren’t overpriced just for the sake of being ‘vintage dahling’ and you get the feeling that there’s a real story behind the clothes donated.

Eden

18 North West Circus Place, Stockbridge, EH3 6SX

Again in Stockbridge, this exclusive boutique is well-worth venturing outside of the centre, with elegant womenswear sourced mainly from Italian and Spanish designers that include Desigual, Selected Femme, Anna Scott, and IndyWoman. A high-quality selection of sophisticated clothing and accessories is lovingly organised across high racks and table displays and there’s also a handy website where you can take a look at the latest stock. If you’ve just been paid and are looking for a knockout dress that won’t be on anyone else, see here.

Flickr CC Photo Credits: I Like, writemboyo, vividp, dey, jvk, tarr3n

So how do you find the right place to stay at the right price? Here are some tips to finding the right accommodation for you.

• Know the Busy Periods. If you want a place that is cheap, and you’re planning on coming for Hogmanay (December/January) or the Fringe (July/August), then you should be booking at least 6, if not 9, months in advance.  Yes, I just said 9 months in advance.  That’s how busy it gets.  There are no deals.  There is not sold out and sold out.  I would almost consider booking my hotel first before flights or trains.
• Know your Must-Have Amenities. What do you really, really need to have in terms of accommodation?  Shared bathrooms are common in AirBnB accommodation, hostels, and some of the older bed-n-breakfasts.  Want fast Wifi?  Double-check if it’s free.  Want a kitchenette?  Best to get an apartment, but those are very expensive unless you have several folk or you’re staying for a week or more.
• Check the map – and the bus routes.  If you choose to enjoy some of the further out neighborhoods – west Edinburgh is considerably cheaper than Old Town – you’ll want to look at the bus routes, since diving in the city centre can be maddening.  What buses run and what’s the frequency?  Better yet, when’s the last bus, because getting a taxi late at night can take an hour and cost you a considerable sum, slashing any savings.  I would definitely suggest staying within the Lothian Bus area limits – while you can stay in the cities out towards Glasgow, I think the bus service is more reliable than train.
• Try playing with your dates.  With less available in town, sometimes a concert or other event in town (that might not be widely publicized) can clear out availability for local hotels.  So adjust your dates to see if this is the case.  Careful not to choose too short of a stay – hotels usually offer a small discount for longer days (3 days or more).  I wouldn’t split your stay across more than one hotel – dragging luggage across those old cobblestone streets is not that fun.

Located in Leith’s up-and-coming Commercial Quay, Mya sits within easy walking distance of both Ocean Terminal and the Royal Yacht Britannia – and is situated just across from the Scottish Executive building. The Quay’s promenade offers a charming stroll by night, and the fountains and lights of the district effortlessly set the mood for a fun evening.

Situated amidst a gaggle of restaurants, Mya’s understated exterior is a welcome sight, as is the tasteful décor within. Upon entry, the staff is very welcoming and attentive; indeed, the Mya experience is almost more akin to dinner at a friend’s home rather than Leith’s commercial district.

Spicy chicken wings with sweet sauce

The wine selection is fairly extensive given the restaurant’s nature, and the bar is stocked with a wide array of Indian and Japanese beers – yet drinks will most likely be carelessly tossed to the wayside in order to make room for one of Mya’s dozens of signature starters. As previously stated, the menu is in fact split down the middle in order to accommodate a seemingly inexhaustible taste of both Indian and Thai cuisine. As a result, the menu can admittedly be somewhat overwhelming; however, the waiting staff is more than happy to guide you towards your ideal meal given your likes and dislikes.

How about Thai…

The Thai portion of the menu covers virtually every attainable aspect of modern Thai cuisine, ranging from Tom Yum soup and spicy fishcakes to a wide selection of traditional Thai curries. Favourites include the Peek Gai – spicy chicken wings served in a sweet honey sauce – and Gaeng Keow Warn – a red Thai curry with aubergines, sweet basil, special herbs and generous helping of slow-cooked chicken. That being said, the greatest aspect of Mya is indeed it’s mish-mash of two distinct cultures; that is to say, you are able to combine both Thai and Indian dishes into your dining experience.

… Or Indian?

The Indian menu is somewhat different than what some may be accustomed to – indeed, regular favourites may not be found on Mya’s menu. Instead, the chefs have worked to create their own take on traditional favourites, as well as transport diners to areas of Indian cuisine that they may not frequent. These differences range from the dips served with starters to the creative vegetarian takes on old Indian favourites. Highlights of the Indian menu are without doubt Mya’s Chana Puri, as well as the chef’s take on North Indian Chilli Garlic Chicken. The menu also features a series of less-common Indian seafood dishes that simply cannot be disregarded.

mango kulfi

A tempting selection of desserts and coffees compliments the feast, and a glance at one’s watch after the meal reveals the utter efficiency of Mya’s staff in providing a quality – but not terribly time-consuming – dining experience. It isn’t difficult to be in and out within an hour, and the price is more than reasonable given the unique nature of the restaurant – plan on about £15-30 per person. After your meal, you can stroll back through Leith’s bustling centre and grab a drink at one of its utterly unique pubs, or simply wander a stone’s throw back onto Edinburgh’s lively Princes Street.

*As a small disclaimer, I’d like to add that I’m not very good at golf which does mean however that I’ve spent more time looking around rather than at the ball. Thanks go out to my golfing friend for her experienced opinion!

Balgownie Course at Royal Aberdeen, Aberdeen

With the 6th oldest golf club in the world, Royal Aberdeen is steeped in history though luckily someone has thought to keep up the maintenance of the Balgownie course since 1870. The course is a traditional links course looking out to the North Sea with, some have said, the finest first nine holes of golf in the world. It’s afterwards where it gets a bit tricky but what doesn’t kill you makes you a stronger golfer.

Kingsbarns Golf Course, Fife

Kingsbarns has a longer list of accolades than Titanic (now in 3D) having been rated ‘Most Outstanding Gold Course’, ‘Best New International Golf Course’ and PerryGolf’s ‘Number One Course’ among others. Whatever the reviews, there can be no denying the picturesque beauty of Kingsbarns which offers a stunning sea view at nearly every hole and golfers often comment on the course’s excellently challenging layout. What you play for you pay for however as the course is notoriously expensive.

Loch Lomond Course, Loch Lomond

With two sites of special scientific interest on the golf course and with the course being designated as a National Scenic Area, playing here is like playing in your own secret garden (except even more exclusive). The course is long and tough, but the stunning views will keep your golfing spirits up and afterwards you can take a boat around the Loch.

Machrihanish Course, Mull of Kintyre

(Watch out for the sheep!)

The exceptional first-hole of Machrihanish requires hitting the ball into the breeze, but the unique start is proof of the undiscovered quality of this course, situated in rolling dunes on the remote Western side of the Kintyre peninsula. The dramatic backdrop of the course makes for one of the most romantic golfing experiences in Scotland; you’ll be trying to kiss your opponent by the third hole.

Old Course, St Andrews

The Home of Golf. My golfing friend mentioned that the course isn’t particularly interesting with too similar holes, nevertheless, the history and prestige surrounding this course is more than a justifiable draw for visitors, golfing and non-golfing. Golf has been played on the Links since the 1400s and the original one-hole and partition between two bushes has now grown into 6 public courses of 18-holes that attract millions of visitors each year. The course is overlooked by the famous Old Course hotel which hosts numerous famous guests, especially during the Alfred Dunhill Links championship where professionals team up with celebrity amateurs; past players have included Samuel L. Jackson and Bill Murray.

Dornoch Golf Course, Middle of Nowhere

Getting to Donorch requires dedication and effort but the course that awaits you is well worth the 4+ hour drive to get to the Highlands course. Looking like the backdrop of one of the scenes in Braveheart, Dornoch is wild, isolated and carpeted with blossoming heather in the summer, offering a spiritual golfing experience aided by the extreme breeze that greets visitors as they approach the sea. With the town’s history going back 4000 years, the quaint houses and promenade are perfect for an after-game stroll; a witch’s stone in a local garden marks the spot of the last witch-burning in Scotland and there are lots great pub-restaurants to cheers to a good game and the end of witch-hunting too.

Flickr CC Photos by spoiltcat, bobthelomond, martynjenkins, gary2, ffoehlinger, foxypar4

If based in Edinburgh, Linlithgow proves a short but charming daytrip, as it’s a mere 20 minutes away by rail from Waverly Station. You emerge just on the outskirts of the small town’s bustling centre, filled with a wide range of locally owned shops and artisans that are now too rarely found on the High Streets of Scottish cities. The main attraction within the tiny town, however, is without doubt the towering ruins of Linlithgow Palace.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the High Street, you’ll find yourself standing in the shadow of what was once one of Scotland’s more impressive feats of architecture. Nestled on the coast of a tiny loch, the awe-inspiring Linlithgow Palace stands proudly next to the gorgeous 13^th Century St Michael’s Parish Church – both of which offer great insight into dozens of chapters of Scotland’s turbulent history.

With a history of occupation dating back to Roman-occupied Britain, these two monumental buildings have visibly seen their fair share of war and misfortune. While the current ruins of the palace sprand from the ashes of David I’s original royal residence there in 1424, St Michael’s Church played a pivotal role in Scotland’s war for independence. When Edward I of England invaded Scotland in 1296, he chose Linlithgow as a foothold, and used the nave of St Michael’s in order to store supplies for his army – much later in history, Oliver Cromwell did the same. Yet peace has reclaimed the Church, from its tiled floors to the vaulted ceilings, and it proves a peaceful and thought-provoking visit. Restoration work and additions have created a fusion of both the anceint and contemporary – as evidenced by the striking work of art that adorns its towering enterance. Admission into the Parish is understandably free of charge, and the staff within the quiet Church are more than happy to share tales of its dizzying volumes of history.

Literally next door, the majestic royal palace beckons visitors with its intimidating façade. Historically, the residence was considered a ‘pleasure palace’ along the royal commute between Stirling and Edinburgh castles – that is to say, a decadent weekend residence. Yet some of Scotland’s more colourful monarchs were indeed raised within the ruins, including for James V, Mary Queen of Scots and Princess Elizabeth – also referred to as ‘the Winter Queen’. When the royal family moved to London in the early 17^th century, the palace fell into decline, followed by a fire in 1745, that gutted the ghostly ruin into its current state.

That being said, the delicate state of the palace does not prevent you from being able to wander through its twisting passages and battlements. Admission is £5.50 per person, and tours are available if you should wish to be regailed with stories of the palace’s former glory. Yet the visit proves most thought-provoking wandering through on your own – winding through the deep dungeons, the awe-inspiring skeletons of its great halls, and standing in its towering fire places. Indeed, the best part of Linlithgow Palace is just how hands-on visitors are able to get in order to fully connect with the site’s historical value.

The visit itself of these two sites can take anywhere from one to three hours – yet if it’s a nice summer day, there are plenty of activities along the adjacent loch to keep you busy. Afterwards, be sure to wander back up towards the High Street for a traditional Scottish meal in one of the town’s many charming pubs. The train station is just a hop-and-a-skip away, and will then take you back into Edinburgh’s busy centre. Yet Linlithgow is indeed a vital location in Scottish history, and a short – and indeed, very cheap – day-trip to the Royal Burgh is definitely a must.

Puppet-animation festival at Scottish Storytelling Centre

Ever-wondered what that snazzy modern-looking building was doing latched on to the back of the oldest building in Scotland, John Knox’s house? Like me then, you must have missed the giant sign in the window that says Scottish Storytelling Centre. Anyway, this Easter the centre is one of the venues for the Puppet Animation festival, the UK’s largest performing arts festival for children. On the 11th and 12th of April, Potato Needs a Bath and The Selfish Giant puppet shows will be performed at the centre. Prizes for guessing the plot of Potato.

Easter revelry at Lauriston Castle

Lauriston Castle is a quaint 16th century building with beautifully manicured gardens from which you get fantastic views over the Firth of Forth. This Easter, the castle is hosting a family-friendly weekend of events including an egg-hunt in their spring gardens as well as various arts and crafts activities. I’ve just booked my place at their Junior Downtown Abbey experience…genius. 6-8th April.

Take a Boat to Inchcolm Island

The Maid of the Forth departs from South Queensferry (just outside of Edinburgh) to Inchcolm Island for 11/2 hour sight-seeing trips that offer unrivalled views of the awesome Forth Road Bridge and a glimpse of the rare marine wildlife that inhabit the tiny islands underneath. The boat stops at Inchcolm Island for 90 minutes during which you can explore the magnificent abbey before returning for a wee tipple at one of the cute pubs on land. Year-round, depending on the weather.

Hip Hop School

Poppin’, lockin’ and beat-boppin’ at the National Centre for dance in Edinburgh. Professional tutors will be running a week-long series of dance workshops with the chance to perform for family and friends at the end. There will also be an opportunity to try your hand at professional photography, art and music videos 11-15th April. Bring your dad and get him to learn some moves that aren’t circa 1971 – that’s right, the take-your-tie-off-swing-it-over-your-head move is no longer hip, nor is the word ‘hip’ for that matter.

Beltane Fire Festival

To round off the month, Beltane Fire festival will be returning to Carlton Hill with the annual ancient Gaelic mix of fire-breathing, throwing, spinning and dancing. Pagan rituals abound, Scots get back to their roots with this unique and other-worldly celebration of the start of the summer. Beltane is the name of the ancient Celtic fertility festival from which the modern event draws its inspiration and, like its predecessor, the festival finishes with the lighting of the new, sacred fire. Expect body paint, lots of body paint. Starting 30th April.

Flickr CC Photo Credits: chatirygirl, OctogenEm, loufrances, milchpuder, Richard Milnes