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| General information and travel tips |
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The Scottish capital's long and rich history is brought to life by its majestic cliff-top castle. Edinburgh, home to the Scottish Parliament, the city explodes with festivity during Hogmanay in the winter and the legendary Edinburgh Festival in the summer. The huge rock upon which Edinburgh Castle now stands is a natural stronghold, which warring Celtic tribes would use as such during the first centuries of the first millennium. King Edwin of Northumbria is thought to have built the castle here in the 7th century and the settlement's name was anglicised to Edinburgh. In 1018 King Malcolm II defeated the Northumbrians and Edinburgh Castle became Scottish. Most people associate modern Edinburgh with the Edinburgh International Festival, which has been keeping the city at the centre of the international arts scene since 1947. More recently still, the re-introduction of the Scottish parliament, three centuries after it was dissolved by the Act of Union, has meant a return of Scottish government to Edinburgh. |
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| Useful telephones in Edinburgh Edinburgh Airport: 0131 333 1000 Ambulance, Police, Fire, Mountain Rescue and Coast Guard: 999 or 112 (both free calls) ScotRail: 0345-484950 - First Buses: 131 663 9233 Central Radio Taxis: 131 229 2468 Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board: 131 473 3800 |
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