We will introduce you to the history of this medieval city, which is more than 3000 years old. We will walk through its most picturesque streets, such as the Royal Mile, Chambers Street or Victoria Street. Learn about the alleys where people lived in the 17th century. We will tell you how they died during the Black Death and about the beaked doctors who tried to cure them. Exciting stories await you!


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Edinburgh

Best Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Walking Tours

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Edinburgh Free Tour

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Mysteries, witchery and murders

Edinburgh Ghost Walking Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders

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Outlander and Jacobites

Edinburgh: Outlander and Jacobites Walking Tour

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Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Private Walking Tours in Edinburgh

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Edinburgh Castle Tour

Private Edinburgh Castle Tour

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Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour

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Mysteries, Witchery and Murders 

Private Mysteries, Witchery and Murders Tour

**Glasgow** is currently one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom and not many decades ago it was one of the most important cities of the Industrial Revolution, although today only remnants of that past remain.


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Glasgow

Guide tours and free tours in Glasgow

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Glasgow Free Walking Tour

St. Giles’ Cathedral, also **known as Edinburgh’s High Kirk or Church**, is one of the most remarkable **landmarks in the Royal Mile**, a jaw-dropping Gothic temple of great historical importance and, of course, **a must-visit if you’re in town**. 

This article tells about its history and architecture, which events you can enjoy within its premises and how to visit it!

![st giles antigua portada románica.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_antigua_portada_romanica_f2357e8e6e.jpg)

## St. Giles’ Cathedral history
The foundation of **St. Giles’ Cathedral dates back to 1124** when, by command of David I, it was erected in its location as a church devoted to this Medieval saint, **patron of lepers**, and thereupon bestowed upon the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem for its care. Later on, at some point during the 1300s, the original Romanesque building was replaced by the Gothic church that we know today, and its use was returned to the Crown of Scotland.  

The temple experienced **truly distressful times during the Middle Ages**, being damaged by a fire **caused by Richard II of England in 1385**. In some parts of the current cathedral, a witness to Scotland’s history, **the scars of the fire can still be seen**.

Finally, St. Giles’ church **was engulfed by the Protestant Reformation**. In summer **1559**, following violent religious bickering, **John Knox**, leader of the Reformation in Scotland, **was appointed as St. Giles’ minister and stripped the temple of all its Catholic imagery**. The church was deprived of its furniture and whitewashed walls, painted in green and engraved with the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer. **Similarly, some of its areas were secularized, serving as Tolbooth and a prison**, even keeping the Scottish Maiden (a guillotine of sorts) within the temple.

**It would be as late as 1633**, during the reign of Charles I, when **St. Giles’ church was turned into a cathedral to serve as the seat of the new Edinburgh bishopric**, in accordance with the traditions of England’s Anglican Church. Just four years later, an uprising triggered by parishioner Jenny Geddes would lead to the return of St. Giles’ to the presbyterian faith in 1638.

The cathedral would continue to undergo overhauls and changes until, in 1822, with the visit of king **George IV** to Edinburgh, its restoration and refurbishment was agreed on, **which would save the monument from disrepair and impending collapse**, alongside the subsequent reformation of 1872.

![st giles 5.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_5_f3ce655b0d.jpg)

## Monumental Gothic Architecture
St. Giles’ cathedral **is renowned for boasting elegant**, Gothic architecture **which originally comprised a five-nave temple** with vaulted ceilings, a great tower and many external chapels which gave it a cluttered look, with a much more convoluted layout than was usual in Scottish Gothic. The building **was refurbished and simplified several times** throughout the 1800s **to make it more stable**.

As for the rest of it, **the stunning stained glass in St. Giles’ cathedral dates back to the 1800s and 1900s**, since **the original works were most likely destroyed during the advent of the Reformation in the 1500s**.

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|![st giles 2.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_2_9e1c895551.jpg)|![st giles 1.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_1_6836f127b7.jpg)|


## Inside Edinburgh cathedral

The inside of present-day **St. Giles’ cathedral is divided into three naves with ribbed vaulting, plus the adjoining naves of Preston and Moray, and the famous Thistle Chapel**. Besides the contemporary stained glass, some other noteworthy features include the pulpit from the 1800s and almost one hundred memorials dotting its walls, such as the one for regent Moray, or those devoted to Jenny Geddes, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sophia Jex-Blake and the fallen in both World Wars.

### John Knox’s statue

In one of the naves in St. Giles’ cathedral, **a bronze statue devoted to John Knox**, father of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, and a character deeply intertwined with the temple, can be found. **It dates back to 1906** and stands as a reminder of the importance of this controversial preacher, both for the presbyterian faith and also for the country’s history.

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|![St Giles Preston aisle.jpg](/uploads/St_Giles_Preston_aisle_e1fc207b78.jpg)|![st giles 4.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_4_0df79ba47f.jpg)|

### Thistle Chapel

The **Thistle Chapel is a 1909 addition to the cathedral**. It **was designed in Neo Gothic style by architect Robert Lorimer** alongside a team of Art Nouveau artists including the brilliant Phoebe Anna Traquair. The chapel **serves as an annual meeting point for the members of the Order of the Thistle**, a chivalric order founded in 1687 by king James VII of Scotland, and II of England.

![St Giles Capilla del Cardo.jpg](/uploads/St_Giles_Capilla_del_Cardo_0e26af3137.jpg)

## Religious and cultural importance of the cathedral

St. Giles’ cathedral was always a hub for urban life, both as a place of worship in Edinburgh and as a cultural symbol for Scotland.

As a matter of fact, following the tragic defeat at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, all women in the city gathered in the temple to pray for the fallen, among whom was James IV, king of Scotland. It also became a meeting place for citizens when they decided to surrender Edinburgh to the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. 

It was, likewise, a place of ceremony, mourning and people’s gathering after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Her mortuary chapel remained in the cathedral for 24 hours, and she was mourned by her offspring during the Vigil of the Princes.

![st giles en 1647.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_en_1647_c932303864.jpg)


## Visiting Edinburgh Cathedral

In order to visit St. Giles’ cathedral on your own, you just need to head towards the Royal Mile and enter the building, **as there is no need to book your entrance**. The **visit is free of charge**, although a **£6 donation is suggested**.

The temple **is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00, except on Sunday, when the opening time spans from 13:00 to 17:00**. You may join a guided cathedral tour, which you should indeed book beforehand if you are interested in taking it.

You can find further information on this and other topics [at the official website.](https://www.stgilescathedral.org.uk/visitor-information). 

Should you also be looking for a top-notch Edinburgh tourist guide, you can join [our free tours and guided visits](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh). In that way, you will be able to discover other landmarks in Edinburgh and unravel the city’s secrets!

![st giles 3.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_3_2acebdfba8.jpg)

## Events and activities at St. Giles’ cathedral

A series of events are regularly carried out at St. Giles’ cathedral, such as **spellbinding Candlelight concerts** or **live classical music in the evenings**, taking place all year round after closing hours. Do not miss out on them! 

Should you also seek church services in Edinburgh, the cathedral offers two Protestant services every Sunday, plus an additional service on weekdays.

To bring matters to a close, **if you visit Edinburgh, you can’t miss out on a visit to St. Giles’ cathedral**, since it is one of the finest examples of Scotland’s stunning heritage, and it is centrally located in the Royal Mile!

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section serves the purpose of answering the most common questions about the cathedral.

- **Any special or remarkable events at the Cathedral?**
The best events include classical music concerts in the evenings and Candlelight Concerts.
- **Which is the best month or season to visit Edinburgh Cathedral?**
Any time is good to visit St. Giles’ cathedral, since it is open all year round.
- **Are there any restrictions or specific suggestions to visit St. Giles’ cathedral (e.g. dress codes, taking pictures, etc.)?**
There is no dress code in place to visit the cathedral. If you wish to take any pictures inside, you will have to pay a £2 permit first.
- **Admission fee**
Admission to St. Giles’ cathedral in Edinburgh is free of charge, but a £6 donation is suggested.

st giles 3.jpg

St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh: History, Architecture, and Events.

# Easter in Scotland:

**Easter festivities in Scotland** are fully packed with days off, getaways, egg hunts, bunnies galore and specific dishes for the occasion, such as **lamb roast, simnel cake or hot cross buns**.

Even though Easter is a Christian festivity celebrating the resurrection of Christ and the end of Lent, both the term itself (**which may stem from the goddess of spring and fertility called Eostre**) and its traditions in Scotland are teeming with ancestral Pagan elements, this being a very common synergy in Scottish culture.

Stay here to know **what to do and where to stay in Scotland during Easter**!

## Recommended activities and events:

One of the most usual activities to do if you spend your Easter holidays in Scotland, besides visiting its capital, is going on **trips from Edinburgh**.

You may choose a one-day getaway or a longer trip to locations as popular as **Loch Ness, the Highlands and Inverness** (its capital), Urquhart Castle, Loch Lomond, historical Stirling, Glasgow and its wondrous cultural offer, or even the mysterious, picture-perfect Rosslyn Chapel.

Should you prefer to stay in Edinburgh, nothing beats a guided, free tour to discover places such as the Old Town, [the Royal Mile](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour) and the [castle](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/guided-tour-edinburgh-castle), or traditions like [local ghost stories and mysteries](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-ghost-tour). 

These Easter tours are a perfect choice to discover Scotland!

## Useful tips for Easter visitors::

### Weather and clothes

Although the weather in Edinburgh during Easter time is no longer as harsh as in the depth of winter, you should be prepared for Scotland’s unpredictable, swiftly changeable climate. 

Your ideal Easter outfit in this country **must always include a warm, waterproof raincoat and enough clothing options to dress by layers** and, therefore, be ready if it gets colder, warmer or windier. You can expect **temperatures ranging from 2ºC to 13ºC** (mid 30s to mid 50s ºF) and some occasional rainfall! 


### Lodging

**The best hack** to bear in mind regarding lodging in Edinburgh during Easter is to **book as soon as possible**, since the demand for these dates is sky-high and, in this way, **you may find more affordable options closer to the city center**.

Another fine choice, especially for groups, is to **book an apartment**, of which the capital boasts an outstanding selection. It’s the perfect way to save a little by using the kitchen to cook!

If you need some **suggestions to find a place to stay in Edinburgh**, here follows some excellent, **reasonably priced options**:

- [Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/moxy-edinburgh-fountainbridge.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) (Fountainbridge)
- [Motel One Edinburgh Princes St](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/motel-one-edinburgh-princes.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) (New Town)

- [Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/leonardo-royal-hotel-edinburg.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) (Old Town)

- [The Castle View Residence](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-castle-view-residence.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) (apartamento con cocina) 

### Cuisine

Traditional Scottish Easter dishes feature **lamb roast**, which is usually eaten on Easter Sunday and, of course, several sweets: **simnel cake**, a spiced fruit cake covered with marzipan (the original recipe includes eleven pieces of marzipan standing for all the Apostles, minus Judas), **the widespread hot cross buns** (raisin or currant-filled buns decorated with a cross), and **chocolate eggs**.

![Simnel Cake Easter.jpg](/uploads/Simnel_Cake_Easter_b12c508b35.jpg)

![Hot cross buns Easter.jpg](/uploads/Hot_cross_buns_Easter_f21ba8b1d6.jpg)

As regards where to eat during Easter, these are some wonderful options:

**The Sheep Heid Inn** – besides being a charming, quaint pub and restaurant on the **hillside of Arthur’s Seat**, a great traditional roast is served during Easter.

**Miller & Carter** – this restaurant, featuring locations both in Edinburgh and Glasgow, also serves typical Easter dishes during these festivities.
![miller-and-carter-wollaton.jpg](/uploads/miller_and_carter_wollaton_05f29683f4.jpg)

### Transport

You won’t find any hurdles to make your way through the center of Scotland’s capital city, given that both the Old and the New Town are highly walkable.

Should you wish to visit any landmarks in other areas of the city or its outskirts, you will see that transport in Edinburgh is very well-organized, with buses and a tram that will take you to the main attractions. 

You can purchase a [Day Ticket at Lothian Buses](https://www.lothianbuses.com/fares-and-tickets/) (on-site or at the app) to save some money if you are going to have a particularly busy day.

If you want **to visit nearby towns and cities, the train is your best choice**, connecting you with destinations like Stirling, Glasgow, Aberdeen, or even Inverness.

### Budget and saving

The best thing that you can do to streamline your Scottish Easter budget, besides choosing an apartment where you can cook as your lodging option, is to purchase an [Explorer Pass](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/explorer-passes/#section-1) card to save up when visiting Historic Scotland monuments such as Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart Castle, among many other landmarks.

You can also use commission-free and cash cards such as Revolut to pay for your purchases and expenses in town, thus avoiding currency exchanges or coping with the extra cost of paying with a different-currency card.

Although it may seem difficult to save up in Edinburgh due its high prices, these hacks will make it easier!

### Health and Safety

It is always wise to hire travel insurance for a getaway of this kind but, at any rate, you must bear in mind that your medical assistance in Scotland is ensured as long as you are a **European Health Insurance Card holder**.

## Unique Easter traditions in Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Easter features unique traditions that you shouldn’t miss out on, should you visit the city, such as the fun **Easter Egg Rolling** that is celebrated every year in **Arthur’s Seat on Easter Sunday**. Other **family-friendly events** regarding egg hunting include the **Eggsplorer Trail** taking place at **Craigmillar Castle**, and the **Egg Trail** at **Newhailes House**.

![Edinburgh_Arthur_Seat.jpg](/uploads/Edinburgh_Arthur_Seat_321fd74ed0.jpg)

## Concerts and festivals:

If you’re looking for kid-friendly activities with science content, you can’t miss the **Eggstravaganza** at Dynamic Earth, nor the Edinburgh Science Festival taking place in the city **throughout Easter**.

As for musical events, under no condition should you miss any of the concerts taking place in St. Giles’ Cathedral, like Brahms’ Requiem, which is to be played on Palm Sunday.

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Guide to Easter 2024 in Edinburgh: Events and tips

Charles Rennie Mackintosh is one of the forefront figures in the history of Scottish architecture and design. Not only his work proved fundamental to the development of the renowned Glasgow Style, but it also influenced European artistic movements as important as Symbolism and Modernism, leading British Art Nouveau alongside his wife, Margaret MacDonald.

![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_1_37d07a3bc1.jpg)

## Biografía temprana

Son of Margaret MacIntosh (maiden name Rennie) and William MacIntosh, a local police superintendent, Charles Rennie Mackintosh **was born in Glasgow on June 7, 1868**, within an extensive family. His early education took place in public schools and institutions in the city. At some point during his youth, without knowing exactly why, **the spelling of his surname changed from MacIntosh to Mackintosh**.

**In 1884**, Charles **started working as an architect’s apprentice, and thus began his higher education at the Glasgow School of Art**, where he always stood out among his peers. Only six years later, he was already an associate of one the best architecture bureaus in the city, the same one where he had carried out his design and delineation internship.

His inspiration would always be rooted in Glasgow itself, as the city where he spent most of his life, and where he would become infused with Modernist and industrial ideas, as well as a new Asian style called Japonisme, since Japan held a close relation with the Clyde dockyards at the time. **Mackintosh loved the simplicity, pragmatism and use of natural materials** that such style boasted, being so **similar to Modernism** regarding its purity of lines and rejection of the pompous and the intricate.

![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 3.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_3_4514bdf8a3.jpg)

## Glasgow Style

**As a combination of Japonisme, Modernism, Art Nouveau, and the influence that his vibrant hometown always exerted on him**, Charles Rennie Mackintosh gave birth to a new, original form of architecture and design: **the Glasgow Style**. Marked by its strong, **right angles and a liking for floral motifs**, Mackintosh would stand by it throughout his entire career.

But **no genius works alone**, and Charles was fortunate enough to closely surround himself with other brilliant personalities from contemporary arts and architecture. **Such is the case of Herbert MacNair, a peer from the Glasgow School of Art** and his subsequent internships, and an **inseparable friend of Mackintosh’s**. Both were fatefully introduced by the art school **dean to the sisters Margaret and Frances Macdonald**, whose artistic styles were strikingly similar to theirs, therefore, not only **they got married**, but they also collaborated throughout their whole lives by means of a **well-known group called The Four**. 

![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 6 rosa.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_6_rosa_0edd8af83d.jpg)

## Main works by Mackintosh

Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s designs were highly popular in Scotland and, to a certain extent, also abroad in the early 1900s, at the height of his career.

Some of his main architectural works include:
- **the new Glasgow School of Art (1897-1909)**, which cemented his reputation internationally, and which sadly caught fire several times.
- **The Willow Tearooms (1903)**, an elegant tearoom that Mackintosh designed for the reputable entrepreneur Catherine Cranston. 
- The offices for the Glasgow Herald (1895), known nowadays as **The Lighthouse**.
- and **Hill House (1902-1904)**, which he erected for Scottish publisher Walter Blackie.

In almost all of his projects, **the creative mastermind in charge of the wondrous decoration would be his wife, Margaret MacDonald,** as both gave birth to designs as well-liked as the so-called “Mackintosh Rose”.  
    
    
![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 4 Hill House.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_4_Hill_House_6cf326ed46.jpg)

## Personal life of Charles Rennie Mackintosh

As mentioned before, Charles Rennie Mackintosh **married a brilliant artist called Margaret Macdonald in 1900**. **The Mackintosh couple** would be one of the greatest, **most successful art tandems of their generation**, as both influenced each other’s styles, and their projects became their legacy and offspring. Charles himself would claim that his wife’s work always comprised three quarters of his architectural projects, and that he only had a dash of talent, but Margaret was a genius.

Even though the works of Margaret MacDonald were at that time, alongside her sister Frances’, as famous as her husband’s, nowadays she has somewhat fallen into worldwide anonymity, and only Art Nouveau and Scottish painting connoisseurs know and appreciate paintings as wonderful as **The May Queen or White Rose and Red Rose**.

![Margaret MacDonald.jpg](/uploads/Margaret_Mac_Donald_ea8c6b0ba1.jpg)

## Legacy and recognition

The legacy of Mackintosh and his colleagues exerted a far-reaching influence on Europe’s contemporary, Modernist architecture, and it poses one of the most relevant examples of Scottish architecture and design in history. His fame would grow ever larger after his passing in 1928, and **it experienced a remarkable revival in the 1990**s.  

Indeed, between November 1996 and February 1997, the **New York Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted a monographic exhibition to him**, accompanied by a series of symposiums and conferences convened by Scottish scholars such as Pamela Robertson. 

**Mackintosh’s face has also appeared on Scottish £100 notes**, and it has also been **immortalized in a dazzling piece of urban art in Glasgow by graffiti artist Rogue One**. If you wish to discover this painting and more incredible urban art, as well as some jaw-dropping Mackintosh buildings in the city, join one of our [Glasgow free tours!](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow/glasgow-free-tour)

If you are also going to visit Edinburgh, you should know that a branch of **The Willow Tearooms inspired by Mackintosh's architecture and design has recently opened its doors**. Stop by to have something and then take a walk with our free tours through the capital of Scotland!
    
![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 2.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_2_87a292d691.jpg)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* Who was Charles Rennie Mackintosh and why is he important?

Mackintosh was one of the most remarkable architects and designers in Scottish history, and one of the leaders of British Art Nouveau.

* Which are some of Mackintosh’s most famous works?

His most renowned works include the Glasgow School of Art, The Willow Tearooms, The Lighthouse and Hill House.

* How did Mackintosh’s style influence modern design?

Mackintosh designs influenced artistic trends such as Modernism and Symbolism, infusing modern architecture with his elegant, straight lines.

* Did Mackintosh take part in any notable collaborations throughout his career?

During his career, Mackintosh always collaborated with his wife, Margaret MacDonald, and frequently, with his sister-in-law Frances and her husband, Herbert MacNair, in a group known as The Four. 

* Where can I see Mackintosh’s works in the present?

Some buildings designed by Mackintosh can currently be visited in Glasgow and its surroundings, such as The Lighthouse, The Willow Tearooms, Hill House or the posthumous House for an Art Lover. 



Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1.jpg

Charles Rennie Mackintosh: The architect who revolutionised Art Nouveau



Glasgow Cathedral, also **known as St. Mungo’s Cathedral**, is one of the most unique and important monuments in Scotland. Not only is it the oldest building in the entire city, but it is also **the most ancient cathedral in mainland Scotland**, and the only one, alongside St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, in the Orkneys, **whose ceilings are originally Medieval**.
All of this makes Glasgow Cathedral **the most representative Gothic building** in Scotland, as well as one the most beautiful and interesting landmarks to visit in the entire country!

![Catedral de Glasgow 4.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_4_613729cf0b.jpg)

## History of Glasgow Cathedral

The history of Glasgow Cathedral dates back to **the first centuries of Christianity in Scotland**, when St. Mungo (also called St. Kentigern), patron and founder of the city, **carried the first sacred relics in the 500s**, building a hermitage and a church where he would be buried upon his passing, in the early 600s.

This early, modest foundation would **become an important pilgrimage site throughout the Middle Ages** and would give rise, in the 1100s, to the construction of Glasgow’s imposing cathedral right above St. Mungo’s burial place. Even though this **first cathedral was consecrated in 1136**, it had to be **rebuilt and consecrated once again in 1197**, after it was ravaged by a harrowing fire.

Glasgow Cathedral grew steadily throughout the following centuries under the oversight of different bishops, who also had to manage the restorations that the building occasionally required. One of them, William Turnbull, would also be the founder of the renowned Glasgow University in 1451, as its first lectures took place in the cathedral’s chapter house. 

**With the advent of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, Glasgow Cathedral was stripped of all its Catholic symbology**, as well as its sculptures, altars, and adjoining buildings. Luckily enough, **the main venue was adapted and remained operational for the new faith**, this being the reason why it has reached present day in an admirable state of preservation, since **the new Protestant ministers protected it against vandalism during the earlier years of the Reformation**, and also from falling into disrepair as time went by.

![Catedral de Glasgow 1.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_1_84014ed209.jpg)

## Monumental architecture

As we mentioned before, the **Gothic architecture of Glasgow Cathedral** is among the most beautiful and complex in all landmarks of this kind in Scotland.

Most of the building dates from the 1100s and 1200s, displaying some remarkable Gothic features such as rows of pointed arches, slender tracery windows and three domed corridors surrounding the presbyterium and the choir. The 1400s would witness further additions as stunning as the stone-carved pulpit and the imposing Blackadder corridor (named after the bishop who commissioned it), and, during the 1500s, the installation of delicate Flemish stained glass in the rose window.

**Speaking of stained glass**, it is also worth mentioning that some of its unique pieces were placed in the cathedral windows as late as the 1950s, including some notable examples such as **The Creation** or **The Evangelists**, by Francis Spear, or another one by Sadie McLellan depicting **Christ**.

![Catedral de Glasgow 2.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_2_03680a3bd2.jpg)

## Religious and cultural relevance of St. Mungo’s Cathedral

The first genuine remnant of the construction of Glasgow Cathedral in **this site lies within the crypt of the Lower Church**, where St. Mungo’s grave, patron of the city and noteworthy missionary during the expansion of Christianity in 500s Scotland, can be found. It is a holy place for Christians which has drawn pilgrims since the Middle Ages, and it can still be visited today alongside the rest of the building.

Therefore, St. Mungo’s cathedral not only encompasses several centuries of city history and Scottish Gothic architecture, but also a feeling of belonging to the Christian community whose spiritual services, Catholic at first, and then Protestant, have been administered since its foundation.

![Catedral de Glasgow 6.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_6_34f1d15a7b.jpg)

## Visiting Glasgow Cathedral

**How to get there:**

- If you are spending a few days in Glasgow, you may visit its cathedral easily, since it can be reached in just a 15-minute stroll from the city center. 
- Should you be in Edinburgh, you just need to board one of the countless trains departing from Waverley Station, joining both cities in just under an hour.

You can even take this chance to get to know the rest of elegant, history-rich Glasgow with one of our [free tours] (https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow/glasgow-free-tour)! 

**Schedule:**
Glasgow Cathedral is **open from 09:30 to 17:30** (on Sundays it opens at 13:00) from April to September, **and from 10:00 to 16:00** (starting at 13:00 on Sundays) between October and March. You might find that the monument **is closed from 12:00 to 13:00 due to staff breaks**.

**Price:**

Admission to the Cathedral **is completely free of charge**, although donations are welcome. Audio-guides are available for just £2.

Find further information here, at [the official website](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/glasgow-cathedral/overview/)

## Fun facts about St. Mungo’s Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral is home to many secrets and fun facts which are worth mentioning.

1. Even though it is a Christian place of worship, violence was rampant in the Middle Ages and there were different moral standards; owing to this, **the head of Somerled**, Lord of the Isles, half Norse and half Gaelic, who perished in the Battle of Renfrew (1164) attempting to invade Scotland, **was kept for a long time within the cathedral as an offering to St. Mungo**, to whom the citizens ascribed their victory. 
2. The Wars of Scottish Independence also brought about some curious facts, such as **Edward I of England visiting the Cathedral in 1301 to pay his respects to St. Mungo**, or also **Robert the Bruce in 1306, seeking the protection of the Bishop of Glasgow**, his friend Robert Wishart, after he murdered John Comyn, who contested his claim to the throne of Scotland.
3. Leaving trivia aside, Glasgow Cathedral might also strike visitors as familiar due to its plentiful appearances in cinema, since it was used as a filming location for movies such as **The Batman** (2022) or **Outlaw King** (2018), as well as series as popular as **Outlander**.

![Catedral de Glasgow 3.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_3_c40b33f9c1.jpg)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

- **Is Glasgow Cathedral an actual cathedral?**
_Even though it has not served as the seat of a bishop since 1690, it is still referred to as a cathedral due to its historical and architectural importance._

- **What makes Glasgow Cathedral unique compared to other Scottish cathedrals?**
_It is the only Medieval cathedral in mainland Scotland to survive Scottish Reformation almost unscathed, which makes it a living testament of the country’s history._

- **Which are its most remarkable architectural features?**
_The cathedral is renowned for its spire, an addition from the 1800s, as well as its stained glass and the fact that it has been a coveted filming location for several Hollywood films._

- **When is the best time to visit Glasgow Cathedral?**
_The Cathedral is open to the public all year round, with specific opening times from April to September, and October to March._

- **Is there an admission fee?**
_Admission to the cathedral is free of charge, which makes it accessible to all visitors._


Catedral de Glasgow 4.jpg

Glasgow Cathedral: Everything you should know, and then a bit more

Valentine’s Day is marked **every February 14**, an originally **Catholic festivity** that commemorates the good deeds performed by this saint in 3rd-century Rome, thus replacing pagan Lupercalia. Even though many of the legends and traditions surrounding Saint Valentine, as well as his relation with romantic love, were created much later, it’s still a thoroughly charming date for couples wishing to indulge in a romantic getaway.  
**Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh is ideal to celebrate this date!**

## Why Edinburgh for Valentine’s?

To celebrate **Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh is one of the most romantic ideas** you can surprise your partner with for a variety of reasons: the Old Town’s ancient and mysterious vibe, the picture-perfect wintry light in the city, the abounding restaurants and charming pubs in the centre and **the ideal cultural activities for couples**, among many other things.
**Few romantic plans in Edinburgh** beat a wintry walk through the Royal Mile, Grassmarket Square or the Water of Leith, finishing with a pint in a warm, cosy pub and a **candlelit dinner** in a New Town restaurant.

## Romantic accommodation in Edinburgh

Edinburgh features plenty of **ideal romantic lodges for a Valentine’s getaway**. Some of the best ones include the following:

### The Witchery by the Castle  -> [Book now](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-witchery-by-the-castle.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

If money is not a problem, this gothic and luxurious hotel placed in the Royal Mile, right beside the castle, is your best chance. There are only nine suites, so book in advance!

[![The-Witchery-by-the-Castle-habitacion.jpg](/uploads/The_Witchery_by_the_Castle_habitacion_e66d3371e4.jpg)](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-witchery-by-the-castle.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)


### The Balmoral Hotel -> [Book Here](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-balmoral-edinburgh.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

An all-time classic of romantic lodging in Edinburgh, you can’t go wrong with this!

[![Balmoral.jpg](/uploads/Balmoral_e48844fdea.jpg)](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-balmoral-edinburgh.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

### Prestonfield House  -> [See more](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/prestonfield-house.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

Placed beside Arthur’s Seat, this 1600s hotel has the most amazingly romantic and dazzling atmosphere in this selection. Peacocks, dreamy views, and candlelit dinners, what else could you wish for?

[![Prestonfield-House.jpg](/uploads/Prestonfield_House_da94e16d46.jpg)](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/prestonfield-house.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)


## Foodie experiences for lovers

Although you can enjoy the best romantic supper in Edinburgh in any of the previously mentioned lodges and their corresponding restaurants, here are a few alternative options to **surprise your partner for Valentine’s** with a **brilliant foodie experience**:

- **The Kitchin**: this excellent, **Michelin-star restaurant** only uses exclusive local products and features several menu choices depending on your budget. It is considered as **one of the five best restaurants across the United Kingdom**!

![the-kitchin.jpg](/uploads/the_kitchin_d1f9596e58.jpg)

- **Fishers in the City**: this is **one of the most famous seafood restaurants in Edinburgh**, and for good reason. You can pick between their venues in the New Town, Leith or even The Shore, their avantgarde cuisine eatery. It’s a safe choice!

![fisher-in-the-city.jpg](/uploads/fisher_in_the_city_228b0a7151.jpg)

- **Origano Café & Pizzeria**: should you prefer a less costly experience with a humble and intimate charm, there’s no going wrong with this pizzeria in Leith. Candlelit pizza and wine, the best romantic supper!

![Origano-cafe-and-pizza.jpg](/uploads/Origano_cafe_and_pizza_402718e888.jpg)

## Romantic walks through Edinburgh

One of the** best romantic plans to do in Edinburgh** for Valentine’s is to **stroll some of its historic streets and avenues, or also its parks and green areas.**

If you are a history and architecture buff, nothing beats a lengthy walk through the best of the Old Town, Medieval Edinburgh’s beating heart: take your partner on a trip across its streets, discover its closes, take a break in its cute cafés, buy some gifts in its shops, or visit the castle. **Watching the sun set upon the old town** from the window of a quaint, traditional pub is an ideal way to wrap up your day.

![edimburgo-4.jpg](/uploads/edimburgo_4_4410dccf10.jpg)

The same applies to the elegant **New Town**, where you can **stroll Princes St. and its jaw-dropping gardens**, or walk down to adorable **Dean Village**, a village frozen in time in the midst of the city, from which you can enter the lovely waterway of Water of Leith. A dusk at the monumental **Calton Hill is the perfect finishing touch to your Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh**!

![calton-hill-san-valentin-scotland.jpg](/uploads/calton_hill_san_valentin_scotland_51343f2dcc.jpg)

If it’s your first time in the city, there’s nothing better than joining a [free tour to explore both areas and master all of their secrets](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour). 

## Cultural activities for couples

As for couple experiences in Edinburgh, one of the best cultural choices is to **visit some museums or art galleries**. Most of them have **free admission**, and there’s plenty of them catering for all tastes. Don’t leave them as a last-ditch option for a rainy day, you will love perusing them!

**You mustn’t miss a visit to the National Museum of Scotland**, which deserves a whole day on its own just to wander its premises, packed with natural and historical trivia. If your partner is an art buff, you have got to take them to emblematic landmarks such as the National Gallery or the Portrait Museum.

Finally, it is paramount to book your tickets to some of the **Candlelights Concerts** taking place at **St. Giles’ or St. Mary’s cathedrals**. I can’t think of anything more romantic to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh! **On February 14, two of these concerts will be held: **Moonlight Sonata, featuring classical music at St. Giles’, and a Tribute to Queen for rockers at St. Mary’s. **

![candlelight-edinburgh-concert.jpg](/uploads/candlelight_edinburgh_concert_b1a6362234.jpg)

## Romantic getaways near Edinburgh

If you have a couple of extra days, you may wish to complete your Edinburgh Valentine’s with a memorable getaway around its surroundings. We suggest you choose a nearby place in order to fully enjoy your experience without transport being a problem.

You can pick destinations as incredible as **Stirling**, teeming with history and charm throughout its **beautiful castle and old town**. Or [Glasgow](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow), featuring **refined museum** and **elegant architecture**. **Dunfermline**, with its mind-blowing abbey and church, and **the romantic Pittencrieff Park**. Or also **South Queensferry**, a lovely seafaring town **with a view on the Forth Bridge**. 

You can reach any of these places on your own, by train or, should you pick Stirling or Glasgow, also with our [walking tours](https://scotlandcitytours.com/)! 

## Tips to prepare your perfect Valentine’s in Edinburgh


My first tip to plan a proper Valentine’s in Edinburgh is to **book** your flight, accommodation, restaurants, tours, and activities **as early as possible**. Even though February is off-season, this city, with its lovely wintry atmosphere, is perfect for a romantic trip and you will find a laidback feeling, but it is not off the beaten path.
So, wait no longer, **pick a beautiful lodging, a couple of nice restaurants, and some tours, walks and concerts, and give your partner the surprise of their lifetime with a magical Valentine’s in Edinburgh! **



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Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh: a guide to an unforgettable romantic celebration

Robert Burns, also known as **Rabbie Burns or The Ayrshire Bard**, is probably the most famous and influential poet in all Scottish history. Scottish culture, as well as some of its traditions, are tinged with the spirit and works of this brilliant author. **Pioneer of Romanticism**, **defender of the Scots language** and an advocate of Liberalism and even early-stage Socialism, Robert Burns is a fundamental character to understand Scotland.

![Robert Burns 3 retrato de Alexander_Nasmyth.jpg](/uploads/Robert_Burns_3_retrato_de_Alexander_Nasmyth_6559c6d26a.jpg)

## Robert Burns’ early life: birth and education
Robert Burns **was born in the village of Alloway**, in the outskirts of Ayr, southwest Scotland, **on January 25th, 1759**. He was the eldest of seven siblings in a family of farmers, hence his childhood was beset with hardships and strenuous work, which would eventually take a toll on his fragile health. Educated by his own father and a young local teacher, his talent seemed to be doomed to never flourish when, in 1779, at the age of twenty, **he founded Tarbolton’s Bachelor’s Club** alongside his brother Gilbert, **a place of meeting, debate and leisure**.

A few years later, encouraged by his friends, Roberts Burns took his first steps in his career as a poet while he kept working in his family farm and engaged in sultry affairs with several local ladies. Finally, in 1788, he married Jean Armour, the “Belle of Mauchline”, with whom **he had nine children** (which didn’t stop him from having **three more with other women**).

After a convoluted, tragically brief life filled with strain, hardships, struggling, romance, poetry and politics, **Robert Burns passed away on July 21st, 1796** at the age of thirty-seven, most likely owing to an aggravated rheumatic cardiopathy.

![Robert Burns 2 cottage Alloway.jpg](/uploads/Robert_Burns_2_cottage_Alloway_737f88b6ba.jpg)

## Robert Burns’ main works
Robert Burns graced Scottish poetry with works as relevant as the romantic “Ae fond kiss”, devoted to his beloved Clarinda, or “A red, red rose”, inspired by folk rhyme that he heard a townswoman sing; the delightful ode **“To a mouse”**; the fantastic and folklore-packed poem **“Tam O’Shanter”**; and, of course, the song which made him literally worldwide famous, **“Auld Lang Syne”**, an ode to nostalgia and friendship which is usually sang as a group during New Year’s Eve, arms intertwined.

**To a Mouse - BY ROBERT BURNS**
_On Turning her up in her Nest, with the Plough, November 1785._

Wee, sleeket, cowran, tim’rous beastie,
O, what a panic’s in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
          Wi’ bickerin brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee
          Wi’ murd’ring pattle!

I’m truly sorry Man’s dominion
Has broken Nature’s social union,
An’ justifies that ill opinion,
          Which makes thee startle,
At me, thy poor, earth-born companion,
          An’ fellow-mortal!

I doubt na, whyles, but thou may thieve;
What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!
A daimen-icker in a thrave
          ’S a sma’ request:
I’ll get a blessin wi’ the lave,
          An’ never miss ’t!

Thy wee-bit housie, too, in ruin!
It’s silly wa’s the win’s are strewin!
An’ naething, now, to big a new ane,
          O’ foggage green!
An’ bleak December’s winds ensuin,
          Baith snell an’ keen!

Thou saw the fields laid bare an’ waste,
An’ weary Winter comin fast,
An’ cozie here, beneath the blast,
          Thou thought to dwell,
Till crash! the cruel coulter past
          Out thro’ thy cell.

That wee-bit heap o’ leaves an’ stibble
Has cost thee monie a weary nibble!
Now thou’s turn’d out, for a’ thy trouble,
          But house or hald,
To thole the Winter’s sleety dribble,
          An’ cranreuch cauld!

But Mousie, thou art no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men
          Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
          For promis’d joy!

Still, thou art blest, compar’d wi’ me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But Och! I backward cast my e’e,
          On prospects drear!
An’ forward tho’ I canna see,
          I guess an’ fear!


## Robert Burns and Scottish culture
Thanks to his straightforward prose, honest and direct, **heir to the Makar tradition heralded by bards and troubadours in Renaissance Scotland**, Robert Burns’ lyrical works soon became highly appreciated both by his closest environment and also by a humbler audience. In addition to this, **his liberal political ideas** and the fact that **he favored the use of Scots in his works**, a traditional Scottish language which was sternly frowned upon by the elites back then, Rabbie eventually **became the most beloved poet by the folk**, being almost revered.


## Celebrating “Burns Night” and its meaning

Precisely due to the fact that both the humble folk and his friends enormously valued his works as well as himself, **when Robert Burns passed away his loved ones started meeting every January 25th, the poet’s birthday, to cherish his memory with a very special dinner brimming with Scottish traditions.**
Nowadays, this **“Burns Night” or “Burns Supper”** is still celebrated yearly on this very same date, and, in fact, it is not only one of Scotland’s most cherished and traditional festivities, but it is also celebrated wherever Scots have emigrated, bringing Scottish culture together across the world.
Burns Night consists of a dinner in which guests, welcomed by a bagpiper and special speech, have a first course of soup, and a main course of [haggis](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/what-is-haggis), which is presented in the dining room with the highest honors, **reciting the poem by Robert Burns “Address to a Haggis”**. The meal goes on with loads of whisky, bagpipe tunes, Scottish poetry, songs, toasts to the bard and the comical “Toast to the Lassies”, followed by its correspondent “Reply from the Lassies”, a rhetoric gender fight on a humorous note. At last, the heartfelt “Auld Lang Syne” is sung.

![Robert Burns 5 Supper.jpg](/uploads/Robert_Burns_5_Supper_ec77e9cc5a.jpg)

## Places related to Burns in Scotland

The traveler wishing to visit sites in Scotland related to Robert Burns should undoubtedly head to Alloway, the Ayrshire village that witnessed the poet’s early years. Both his birthplace and also a wonderful museum entirely devoted to him can be explored, besides a lengthy walk encompassing some of the places described in “Tam O’ Shanter”, in Alloway’s old church and the Rozelle House pictorial gallery, all of which are renowned landmarks of tourism in Scotland.
Not far away from there, in Tarbolton, the notable **Bachelor’s Club** founded by a young Robert Burns can also be visited and, further south, in Dumfries, there is also **The Globe Inn**, frequently trodden by the Scottish poet, where travelers can eat and embark on themed tours.
Should your trip be limited to the city of Edinburgh, fret not! Drop by the marvelous **Writers’ Museum** and indulge in endless trivia about Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Stevenson, to whom the venue is entirely devoted. If you wish to complete your experience, you can take a _free tour throughout the Old Town_!

![the-globe-inn-robert-burns-.jpg](/uploads/the_globe_inn_robert_burns_475515ae63.jpg)

## Robert Burns’ present-day legacy
Robert Burns’ legacy reaches far beyond his uncontested literary value, and it exceeds Scotland’s borders. His defense of the Scots language and folk traditions, his innovative political orientation and even his extraordinary charisma have made him today as beloved as he was in life, **which can be attested by the countless statues in his honor dotting the world**. Thanks to his works and the legacy that his loved ones preserved and spread,** events such as Burns Night or songs like “Auld Lang Syne”** bring the descendants of Scottish emigrants far and wide together to this day, connecting them again to the nation from which they all once departed.
His legacy is so influential that you don’t even have to be Scottish to be touched while singing “Auld Lang Syne” as the new year approaches!

![Robert Burns 4 estuatua en Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA.jpg](/uploads/Robert_Burns_4_estuatua_en_Milwaukee_Wisconsin_USA_f1335437ad.jpg)

## How to explore the world of Robert Burns
To know more, you can read some of the best poems by Robert Burns here: scotland. org/events/burns-night/the-poetry-of-robert-burns 
And delve deeper into his life and works here: poetryfoundation. org/poets/robert-burns 
Or you can also check out this veritable encyclopedia of Robert Burns: robertburns. org


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Robert Burns: Scotland’s legendary poet and his cultural impact

# Introduction to the Christmas markets of Europe
The European Christmas market, as a modern phenomenon, is a long and historical tradition, with its origin being found during **The Middle Ages** in The Holy Roman Empire (more specifically in what is today’s Austria and Germany). 
During the 13th and 14th centuries, **the Holy Roman Emperor** would give his permission to various cities, such as Vienna and Munich, to hold **special markets at the start of winter** with the aim of stocking up on products for the rest of the season. Bit by bit, these markets became more sophisticated, more complicated, and it was **the market of Dresden in 1434** that would become the first market that we could consider as a **mirror of the Christmas markets** that we see dotted around Europe today. 

Nowadays, these markets are usually held **from the end of November until the end of December** and are the perfect places to wrap up warm on a cold winter’s day, whilst losing oneself amongst the various stalls that sell all sorts. **Whether that be eating something sweet or drinking a nice mulled wine or warm cide**r. Perhaps you’re there to do a bit of shopping where there are no shortage of artisanal products and Christmas themed presents. You might be there for the fun and games, so why not have a go on the attractions, or perhaps you’re there for the biggest attraction of them all; the man in the big red suit himself, Santa.

![mercado de Navidad de Manchester.jpg](/uploads/mercado_de_Navidad_de_Manchester_adcea3018d.jpg)

## Selection of the best Christmas Markets throughout Europe.

Each and every year, **there are thousands of these Christmas markets** being held the world over. However, if you want to know which are the best in Europe, here is a list of those that you simply cannot afford to miss, with particular attention being paid to those in the UK. 

Some of the best Christmas markets in the UK are found in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and York. However, it must be said that amongst these, without a shadow of a doubt, the Edinburgh Christmas market is the most charming and one of the most extensive and visited that there is. For this reason, the Edinburgh Christmas market is widely recognized as one of the best and usually takes top spot in the annual lists of best Christmas markets, not just in the UK, but throughout Europe as well. As if that wasn’t enough, the Scottish capital also comes to life with Christmas spirit and endless entertainment with many magical events, one such being the special illumination spectacular of Edinburgh Castle.

Throughout the continent, there is still plenty to see such as the amazing markets of Budapest, Cologne, Salzburg, Essen and, of course, those of Viena and Munich which as previously mentioned, are bound in history and tradition. It would be remiss of us to not mention those of the capitals of the Baltic countries, such as that of Riga, which even though generally smaller in size, their iconic snowy urban landscapes more than make up for it.
![mercado de Navidad de Budapest.jpg](/uploads/mercado_de_Navidad_de_Budapest_be1b7054f3.jpg)

## Christmas Markets 2023: New Attractions and Events
The European Christmas markets of 2023 are full of new and exciting attractions that you don’t want to miss, such as the **Christmas carol concert in Salzburg**, the **Christmas tree with** more than **2000 LED lights that will light up Vienna**, or the impressive **Christmas parade in Manchester** that will take place on the 3rd of December.

**The Scottish Christmas markets** aren’t exempt from the list of places with captivating and original activities, such as the **Santa race and the dog show “Santa Paws”** that will take place on the 9th of December in Edinburgh. These aren’t the only attractions in Edinburgh where you can also take in a spectacular view of the city from the ferris-wheel, ride the daring Starflyer with its flying seats, have a go on the ice-rink, try some traditional food and drink and of course, the previously mentioned **light show spectacular of Edinburgh Castle.**
![mercado de Navidad de Colonia.jpg](/uploads/mercado_de_Navidad_de_Colonia_fd1569b33c.jpg)
This winter, to top off your visit to Edinburgh and this enchanting Christmas market, why not take part in a wonderfully special Christmas walking tour of Edinburgh, a city which dresses itself up to the nines during this magical time of year.

## Guide to taking advantage of the Christmas Market on your trip to Edinburgh.
Visiting Christmas markets throughout Europe in December is an ideal activity for a short city break, whether it be just a couple of days, or a cheeky 5-day weekend. In such a short space of time, it’s not unreasonable to think you could discover a number of exciting different cites such as Viena, Budapest, York, Glasgow or Edinburgh. 
If the latter is what tickles your fancy, and a visit to the Christmas markets of the UK is on the cards, a enticing proposal could be as follows: Why not spend three days in Edinburgh getting to know everything that the city has to offer through its walking tours, and then just a short train ride away you have Glasgow, where you could spend a fourth, and perhaps fifth, day becoming acquainted with its own market, its monuments and its elegant architecture.


## Economical Options: Low-cost European Christmas Markets
For the traveller in search of a more budget friendly Christmas market, a great option could be the markets of the Baltic countries, amongst which stand out the **Christmas market of Riga,** or those of Eastern Europe such as **Budapest or Gdansk**. 
With this being said, any other European destination could become a relatively economic option if the right choices are made.
If your goal is to visit the Christmas markets in places like Germany, Austria, England or Scotland, don’t deprive yourself of the opportunity, plan well and opt for cheaper accommodation options, such as hostels. Or else stay for fewer days but take full advantage of them by organising yourself well.
![mercado de Navidad de Viena.jpg](/uploads/mercado_de_Navidad_de_Viena_c4f3f7616b.jpg)

## Conclusion: Preparations for an Unforgettable Christmas Experience.

The best piece of advice that I could give you for an unforgettable Christmas experience, is to let yourself be guided by the destination that excites you the most and then adapt your trip and your budget to that destination. **Christmas is there to make dreams come true!**

In terms of everything else, try to book your flights and accommodation as soon as possible, or if you’re a little late to the party, have a good look at the last-minute deals on offer from the airlines and have at it. 
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, make sure you book early whatever special Christmas events you want to go to, and **take advantage of the city’s walking tours** to really get to know the city you’re visiting. After all, you chose that city for a reason!

Last, but certainly not least, enjoy to the fullest your trip to **the best European Christmas markets of 2023!**


mercado de Navidad de Viena.jpg

The European Christmas Markets that you cannot afford to miss

## Edinburgh at Christmas: A Fairytale Setting

The fact that the capital of Scotland is one of the most famous, vibrant, and beautiful in Europe might not surprise anyone anymore, but perhaps what's surprising is that **Edinburgh at Christmas** is one of the most charming places to visit in the world at this time of the year.
Like a story unfolding, from late November to the celebration of **Hogmanay (the Scottish New Year)**, Edinburgh dresses up with **Christmas markets, special events, concerts and plays**, meticulously decorated **Christmas trees**, and the **wonderful seasonal lighting of the castle**. You can't miss Edinburgh at Christmas, and if you're not convinced yet, keep reading to learn all the reasons you have to book your trip as soon as possible.

![Edinburgh-navidad-diciembre.jpg](/uploads/Edinburgh_navidad_diciembre_b89c215efa.jpg)

## Christmas Markets in Edinburgh: Tradition and Modernity

Edinburgh's Christmas markets are among the most famous in the UK and even Europe, for very good reasons. Not only do their aesthetics, craft stalls, and attractions make them irresistible for Christmas-loving travellers, but they are framed by the elegant streets and gardens of the New Town and the ever-beautiful and watchful silhouette of the castle. 
It's interesting that **Edinburgh's Christmas markets are so popular considering that this festivity, **once celebrated as Yule****, was prohibited by the Presbyterian Church for a long time. It only became an official holiday in 1958, with celebrations focusing much more on Hogmanay until then. It's a fact that often surprises visitors! Perhaps precisely because of that prohibition, Scots nowadays go all out for Christmas, embracing all its traditions and events, as seen in **Edinburgh's Christmas markets**.

![Edinburgh-mercado-navidad-diciembre.jpg](/uploads/Edinburgh_mercado_navidad_diciembre_b6c7bee79c.jpg)

## What to See in Edinburgh During December: Attractions and Activities 

As mentioned earlier, Edinburgh in December, far from being a dull and sleepy winter city, is a lively, bustling place full of original activities suitable for any type of travel group. 

Some of the attractions and events you can find in Edinburgh this Christmas, besides the Christmas markets, include the special lighting of the castle known as **Castle of Light**, Christmas at the Botanics in the Botanic Garden, the International Magic Festival, traditional dances with the Edinburgh ceilidh club, **the special Polar Express train** from Waverley station, and, if you stay until New Year's, **the fantastic Scottish Hogmanay**. 

Don't miss heading to **The Mound to admire the giant illuminated Christmas tree** installed there every year. This tree holds significant historical meaning as it's a gift from the Vestland province in Norway, given to Edinburgh every Christmas since 1947 to celebrate the cultural ties between Scotland and Scandinavia. A tradition filled with warmth!
Moreover, if you're wondering what to see in Edinburgh in December in general, you can't miss visits to the castle (which hosts very special characters during these dates), **Holyrood Palace**, **the National Museum of Scotland**, and the highlights of the Old Town, such as **the Royal Mile**, **Grassmarket Square**, or the historic **Greyfriars Cemetery**. The best way to explore all these places comfortably is with an **[English-speaking walking tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour)**!

![the-dome-christmas-edinburgh-december.jpg](/uploads/the_dome_christmas_edinburgh_december_b2a1f67d4f.jpg)

## Plan Your Visit to the Edinburgh Christmas Market

There are several Christmas markets in Edinburgh you can visit, but undoubtedly, the largest and most famous of all is the one on East Princes Street in the New Town. Open from November 17, 2023, to January 6, 2024, the East Princes Street Christmas market in Edinburgh offers visitors the experience of the most charming and traditional Scottish market, **with dozens of craft and gift stalls and plenty of places to taste gastronomic delights and drinks like mulled wine or spiced mulled cider**.

**If you visit this market with children**, you'll find many attractions for them. What they surely won't want to miss is **Santa's Grotto** to place their favourite gift orders. For travellers who are no longer children but enjoy thrills, there are always popular star flyers, and for everyone in general, the giant Ferris wheel, which offers wonderful panoramic views of a fairytale-like Edinburgh.
If you're lucky, you might see it covered in snow! Other Christmas markets in Edinburgh you can explore include those on **George Street** (hard to miss, as it's next to the above-mentioned one and is where the ice skating rink is usually located), on Castle Street, and at Summerhall. If you're in the city on Sundays, the traditional **Farmer's Markets in Grassmarket and Stockbridge** also dress up in bright colours in December and are well worth a visit.



## Tip: How to Make Your Trip to Edinburgh a Unique Experience

Edinburgh at Christmas is full of good vibes, fun, Christmas markets, and special events in an incomparable architectural setting, **so take at least three days to fully enjoy the city**. 
This way, you'll have plenty of time to explore its streets, monuments, and even its theatres, which showcase pantomimes, a typical Scottish show that's truly original during these dates. In conclusion, if you want to visit Edinburgh and its wonderful East Princes Street Christmas market, as well as enjoying the rest of the season's events and attractions, book your flights, accommodations, guided visits and free tours now... **And get ready to experience a magical Scottish Christmas!**

Edinburgh-navidad-diciembre.jpg

Edinburgh at Christmas: A Guide to Enjoying the Festive Spirit

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After braving the many slopes you have to walk up and down in the [Scottish capital](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/things-to-do-and-see-in-edinburgh), you will surely work up an appetite! Although there is a common stereotype that **Scotland** eats badly, I’d like to debunk this myth a bit. In my article about the best places to eat in Stirling, I described some classic Scottish dishes, like haggis, so this time I’ll introduce some other products, from the land and sea.

The centre of Edinburgh has two restaurants specialising in mussels. But the kitchens of Scottish restaurants are not only filled with mussels: oysters, salmon, crab, scallops and much more can also be found here. While you can enjoy this fresh, local produce in almost any corner of Scotland, the VisitScotland team has compiled their picks for the [12 best seafood sthacks in the country](https://www.visitscotland.com/blog/food-drink/best-seafood-scotland/).

**Scotch pie**, a type of meat pie, is another of the delicacies that can be tried in Scotland. This is usually a stew of beef, lamb or another meat, protected by a hot water  pastry. I say “protected” because originally the pastry was only used as a case for baking the meat in, but eventually, people realised that the pastry was worth eating too! Pies aren’t just made with meat, but can also be filled with many other ingredients - even macaroni! With so many options, in order to find the best in the world, the Scots created "[The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards](https://worldchampionshipscotchpieawards.org/)" in 1999, which chooses the best pies across 11 different categories. Dare to try some of these Scotch pies in the city's restaurants!

After this master class on **Scottish gastronomy**, it's time to taste them for yourself, sampling the flavours and smells of these dishes, to verify that the Scots do indeed eat well!

## 1. [Howies Restaurant](https://www.howies.uk.com/venues/)
If you want to eat quality **Scottish food** at a good price, this is the place to go. This family-run restaurant has earned a great reputation for its **traditional Scottish cuisine** and its high-quality ingredients. In addition, all the produce it uses comes from the country, whether the sea or the land. It currently has two stores in **Edinburgh** and one in Aberdeen. For me, this is without a doubt one of the places you can't miss on your visit to Edinburgh, serving the best **traditional Scottish food** in the Old Town.

Address: [10-14 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2HG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Howies+Restaurant/@55.9487979,-3.1956155,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c79ac01c9fbd:0x87c219cc3647bbee!8m2!3d55.9487979!4d-3.1934268)

Address: [29 Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3BQ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Howies+Restaurant/@55.9541116,-3.1878579,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c78ecfa93c4f:0xf2c647c0324d74ef!8m2!3d55.9541116!4d-3.1856692)

Address: [50 Chapel St, Aberdeen AB10 1SN](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Howies+Restaurant/@57.144932,-2.1121587,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48840e26b0781a39:0x6fb24abc5c03af95!8m2!3d57.144932!4d-2.10997)

![Howies Victoria Street.jpg](/uploads/Howies_Victoria_Street_a4dc2b5421.jpg)

## 2. [Royal Mile Tavern](https://www.royalmiletavern.com/)
This is a **traditional Scottish pub** steeped in history where you can taste some of the country's most iconic dishes, including **haggis**. This pub is centrally located on the Royal Mile, with the kitchen open until 9.00 pm, followed by live music every day from 10.00 pm. I also recommend their **Scottish breakfast**! One of the best pubs on **The Royal Mile**.

Address: [127 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SG](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Royal+Mile+Tavern/@55.9504275,-3.1889688,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c7858a13da65:0x50eb255e793d7aa1!8m2!3d55.9503875!4d-3.1867053)

![Royal Mile Tabern Edinburgh.jpg](/uploads/Royal_Mile_Tabern_Edinburgh_781a8d5f58.jpg)

## 3. [The Mitre Bar](https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/scotlandandnorthernireland/themitrebarroyalmileedinburgh#0)
Attached to the Royal Mile Tavern, this is another traditional, **historic pub on the Royal Mile**, which opened at the beginning of the 19th century. If you do choose to go in, you will be instantly hooked, thanks to its excellent selection of **craft beers**, **whisky** and **gin**; as well as being a restaurant with an **extensive menu of traditional food**, from Scottish breakfasts to the classic Scotch pies. This is a place I always like to take visitors to the city.

Address: [131-133 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/131-133+High+St,+Edinburgh+EH1+1SG/@55.9504135,-3.1890397,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c78f61e6814f:0x49094522fa0d2427!8m2!3d55.9504135!4d-3.186851) 


## 4. [The Dome](https://www.thedomeedinburgh.com/)
If you want to surprise a loved one, don’t hesitate to take them to this place. It’s one of the **most spectacular bars and restaurants in Edinburgh’s New Town**, where the only thing missing from the atmosphere is **James Bond** himself entering to order a martini (shaken, not stirred). You can have almost anything, from infusions in the coffee room, to drinks and dinner (I recommend booking for the latter). And although it sounds strange at first, you simply must visit its luxurious bathrooms on the far right, next to the dining area.

Address: [14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Dome/@55.9536492,-3.1978448,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c79107371c41:0x96d88c71cb27891a!8m2!3d55.9536492!4d-3.1956561)

![The Dome Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/The_Dome_Edimburgo_fe8de4147b.jpg)

## 5. [Mussel Inn Seafood Restaurant](https://www.mussel-inn.com/)
This is one of the **best restaurants in Edinburgh to taste seafood**, especially mussels and seafood chowder, which is a cream of potatoes, fish and seafood that won’t disappoint. 75% of its mussels come from **Scotland**, and the remaining 25% from nearby Ireland and England. And if you like oysters they have quite affordable prices for them too! Accompany these dishes with any of the wines from their extensive menu. Without a doubt, one of the best restaurants to visit in the Old Town.

Address: [61-65 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 2NH](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Mussel+Inn+Seafood+Restaurant/@55.9535617,-3.1978135,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x4887c79107371c41:0x96d88c71cb27891a!2sThe+Dome!8m2!3d55.9535617!4d-3.1956248!3m4!1s0x0:0x47a9d7abaa8f28de!8m2!3d55.9525398!4d-3.1990626)

![Mussel Inn Edinburgh.jpg](/uploads/Mussel_Inn_Edinburgh_029e128cac.jpg)

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## 6. [The Mussel and Steak Bar](https://www.musselandsteakbar.com/)
This restaurant, **specialising in seafood**, opened in 2005, and thanks to the quality of its dishes, it has become famous both among visitors and locals alike. It has a very affordable lunch menu, served from Monday to Thursday, between 11:30 am and 3:00 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. This is one of the most popular choices in the Old Town.

Address: [110 Grassmarket, W Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2HH](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Mussel+and+Steak+Bar/@55.9481655,-3.1941702,18.66z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xc769b66769e53635!8m2!3d55.9480186!4d-3.1942018)

## 7. [Grain Store](https://www.grainstore-restaurant.co.uk/)
One of the most **romantic restaurants in Edinburgh**, this is a great place to invite that special person. It’s unlike anywhere else in the city and has views of one of the most iconic streets of Edinburgh, **Victoria Street**. To dine in this quality restaurant, which uses local, Scottish produce, reservations are highly recommended.

Address: [30 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JW](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Grain+Store+Restaurant/@55.9486012,-3.1964957,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c79aeda9f581:0x8236754989042a53!8m2!3d55.9485982!4d-3.194307)

![Grain Store.jpg](/uploads/Grain_Store_977e4f0cab.jpg)
![Grain Store Edimburgo 2.jpg](/uploads/Grain_Store_Edimburgo_2_65059f27be.jpg)

## 8. [Oink](https://www.oinkhogroast.co.uk/about/)
I’ll never get tired of saying it, but one of the most important inventions in Scotland, after whisky and kilts, is Oink where you’ll find the “**best pulled pork sandwich you'll ever try**”. Alan Marshall and Sandy Pate are two farmers from the south of Scotland (the Borders region), where they raise pigs and sheep, feeding them exclusively with natural products. It was in 2001 that they came up with the brilliant idea of ​​bringing their products to the **capital of Scotland**, Edinburgh. In the window display of each of its three venues, you will see the roast pig of the day, used for the pulled pork sandwiches, which are simply poetry for the palate. **You can't leave Edinburgh without trying it!**

Address: [34 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JW](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oink+Victoria+Street/@55.9504132,-3.1956058,15z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1soink!3m4!1s0x4887c79af26d55b9:0x73de4541632ac44f!8m2!3d55.948607!4d-3.1942404)

Address: [38 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 2DR](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oink+Hog+Roast+Hanover+Street/@55.9599748,-3.2367616,14z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1soink!3m4!1s0x4887c7911e0955b7:0x2cac12c6392a8f2b!8m2!3d55.9530549!4d-3.1972664)

Address: [82 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BZ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oink+Scottish+Hog+Roast/@55.9504119,-3.1956058,15z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1soink!3m4!1s0x4887b877e79211cb:0x537410a6df80cce0!8m2!3d55.9519902!4d-3.1768995)

![Oink Edimburgo 2.jpg](/uploads/Oink_Edimburgo_2_3bb1e0dc3d.jpg)
![Oink Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Oink_Edimburgo_38820a2167.jpg)

## 9. [Hula Juice Bar and Cafe](https://www.hulajuicebar.co.uk/)
With a menu full of **vegetarian and vegan options**, this small restaurant **specialises in healthy and organic food**. It’s great value for money, and among the best of the best establishments in the Old Town, located on Victoria Street not far from Oink (ideal for vegetarians travelling in the company of meat-eaters!). Their natural juices will enchant you, and it’s a great option for breakfast or lunch (it closes at 6:00 pm).

Address: [103-105 W Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2JP](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hula+Juice+Bar+%26+Cafe/@55.9481152,-3.1968777,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c795859797a3:0x6baa2a5928477df5!8m2!3d55.9481152!4d-3.1946891)

Address: [94A Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hula+Juice+Bar+%26+Healthy+Eatery/@55.9481149,-3.2034438,15z/data=!4m9!1m2!2m1!1shula!3m5!1s0x4887c7c6e138f667:0x520f54f5da56f755!8m2!3d55.9436138!4d-3.2079388!15sCgRodWxhWgYiBGh1bGGSARFicnVuY2hfcmVzdGF1cmFudA)

![Hula Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Hula_Edimburgo_73f8a6e742.jpg)

## 10. [Clarinda's Tearoom](https://www.instagram.com/clarindas.tearoom/?hl=en)
This is the **perfect place to have a classic afternoon tea**, with pastries or their irresistible carrot cake, served by their charming staff in a setting straight out of a novel.

Address: [69 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BS](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Clarinda's+Tearoom/@55.9521432,-3.1795085,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887b877ddd7a887:0x6999994dbf724985!8m2!3d55.9521402!4d-3.1773198)

Comer en Edimburgo.jpg

10 best restaurants in Edinburgh

## Wild Haggis

The **haggis is an animal native to the Scottish Highlands** that lives on the slopes of the mountains. It is relatively small, with four legs, rough skin and quite a lot of hair. But having to live in such mountainous areas means that this animal has had to adapt to the very steep terrain. So, it has evolved to have two legs on one side longer than the other. This means there are two species: those that travel clockwise because their right legs are shorter than their left; and those whose right legs are longer and travel anticlockwise. Both species coexist peacefully and can climb the steep mountains without difficulty.

Hunting them is relatively simple since a wild haggis is a timid creature, so you just have to scare it, and it will run away. Since it only runs in one direction, you can wait for it to go around the mountain and catch it easily - but be careful, they bite!

To cook your haggis, put it in brine for a couple of days to make it tender. According to several records, people on the **Isle of Lewis and Harris** once used the skin to craft their sporran (the bag worn as part of the traditional Scottish dress). Today, the skin is simply discarded.

Did you believe the story? A third of Americans visiting **Scotland** believe that the wild haggis exists!

![Hag Haggiswild.jpg](/uploads/Hag_Haggiswild_487c125537.jpg)
_Wild haggis, Kelvingrove museum Glasgow_

## History of Haggis

Haggis, the **national dish of Scotland**, is a somewhat complex recipe made from sheep entrails: the heart, liver and lungs are usually part of the standard dish, mixed with oatmeal, onions and other spices. Everything is chopped into pieces and cooked inside the sheep’s stomach. Finally, it is served with mashed potatoes, mashed turnip and whisky sauce.

Scotland is a country with grand romanticism: so much so that this delicious dish even has a romantic poem dedicated to it, written in the 18th century by the **famous Scottish poet Robert Burns**.

However, in reality, the origins of haggis point in many directions - even to England! Catherine Brown, a Scottish food historian, believes that haggis was invented in England, having found a cookbook from 1615 with a recipe for a pudding called "haggas" that is very similar to haggis. But did Shakespeare write a poem to **haggis**? 

Other sources suggest that it was brought to Britain by the Romans in the 1st century AD, although there is little evidence to confirm this theory.

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![Haggis.jpg](/uploads/Haggis_85cd0b1a2f.jpg)
haggis

It has also been associated with Scandinavia, specifically the **Vikings**, who settled in Scotland between the 8th and 13th centuries. The etymologist Walter William Steak said that the word “haggis” derives from the Old Norse word “haggw”, meaning to cut into pieces or chunks.
Haggis has even been attributed to France due to their **old alliance with Scotland**, and they may have introduced in the late 13th century.
However, the earliest written reference to a haggis-like sausage comes from the Greek playwright Aristophanes, who mentioned it in 423 BC.
 
### How did haggis become Scotland's national dish?

Curiously, the **first mention** of haggis comes from the English.

At the end of the 17th century, the English diet changed due to the **Agricultural Revolution**. There was a wider variety of better quality foods, so people no longer needed to eat these less appealing sheep parts. Dishes like haggis went out of style in England and were only associated with the poorest working classes. Yet the opposite happened in Scotland! A severe economic recession in the 17th century led to 7 years of extreme famine, which made dishes like haggis more popular.

The English began to mock the poverty of Scottish food, attempting to humiliate them. The famous English writer Samuel Johnson said, “a grain, which in England is normally fed to horses, in Scotland feeds its people”.

So while England rejected haggis as a food, the Scots, with their wounded pride and constant struggle to differentiate themselves from the English, claimed haggis as their own.

However, the love story between **Scotland and haggis** didn’t begin until 1786, when Robert Burns wrote his famous “**Address to the Haggis**”. Although, the association was not consolidated until the 19th century.

King George IV's visit to Scotland in 1822 served to close the ancient wounds between the two nations. **Sir Walter Scott** hosted the event, presenting the monarch with a romantic image of Scotland. Scott asked everyone to dress in tartan for the royal banquet and selected dishes that reflected Scottish identity, haggis being his main course. As you can imagine, he created a new tradition in the process!
Haggis became more fashionable than ever, Scotland was a romanticised notion, and the **William Wallace Monument** was erected. And **Scottish patriotism was reborn**.

Although haggis is traditionally made with meat, a vegetarian version was invented in 1984, and you can also find everything **haggis-flavoured**, from **crisps** to ice cream!

![Hag Veg pat.jpg](/uploads/Hag_Veg_pat_d2fcae52df.jpg)

**Scotland is a country of traditions and customs**, so the haggis tradition survives, now deeply rooted in its culture, alongside bagpipes and tartan. Every year on the 25th of January, Burns Night is celebrated on the poet's birthday. Friends and family gather around their tables to enjoy the most Scottish night of the year, paying homage to **Robert Burns, whisky and, of course, haggis**!

![Robert Burn, poeta nacional de Escocia.jpg](/uploads/Robert_Burn_poeta_nacional_de_Escocia_4299f080dd.jpg)
Robert Burns Portrait

#### Address to the Haggis

_Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,_

_Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin-race!_

_Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,_

_Painch, tripe, or thairm:_

_Weel are ye wordy of a grace_

_As lang ‘s my arm._

-

_The groaning trencher there ye fill,_

_Your hurdies like a distant hill,_

_Your pin wad help to mend a mill_

_In time o’ need,_

_While thro’ your pores the dews distil_

_Like amber bead._
 
 -
 
_His knife see Rustic-labour dight,_

_An’ cut ye up wi’ ready slight,_

_Trenching your gushing entrails bright,_

_Like onie ditch;_

_And then, O what a glorious sight,_

_Warm-reekin, rich!_

-
 
_Then, horn for horn, they stretch an’ strive:_

_Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive,_

_Till a’ their weel-swall’d kytes belyve_

_Are bent like drums;_

_Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive,_

_Bethankit hums._

 -
 
_Is there that owre his French ragout,_

_Or olio that wad staw a sow,_

_Or fricassee wad mak her spew_

_Wi’ perfect sconner,_

_Looks down wi’ sneering, scornfu’ view_

_On sic a dinner?_
 
 -
 
_Poor devil! see him owre his trash,_

_As feckless as a wither’d rash,_

_His spindle shank a guid whip-lash,_

_His nieve a nit;_

_Thro’ bluidy flood or field to dash,_

_O how unfit!_

-
 
_But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed,_

_The trembling earth resounds his tread,_

_Clap in his walie nieve a blade,_

_He’ll make it whissle;_

_An’ legs, an’ arms, an’ heads will sned,_

_Like taps o’ thrissle._

-
 
_Ye Pow’rs wha mak mankind your care,_

_And dish them out their bill o’ fare,_

_Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware_

_That jaups in luggies;_

_But, if ye wish her gratefu’ prayer,_

_Gie her a Haggis!_

![Plato de haggis.jpg](/uploads/Plato_de_haggis_dde5f294e8.jpg)
Haggis, neeps & tatties

So whether it was English, French, Roman, Viking or ancient Greek, who cares who created the original recipe? In the end, it was the Scots who dedicated a poem to the haggis and welcomed it as their national dish.




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