Edinburgh Marathon
Edinburgh Marathon (downtown Edinburgh) – this marathon takes place during one of the biggest weekends on the Scottish running scene. With its fast and flat route, the marathon in Scotland’s capital city is among the fastest in the world and a perfect choice for runners chasing a personal best. And Edinburgh was recently voted the second best destination in the UK for a city marathon, behind only London and ahead of Brighton, Dublin, Liverpool, as well as Manchester. For those interested in participating in this event, go to: www.edinburgh-marathon.com
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festiva
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (various locations within Edinburgh) – held annually in late July, the Edinburgh Jazz Festival was set up in 1978 by banjo-player and guitarist, Mike Hart. Mike’s initial focus was on traditional jazz and a host of events taking place for free admission in pubs. By the mid-80’s the Festival had added ticketed events, and had broadened its musical policy to encompass swing and mainstream jazz and occasionally some more modern groups.
From the Festival’s commencement the artistic policy has been to concentrate on musical excellence (rather than the “star system”) and to champion spontaneous creativity: music making on the spot in Edinburgh. These virtues have been developed in the 21st Century with the production of a wide range of new music, the establishment of the Edinburgh Jazz Festival Orchestra, and an on-going commitment to supporting Scottish musicians to realise creative ideas, and to link with international musicians. Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival has also grown its world outlook, presenting high quality musicians from all over the world. For venues and ticket info, see its website: http://edinburghjazzfestival.com
Edinburgh International Film
Edinburgh International Film Festival (various locations within Edinburgh) – held in late June every year, the Edinburgh International Film Festival is renowned around the world for discovering and promoting the very best in international cinema – and for heralding and debating changes in global filmmaking. Intimate in its scale, ambitious in its scope, and fuelled by pure passion for cinema in all its manifestations, EIFF seeks to spotlight the most exciting and innovative new film talent, in a setting steeped in history. Films that have premiered there in recent years include Brave, Killer Joe, 35 Shots of Rum, The Hurt Locker, Moon, Fish Tank, Let The Right One In, Somers Town, Man On Wire, Control, Knocked Up, Little Miss Sunshine, An Inconvenient Truth, Tsotsi, Billy Elliot And Amores Perros. See its website for more details: www.edfilmfest.org.uk
Edinburgh International Festival
Edinburgh International Festival (downtown Edinburgh) – held throughout the month of August, the Edinburgh International Festival has been connecting audiences and artists for over sixty years. Founded in 1947, the Festival grew out of the rubble of the Second World War with the aim of providing ‘a platform for the flowering of the human spirit’ by inviting the world’s best artists and companies to perform, whatever their nationality.
The result of such efforts is an exhilarating mix of classical music, theatre, opera and dance from the world’s leading artists. Event venues include The Hub, Usher Hall, Festival Theatre Edinburgh, The Edinburgh Playhouse, King’s Theatre, Roayl Lyceum Theatre, and The Queen’s Hall. See the Festival’s website for ticketing info and calendar of shows: www.eif.co.uk
Edinburgh Dungeon
Edinburgh Dungeon (31 Market Street, Edinburgh) – this theater production is the ultimate thrill-filled adventure through Scotland’s murky past, going back 1,000 years. Spectators come face-to-face with sinister characters from Scotland’s gruesome past, including murderous twosome Burke and Hare and Scotland’s Warrior Hero William Wallace. Experience the ghostly presence on Mary King’s Close, the fearsome torture chamber and the Legend of Sawney Bean.
There are 11 live shows, and 80 minutes of laughter, screaming, theatre, history & special effects. This is a black comedy of attractions; dark, ironic and very very funny. Ticket prices: £16.50 (adult 16 years & older), £15.60 (senior 60 years & older and students), £12.60 (children 15 years and younger), £49.80 (family of 4). See the Dungeon’s website for more info, including showtimes: www.thedungeons.com
Cowal Highland Gathering
Cowal Highland Gathering (54 Hillfoot Street, Dunoon, Argyll) – held annually in late August, the Cowal Highland Gathering is the biggest, most spectacular Highland games in the world. It’s renowned for its unique atmosphere, world-class competitors, beautiful Highland location and spine-tingling salute to the Chieftain. With a mix of Highland dancing, pipe bands, traditional wrestling, heavy athletics, ceilidh music, children’s entertainment and local food, there’s something for all the family to enjoy. Admission runs from £5 to £10 (adult), £2 to £5 (children 5 to 16 years). See Cowal’s website for details: www.cowalgathering.com
Commonwealth Games
Commonwealth Games (Hampden Park, Glasgow) — from 23 July to 3 August 2014, the eyes of the world will be on Glasgow as it hosts the XX Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games have been a permanent fixture in sport since the first was held in Canada all the way back in 1930. Edinburgh played host to the Games in both 1970 and 1986 in which Scotland won gold medals in the men’s and women’s 10,000 m respectively. Now it’s the turn of Glasgow to welcome athletes from around the world as they compete for medal glory across 17 sports.
Carnoustie Golf Links
Carnoustie Golf Links (20 Links Parade, Carnoustie, Angus) – this is a historic golf complex that was established back in 1850. It actually has three courses (totaling 54 holes)(par 72). This complex is part of the Open Championship circuit, and other events have been held there, such as the Women’s British Open, and the Senior British Open. For info on playing there, go to its website: www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk
The Thistles Shopping Centre
The Thistles Shopping Centre (Goosecroft Road, Stirling) – located nearly an hour west of Edinburgh (via route M9), this shopping center has 90 retailers, such as BHS, Boots, Clarks, Debenhams, H&M, HMV, River Island, Superdry, Topman, Zara, and others.
Stirling Arcade
Stirling Arcade (The Stirling Arcade, King Street, Stirling, Stirlingshire) – this Victorian shopping center is located near Stirling railway station (an hour northwest from Edinburgh) and houses 15 local & regional stores. An impressive-looking Victorian shopping arcade that goes back to 1882, the Stirling Arcade has been an important downtown hub in downtown Stirling for more than 100 years. This structure once housed two hotels, residential flats, workshops and salons, 40 shops and merchants.
