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How to Celebrate Burns Night in 2021

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Burns night celebrates the life and works of Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard. Burns suppers, held across the country on 25th January, are fun evenings full of traditions, delicious food, whisky, poetry, and music. Read on if you would like to learn more about Scotland’s National Poet, Burns Supper and how to celebrate Burns Night in 2021.

Robert Burns

Robert, or Rabbie, Burns, lived in the 2nd half of the 18th century and is the most famous Scottish poet who wrote in the Scots language (as well as English). His iconic works, that focus on the themes of nature, love and family, made a lasting mark on Scottish literature and culture in general. A BBC article explains that Burns’ work remains popular today due to  “the themes and language of everyday life that he used. His poems were humorous and he used small subjects to express big ideas.”[1] The legacy continues to live on as we celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s national poet by hosting Burns suppers.

[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/why-is-robert-burns-work-still-so-popular-today/zky747h 

Burns Supper 

Burns supper can be held as a larger event, as well as a more intimate version for family and friends at your home. There are some key elements that are always followed. The traditional meal would consist of a cock-a-leekie soup, haggis, neeps and tatties, and a cranachan for a dessert. The evening starts off by piping in the guests (at large gatherings) but if you do not have a piper at hand, some traditional music will do. The host welcomes all the guests, and a prayer (The Selkirk Grace) is said so that the meal can begin. The attention then turns to the most important part of the meal, the HAGGIS. At larger events, the haggis is piped in as it is brought to the table, but at home the focus is on the address to the haggis performed by the host (full poem ‘Address to a Haggis’ can be found here), who then invites everyone to raise their glass and toast to the haggis. The evening then continues with a couple of rounds of recitals of some of Burns’ most famous works, all the while enjoying our national drink, Scotch whisky. It is also common to sing Auld Lang Syne at the end while standing up and holding hands.

Burns Night in 2021

Even though the situation does not allow for in-person gatherings this year, there are many digital initiatives taking place over the coming weekend and Monday that will help you celebrate the occasion in style:

  • Burns & Beyond, a festival that celebrates the life and works of Robert Burns by showcasing the best of Scotland’s art and culture.
  • A Virtual Burns Night, a performance organized by Historic Environment Scotland and hosted by Edinburgh Castle, will stream on both Facebook and YouTube.
  • Burns Big Night In, a full programme organized by the National Trust for Scotland, will take place on Sat 23rd Jan (7 pm). You can expect appearances from many great artists, musicians, and leading experts that will provide an insight into the life and works of Robert Burns.
  • Burns Night with the Scotch Whisky Experience – will be live on Facebook and you have an evening full of tales, stories and a special ‘Rabbie Burns’ cocktail to look forward to.

Let us know if you will be celebrating Burns night at home this year, and if you plan to join in one of the digital events – we would love to hear about it in the comments!

Top Activities in Edinburgh this December

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Edinburgh is starting to feel very festive! Here are our tips on the activities you and your family can enjoy this December. Tune in to a festive story as part of the Edinburgh’s Christmas digital programme from the comfort of our centrally located York Place apartments, explore one of the festive activities at the popular Edinburgh Zoo and Botanic Garden, or simply get to know Edinburgh a little more with Edinburgh Bus Tours.

Edinburgh’s Christmas

Edinburgh’s Christmas programme comes in a new revised form this year. Although moving digital, it aims to lift our spirits up and bring a much-needed festive cheer to our homes.  

As part of Santa’s Advent Stories, Santa Claus will read a story before bedtime every day of the Advent directly on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website. Writers of all ages are encouraged to submit their entries with festive stories and a winning one will be selected by Santa himself! 

Edinburgh’s Christmas Neighbourhood Market is an online initiative to showcase a variety of local businesses and support their activities during these challenging times. We can all support the independent businesses of Edinburgh by buying our Christmas gifts locally. 

To find our more visit the official website here.

Edinburgh Zoo’s Christmas Nights  

Edinburgh Zoo is a great place to visit for adults and children alike but this Christmas you are in for a special treat. Edinburgh Zoo’s Christmas Nights are back from 20th November to 3rd January with availability on selected nights only. Embark on an enchanted light trail around the zoo all the way to the North Pole and visit Santa’s workshop. Feel the festive spirit and enjoy the luminous projections and fairy lights! 

Edinburgh Zoo is a short drive away (3.5 miles) from our York Place apartments, or alternatively there is a direct public transport link (number 26) with a bus stop directly on York Place. 

For further information and to buy tickets visit the official website here.

Christmas At The Botanics 

The Royal Botanic Garden is a favourite spot of many locals and visitors and their popular Christmas At The Botanics event is returning this season – running on selected evenings between 2nd December and 3rd January. They have prepared a festive trail of light that will cheer up the whole family. Experience the tunnel of light, the laser garden, watch mesmerizing light projections displayed on the historic Inverleith House and wander along giant luminescent sculptures and much more! 

The Botanic Garden is within walking distance of our York Place apartments – about 1 mile away and can be a part of a nice day out combined with a walk via the Water of Leith walkway, Inverleith Park and Stockbridge. 

For further information and to buy tickets visit the official website here.

Edinburgh Bus Tours 

Are you looking for a family fun day out? Look no further, Edinburgh Bus Tours allow you and your family to see the main visitor attractions at your own pace – you can hop-on and off as you like and explore your preferred sights. The tours leave from St. Andrew’s Square, which is a short walk away from our York Place apartments. A great way to learn something new about Edinburgh and as a bonus you will be able to enjoy some great panoramic views from the top deck as the tour makes its way through the city. 

More information on the tours can be found here.

If you are staying at our apartments during December and have any questions about your stay or Edinburgh in general, please contact us on enquiries@destinationedinburghapartments.co.uk or give our team a call on 0131 556 3840 and we would be happy to help. 

Top Tips for a Day Out in Edinburgh

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Now that we have had some warm and sunny days here in Edinburgh, we would like to share our top tips on how to spend a relaxing day outdoors whilst staying at our apartments in Edinburgh. In this blog you will find out more about:

  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
  • Water of Leith & Dean Village
  • Starbank Park Newhaven

Day Out at Royal Botanic Garden & Picnic at Inverleith Park

The Royal Botanic Garden celebrates 350 years since it first opened its doors. On a total area of 70 acres you will discover a diverse range of plant and tree collections, enjoy a stunning view of Edinburgh’s skyline and you might even spot a squirrel, or two, who also inhabit this peaceful oasis.  You can continue across to the Inverleith Park, located next to the Garden’s West Gate, and stop for a picnic by another great view of the iconic Edinburgh skyline just above the Inverleith Pond. On the way back to the city centre, wander around the streets of Stockbridge and discover shops, cafes and charity shops typical for this part of town. Finally, if you happen to be in Stockbridge on a Sunday, pay a visit to the Stockbridge Market!

 

Walk along the Water of Leith & Dean Village

Another beautiful area to discover is the walkway along the Water of Leith. Just a few minutes away from the city centre, you can join the walkway and enjoy the gems as you follow along. You will come across St Bernard’s Well hidden in an iconic structure dating back over 200 years and dominated by a statute of the Greek Goddess of Health, Hygeia. Back in the day when the well was first discovered, the locals believed the spring water to have healing affects. Moving further away from the city centre, you will pass under the impressive Dean Bridge and in no time, you will reach the Dean Village – a picturesque area that will take you back in time.

Starbank Park & Traditional Seafood in Newhaven

If you feel like venturing a little further out, this beautiful park is in Newhaven, around 2.5 miles from the city centre. The Starbank Park has been restored into its current state by a community-led action group, the Friends of Starbank Park and they have turned it into a favourite spot for local residents. The park has an eye-catching garden full of flowers, plants and even cherry blossom trees. With its unbeatable location, almost at the water-front, it boasts amazing views over the Firth of Forth. To make it a perfect place for a family visit, there is a children’s nature trail and a little library to entertain the little ones. The park is only a couple of minutes’ walk from the Newhaven harbour – you can enjoy the atmosphere of an old fishing harbour and grab a bite to eat.

 

Before your visit, have a quick look online and check if the places you plan to visit require you to book a ticket, or reserve a table, in advance. This way you will be ready to enjoy what the city has got to offer!

Our Favourite Attractions in Edinburgh

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There’s so many things to do in the city, from secret bars to spooky ghost tours, Edinburgh has it all. So to make things a bit easier we’ve put together a list of our must-do’s! Comment below if you think we’ve missed anything critical. Sharing is Caring!

STEEP YOURSELF IN HISTORY AT EDINBURGH CASTLE

Why not get ahead of the crowds and start your day at Edinburgh Castle when it opens at 9.30am. The Castle is set in the heart of the city and the escapade offers a fantastic view. It’s home to the National War Museum and you can see the real Scottish Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny! If you’re still wandering around in the early afternoon, you can see (and of course) hear the famous One O’clock Gun! Afterwards, enjoy exploring the Royal Mile, visiting the various pubs, restaurants, shops and historically significant closes to find the hidden gems.

 

BE FASCINATED BY SURGEONS’ HALL MUSEUM

Take a pit stop halfway down the royal mile and grab some lunch on South Bridge. Make sure you’ve eaten before visiting our next suggestion! Surgeon’s Hall Museum is a real treasure trove of historical surgical tools, mind-boggling paintings and – yes –  an assortment of real body parts, displayed in jars. You may not know but Edinburgh’s dark history of  body snatching allowed for the evolution of medical surgeries. Find out about how many great Scottish minds discovered several medical breakthroughs we still use today.

 

TRAVEL TO THE BEGINNING OF TIME AT DYNAMIC EARTH

Now you’ve experienced some of exciting human history, perhaps it’s time to launch into outer space and see the creation of time itself. Dynamic Earth is a fantastic attraction, suitable for all ages to learn and enjoy. This immersive and interactive adventure takes you on a journey through space and time to learn how the forces of the natural world worked to shape Earth to what we know it to be today. Finish your afternoon off (and rest those feet) watching a short film in their 360-degree cinema dome, its included in your tour price.

 

 

SPEND YOUR TIME, NOT MONEY (IT’S FREE) AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND

We also suggest a visit to the National Museum of Scotland, its easily one of the best indoor attractions in Edinburgh. Even better, it’s free! With over 20,000 unique artifacts to see, you can learn about the story of Scotland and see fascinating exhibits on the natural world, world cultures, science, design and history. Some museum highlights would be the animal exhibit, the fashion & style gallery and watching the millennium clock chime in the hour with its unique musical display.

 

GETTING HUNGRY FOR DINNER INSPIRATION? CHECK OUT OUR SISTER BLOG ‘BEST PLACES TO EAT IN EDINBURGH’ FOR OUR TOP FOODIE FAVORITES.  

 

HAVE A DRAM AT THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE

Head towards the castle from the Royal Mile where you’ll find the Scotch Whisky Experience.  You can honour Scotland’s national (and regularly enjoyed) drink. Whisk around on the barrel ride where you’ll learn all about the whisky making process and behold the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky. Then don’t forget to finish off your tour with a sample of the good stuff!

 

THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA, ITS FIT FOR A QUEEN

Start your day from Princes Street in the city centre, it’s a short ride on the number 22 or 11 to The Royal Yacht Britannia. which according to votes on TripAdvisor , it is one of the UK’s best attractions. We recommend buying a day-ticket for the bus, its only £4.50 this will set you up on as many buses as you would like throughout the day however, alternatively a single is £1.80. Once you arrive at Ocean terminal you can step on board The Queen’s floating Royal residence. On a tour around the yacht you’ll see the engine room, a Rolls Royce and state apartments across the five decks. After the tour, we would recommend taking some time to exploring terminal’s shops, bars and attractions and of course- the Shore of Leith, one of the most fashionable areas to live in Edinburgh.

 

SMELLS THE ROSES AT THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

If you find yourself at the Leith Shore, then you can hop on the number 36 bus and head down Edinburgh’s haven of peace and tranquility. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers visitors 72 acres of stunning scenery and is one of the finest botanic gardens in the world, dating back over 300 years.  Wonder around its wonderful exhibitions, exotic glasshouses and be surrounded by a host of colourful plants, trees and shrubs. Once you’ve soaked up the fresh air, either wander back to the centre through the sophisticated Stockbridge area of New Town or catch the number 27 and 23 bus will drop you back off at Princes Street.

 

IF THERE ARE ANY ATTRACTION WHICH TAKES YOUR FANCY, DON’T HESITATE TO GIVE US A CALL ON 0131 556 3840. WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO ARRANGE TICKETS AND/OR MAKE RESERVATIONS TO SECURE YOUR PLACE AND SAVE QUEUING TIME.  

Edinburgh to host Guardian and Observer Travel Awards 2016

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SS Entry

From the 3rd to 5th March, Edinburgh will host The Guardian and Observer Travel Awards 2016. For more information on the event with regards to itinerary, categories and activities throughout, click on the link above. The “activities” component in particular contains some brilliant ideas for things to do during your stay in Auld Reekie.

Remember if you are not sure of what attractions to visit, please do not hesitate to ask a member of our arrivals staff who will be more than happy to help. And if you are needing help finding accommodation for the duration of this event we have a number of apartments still available