Introduction to the Second
Edition (2026)
Much of this book is about past history. That has not changed. But in the
eleven years since it was first written much of the first edition turns out to
be wrong and out of date. Readers are recommended to turn left at a building
which no longer exists. The National Gallery has been reorganised and rehung.
The trams are no longer new, and we have moved house, which has led to the
addition of an entirely new chapter.
On the day I visited three excellent museums, to check what might have
changed, I found that in each one an exhibit I mentioned as a highlight was no
longer on show. This is bound to happen, and is no discredit on the curators.
They will have far more objects stored than they can have space to exhibit;
things get swapped round.
But I am still very glad that we moved here, over fifty years ago, and
love living here. As with the first edition, I have tried to write the sort of
book I would like if I were visiting the city. It concentrates mainly, though
not exclusively, on things to see that are free. It does not reproduce all the material
which is posted on signs and notices, though it may call your attention to them.
It most certainly leaves the way open for more books and for longer visits;
Edinburgh is a life-time study. But my book is certainly cheaper than most, if
you buy the on-line version.
The absence of maps in the first edition was commented on unfavourably.
So I have made one for each route. They are not masterpieces of the
cartographer's art and they miss out lots of streets that are not on the
particular route, but I hope they add a little to the convenience of the book. One
feature of the city that can confuse first-time visitors is the steep slopes
and bridges, so that “obvious” turns right and left are not possible.
I also believe that now that smart phones have become more or less
universal – not least for google maps – there is not really any need to put in
opening times, admission prices and so on, all of which may rapidly change. I
have decided not to include web addresses, as I did in the first edition for
you, I am sure, can find them just as fast for yourselves.
The first edition had one hostile review: “Would like more about the
history of the city and not so much about coffee shops”. This is so bizarre I
assume it was written by a “friend”, or possibly by a former pupil. If you want
more about the history of the city, there are a few recommendations in the
Introduction to the First Edition. If you want to read stuff I have written try
looking on Amazon Kindle for Lectures in Scottish History by George Harris. The
defect that embarrasses me a little is the omission of Leith, a most vibrant
and interesting part of the burgh. But I do have a principle of only writing
about what I know and have absorbed over years. Any chapter on Leith (do go
there) would be based on hasty scissors-and-paste work.
Edinburgh is well served by buses, and the drivers are friendly. These
are the red buses. The green ones go out of town. Single journeys right now
cost: Adult - £2.20; Under 15 - £1.10; Under 5 – free. Day tickets (often your
best choice): Adult - £5.50; 5-15 - £2.75; Family (up to 2 adults and 3
children) £12.00.
