“We just named the Scottish capital the world’s most beautiful, walkable and generally bloody excellent place to visit”, (Time Out, 2022)
Conference Location: Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a captivating destination for conferences and exploration. It is undeniably one of the world's great capital cities and a must-visit location in Scotland, often referred to as the "Athens of the North." The city boasts a prominent position in business, finance, and education, and it houses the first Scottish Parliament in centuries, exuding energy and excitement from every corner.
Edinburgh is a cosmopolitan city in every aspect, renowned as Europe's festival capital. Throughout the year, millions of visitors are attracted to the city for a multitude of extraordinary social and scientific events. It encompasses a blend of contrasts, from its hilly landscapes to its picturesque shoreline. The city seamlessly combines a rich historical heritage with a thoroughly modern atmosphere. Medieval structures coexist with striking contemporary buildings, and traditional craftsmanship intermingles with cutting-edge fashion. The city's original pubs and modern restaurants attract a diverse range of people from around the world, contributing to its vibrant and dynamic character.
The city's magnificent architecture transitions from the towering buildings of the medieval Old Town, stretching along the Royal Mile, to the elegant Georgian New Town. Overlooking it all, the majestic Castle stands in all its glory. Exploring the city reveals hidden alleyways, ancient courtyards, and charming narrow streets, each offering a fresh perspective. Despite its grandeur, Edinburgh remains compact and bustling, ensuring that every visitor is rewarded with a unique experience.
Every step taken in Edinburgh is a revelation, whether it's discovering an alleyway leading to a historic courtyard or wandering down a narrow street that reveals a breath-taking view. The city's sweeping elegance is complemented by its vibrant atmosphere, making it a place that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.
Edinburgh has a pleasant and stable climate throughout the year, free from extreme weather conditions that could disrupt plans or events. Between April and September, the temperatures are moderate and comparable to other cities in Europe. The amount of rainfall in Edinburgh is similar to that of Frankfurt, New York, and Rome. A typical day in Edinburgh starts with a clear, blue sky, offering warmth and pleasantness during the summer, but winters can bring a chilly frost. It is advisable to bring a sweater due to the possibility of variable weather conditions.
“There is no such thing as bad weather in Scotland, only the wrong clothes for the occasion”.
Scotland
Scotland, with its dramatic and ever-changing landscapes, has been a source of inspiration for generations of travellers. Its breathtaking scenery is deeply intertwined with a rich historical heritage. The numerous castles nestled in the rolling hills along the border serve as reminders of the struggles against English raiders. The ruins and settlements along the west coast and in the Highlands were once thriving centres of Celtic culture, which can still be discovered today. The allure of this mythology is matched by the rugged magnificence of historic glens, where fierce battles were once waged.
Most of this captivating beauty is easily accessible, thanks to excellent rail connections to the north and west, as well as a network of peaceful roads spanning the entire country. There are castles, stately homes, museums, and gardens waiting to be explored. Scotland's distinctive craft industries are also open to all, offering a wide range of options, including cashmere and tartans, glassware and silverware. Additionally, many distilleries are delighted to welcome curious and thirsty visitors through their doors.
Scotland's towns and cities have their own unique attractions. Along the East Neuk of Fife and extending to Aberdeen and beyond, a series of fishing ports, rocky cliffs, and sheltered beaches offer the joys of seaside pleasures. To the west lies Glasgow, boasting impressive art collections and museums, while further north is the vibrant cultural centres of Perth and Inverness, which have been nurturing Highland traditions for generations. St Andrews, renowned as the birthplace of golf, is just an hour's drive from the city centre of Edinburgh.