Scenes From Scotland: Edinburgh and North Berwick

Scenes From Scotland: Edinburgh and North Berwick
Edinburgh Castle and part of the Old Town. Kim Traynor/Public Domain
M. James Ward
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I’ve been to Scotland several times and my visits have often coincided with the playing of golf’s oldest major event, The Open Championship. Amazingly, this tournament has been in existence since 1860. Scotland is actually known as the “home of golf,” but that is only one of its many attractions.

When in this spirited country I love taking in the many offerings provided by Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital and second-largest city. Edinburgh is rich in history and like any other major metropolis has an array of various attractions as well as a wide choice of shops and restaurants.

This city buzzes with young people attending the various universities within its midst. Incredibly, 43 percent of the population has a degree of one kind or another. And while Edinburgh embraces its past, the concentration of young people gives it a lively feel and a contemporary flavour.

No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a stop at Edinburgh Castle. Situated on Castle Rock, a volcanic plug in the middle of the city, the historic fortress dominates the skyline. It was built in the 12th century, with the earliest human settlement on the rock dating back to the 2nd century.

Old College at the University of Edinburgh, which was founded in 1852, making it the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world. Edinburgh has long been known as a centre of education. (Kim Traynor/Public Domain)
Old College at the University of Edinburgh, which was founded in 1852, making it the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world. Edinburgh has long been known as a centre of education. Kim Traynor/Public Domain
M. James Ward
M. James Ward
Author
Ward is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and Met Golf Writers Association. He has covered over 100 major championships and 12 Ryder Cup Matches. His golf acumen extends to architecture/travel, equipment, apparel, and general interest stories as well as in-depth interviews with the leading participants and influencers in the sport.
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