The "hidden city" in Scotland refers to the extensive, subterranean network of 17th-century streets, alleyways ("closes"), and vaults buried beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town, notably The Real Mary King's Close and the Blair Street Underground Vaults. These areas were enclosed in the 18th century as the city built upwards, creating a hidden,, multi-level world beneath modern streets.
Descend into a section of Edinburgh's legendary Underground City, where a population once lived in utter misery. Forgotten for centuries and only recently unsealed, this part of the vaults is known as Damnation Alley.
We are situated on the Royal Mile, across from the magnificent St. Giles' Cathedral and the Mercat Cross. Look for the flags and arches of Edinburgh City Chambers, and we're right next door.
Yes, Edinburgh has streets, vaults and tunnels beneath its surface, which are sometimes referred to as an underground city. Some of them are now popular tourist attractions, while others remain closed off and hidden from view. Here are some key underground locations in Edinburgh…
Take the foot ferry to Iona and step off onto one of Scotland's most sacred sites. This tiny island by Mull has been a vibrant centre of Christian worship ever since St Columba arrived in AD 563. Columba's monastery survived until the end of the 12th century, despite repeated Viking raids.
The Findhorn Foundation and surrounding Findhorn Ecovillage community at The Park, Findhorn, a village in Moray, Scotland, and at Cluny Hill in Forres, is now home to more than 400 people. The Findhorn Foundation and the surrounding community have no formal doctrine or creed.
The smallest city in Scotland by population is Stirling, often called the "Gateway to the Highlands," with around 37,000 people, though larger towns like Paisley exist, they lack official city status. Stirling gained city status in 2002 and is known for its historic castle, despite being the most diminutive in terms of residents among Scotland's eight cities.
Unfortunately less than half of the £42,000 required was raised in a public appeal, and only 12 columns were finished, leading to the monument's nickname a 'National Disgrace'.
Raised in Catholic France, Mary's faith was unwavering. Upon her return to Scotland, she initially aligned herself with Protestant factions to stabilise her reign. However, her marriage in 1565 to Henry, Lord Darnley, a fellow Catholic, reignited religious tensions and political unrest in her homeland.
The Real Mary King's Close. Beneath the City Chambers on the Royal Mile lies Edinburgh's deepest secret a warren of hidden streets where real people lived, worked and died between the 17th and the 19th centuries.
Dean Village is a charming and picturesque neighborhood located in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. The village is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, including quaint stone cottages, old watermills, and winding cobblestone streets.
Are you afraid of the dark? Edinburgh has a colourful and gruesome past and is home to some of the most haunted places in the world. The ancient, narrow streets of the city's old town provide the perfect setting for some of the haunted stories and tours around the city.
Edinburgh's famous foods center on hearty Scottish staples like Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, creamy soups such as Cullen Skink, classic baked goods like Shortbread & Tablet, comforting pies like the Scotch Pie, and fresh seafood, alongside unique deep-fried treats and the iconic national drink, Irn-Bru.
No, the Harry Potter movies were not filmed in Edinburgh, but the city was a huge source of inspiration for J.K. Rowling, influencing characters, settings, and names. While you won't find actual film sets, Edinburgh offers many magical spots like Victoria Street (rumored Diagon Alley), Greyfriars Kirkyard (inspiration for names like Tom Riddle), and The Elephant House café (where she wrote).
The 2020 SIMD found that the most deprived Datazone in Scotland is in part of Greenock in Inverclyde with an Overall Multiple Deprivation rank of 1, and the least-deprived Datazone in Scotland is in part of Stockbridge in Edinburgh, with an Overall Deprivation rank of 6,976.
The "best" town in Scotland depends on your priorities, but recent studies often highlight North Berwick (coastal charm, close to Edinburgh), Bridge of Allan/Dunblane (scenic beauty, good amenities near Stirling), and Kirkintilloch (history, countryside, Glasgow links) for quality of life, while others praise Angus towns like Montrose or Forfar for affordability with good connections, and Livingston for amenities near Edinburgh.
In Findhorn, a community deeply impacted by Brexit, COVID-19, and energy challenges, resilience shines through adversity. Devastated by the loss of their community center and sanctuary to fire, they faced further setbacks as operations ceased in November 2023, marking the winding down of the Findhorn Foundation.
Scotland is a country within the multinational state of the United Kingdom. Following centuries as an independent nation, in 1707 the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of political union with England.
Findhorn Bay Holiday Park—accommodation at Ecovillage Findhorn in eco-chalets, holiday caravans, a mobility caravan, and eco-cabin. The site also provides an area for tents, touring caravans and camper vans with electric hook-ups. Findhorn Village Youth Hostel—available for groups and backpackers.
