Edinburgh, Scotland — City Information
City Facts
- Location
- Lothians, eastern Scotland, United Kingdom.
- Time Zone
- GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
- Electricity
- 240 volts AC, 50Hz; square three-pin plugs are standard.
- Average January Temperatures
- 3°C (37.5°F).
- Average July Temperatures
- 14.5°C (58°F).
- Average Annual Rainfall
- 480mm (18.5 inches).
- Language
- English is the first language of most Scottish people. However, Gaelic is still spoken by a few, most usually in the Highlands and on the Islands. As one (Scottish) visitor was heard to say while visiting Edinburgh’s Museum of Scotland, ‘Why do you have Gaelic [audio guides] when only ten people in the country speak the language?’
Cost of Living
| 1.00 USD = 0.62 GBP |
| 1.00 EUR = 0.87 GBP |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
Special Events
The Loony Dook
January
Bringing in the New Year with a chilly swim in the Forth.
South Queensferry
Website: www.theloonydook.co.uk
Six Nations Rugby
February/March
Rugby tournament with teams from Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Italy and England.
Murrayfield
Website: www.rbs6nations.com
Edinburgh International Science Festival
April
Celebration of science and technology.
Various venues
Website: www.sciencefestival.co.uk
Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition
November/December
Showcase for work by Academicians and other Scottish artists.
The Mound
Website: www.royalscottishacademy.org
Royal Highland Show
June
Agricultural show.
Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston
Website: www.royalhighlandshow.org
Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival
July/August
International jazz and blues festival.
Various venues
Website: www.edinburghjazzfestival.co.uk
Edinburgh Military Tattoo
August
Military parades, music and dancing celebrating its diamond jubilee in 2010.
Edinburgh Castle
Website: www.edintattoo.co.uk
Edinburgh International Festival
August
Theater, dance and classical music festival.
Various venues
Website: www.eif.co.uk
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
August
Stand-up comedy, amateur theater, and practically everything else.
Various venues
Website: www.edfringe.com
Edinburgh International Book Festival
August
Authors from Scotland and around the world meet their readers.
Charlotte Square Gardens
Website: www.edbookfest.co.uk
Edinburgh International Film Festival
June
A vibrant mix of established film talent and the stars of the future.
Various venues
Website: www.edfilmfest.org.uk
Edinburgh Mela
August
Music, dancing and entertainment from around the world
Pilrig Park
www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk
Hogmanay
December
Massive New Year party on Princes Street, complete with top bands and fireworks from the Castle at midnight.
City center
Website: www.edinburghshogmanay.org
