Edinburgh - Gateway To Scotland
Edinburgh City Region represents one of the best connected areas
of Scotland, with a highly developed transport infrastructure linking the region to
the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond. That’s why 50% of all
visitors to Scotland come to Edinburgh as part of their trip.
With a rapidly expanding International Airport, two mainline
train stations, vast road network, European ferry service,
excellent bus and coach services and plans to develop a tram
system, getting into and around the city region could hardly be
easier. The city’s airport, situated just eight miles from the
centre of the city, serves over 80 destinations worldwide. For
those who prefer rail travel, the East Coast mainline takes rail
passengers from London right into the heart of the city.
To complement their Edinburgh vacation, many visitors choose to
explore wider Scotland. There’s something for everyone, from modern
cities to medieval landscapes.
Looking further afield from the Scottish Capital, the thriving
city of Glasgow is just 50 minutes from Edinburgh by train. Famed
for its shopping, nightlife and links to the worlds of art and
fashion, Glasgow is an attractive day out. There are also the
historic cities of Stirling, Perth and St Andrews to explore – all
are within an hour’s travel time from Edinburgh.
Further north, the Highlands and Islands offer spectacular,
unspoilt mountains, lochs and beaches. They are home to iconic
sights such as the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Ben Nevis (Britain’s
highest mountain). Accessible by train, sea, air and road, the
Scottish Highlands and Islands are a dramatic holiday destination
enjoyed by visitors from around the world.
Closer to home, the magnificent landscape of the Loch Lomond and
the Trossachs National Park is just over an hour’s travel by car
from Edinburgh. The area is characterised by picturesque lochs,
wild glens, high mountains and deep forests.
South of Scotland, and easily accessible from the city, the
Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway represent a land of
ancient abbeys, castles and historic houses. The region boasts
connections with Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott and has a
long-standing tradition of rugby.
