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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, a vast road network, excellent bus and coach services and plans to develop a tram system, getting into and around the city region could hardly be easier. Edinburgh Airport, situated just eight miles from the city centre, 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 of which 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.

The Scottish Borders landscape

I love Scotland, you guys really know how to throw a great party.

Missy Elliot, Singer, (2003)

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