In my travels to see a dear friend of mine, we were heading to Edinburgh to attend a children’s birthday party when her own wee one suddenly found it hard to breathe. Heading into the nearest A&E, the medical team soon revealed that my friend’s two-year-old was low on oxygen; they gave her medication and she needed to be monitored.
A few hours had passed… and the medical team weren’t sure if they wanted to keep the little one in overnight. While the toddler definitely seemed to be in better spirits as her mum, dad and I sat in this windowless hospital room, I enquired if there was a high street nearby. Totally unexpectedly, I was informed that Edinburgh city centre was only a 10-minute drive away.
My friends encouraged me to explore the city of Edinburgh – it’s not like I had been there before.
Venturing into the Scottish Capital, arriving bang on 5pm, I was in awe of the most gorgeous gothic architectural building (Edinburgh Castle) imposing upon the park (Princes Street Gardens).
While sunbathers lounged in the spectacular sunshine, I kept on walking until I came across street musicians performing in front of The National Galleries of Scotland.
I would have loved to have gone inside the art gallery, and The Royal Scottish Academy beside it, but I had arrived too late in Edinburgh city centre.
Nonetheless, there was still plenty of buzz around; the atmosphere was electric – just the way I like it.
There were plenty of bars, eateries and shops open – especially on the pedestrianised Rose Street, the main Princes Street and Grassmarket.
On my adventure around the cultural hub, I found myself joining one of the many historic walking tours on Victoria Street.
The colorful and winding cobblestone lane is said to have inspired the creation of Diagon Alley in the famed Harry Potter books.
Nearby, in Grassmarket, I was told the tale of Half-Hangit Maggie where city dwellers were enjoying boozy pints outside of the Maggie Dicksons bar.
I was told how Maggie Dickson had an illegitimate child, who soon died within a few days of being born. At the time, in 1724, her punishment was to be hung (this is where the tour guide pointed up towards the gallows still attached to the building).
After Maggie was pronounced dead, and her body was bound, she gave the driver (taking her to a burial site) a real shock as she knocked and banged within the wooden coffin.
Maggie, most definitely still alive, was seen to be given the grace of God and continued to live her life with no further punishment.
Astounded by the tale, I continued my walk – separately – when I received a phone call from my friends to say that all is well and they’re coming into the centre for us all to enjoy a nice meal.
While my stay in Edinburgh was short-lived, unexpected and awe-inspiring, it’s definitely a city that has it all – culture, historical significance, lots to do, and a brilliant atmosphere that makes me want to go back in a heartbeat.