Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is built on an extinct volcano. The port of South Queensferry is located 18km east of Edinburgh. The Old Town is a maze of alleys and cobbled streets filled with historic castles, museums and cathedrals. After the Act of Union of 1707, Scotland joined England and many wealthy people abandoned Edinburgh for London. The Georgian terraces of the New Town were built with the aim of attracting them again. Both the Old City and the New Town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In August, Edinburgh hosts the Frindge Art Festival and the Military Tattoo.
The banks of Scotland issue their own currency which is at parity with the pound sterling.
Watch out for the rain. In July and August, there may be mosquitoes. Bring mosquito repellent.