Edinburgh

Voted as one of the best cities to live in, buying or letting a property in Edinburgh can give you the bustle of city life intertwined with Scottish culture and history. With popular historical sites such as Edinburgh castle, Holyrood Palace and Greyfriars Kirkyard close by, there are days out to be had right on your doorstep and plenty of places to explore.

Home to the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, along with the Edinburgh Book Festival and International Film Festival, Edinburgh is a cultural hub of artistic talent. In 2004, it became the UNESCO City of Literature in the world, partly because of its relationship with literary heroes, such as J.K Rowling, Robert Burns and Ian Rankin, who have found inspiration from walking the cobbled streets and frequenting some of the local eateries.

Edinburgh is also famous for its brilliant gastronomical culture, and its streets are packed full of fantastic restaurants, bars and cafes that you can dive into after spending a day out shopping or visiting some of the historical landmarks. Dig into classic Scottish flavours or sample cuisines from around the world, but don’t forget to book a trip to one of the local whisky-tasting sessions, held in one of the many distilleries across the city.

Along with promenades full of designer outlets, such as Hugo Boss, Burberry, Jo Malone and Whistles, Princes Street and George’s street are the main places to go to for shopping opportunities, featuring brands such as John Lewis and Harvey Nichols, along with a range of speciality shops, delis and bakeries.

Despite it being a city, Edinburgh has plenty of nature to escape to, from parks and designated green spaces to beaches, making it a great area for raising families. Take a hike to Arthurs Seat (the ancient volcano which is the main peak in the city) or wander around the Royal Botanical Gardens, which is worth visiting whatever the season. Travel options in and around Edinburgh are also good, with Haymarket and Waverley rail stations all accessible via bus links or trams.

Education is a huge part of Edinburgh's history and many students have the privilege of learning in some of the oldest buildings in the city or studying in one of the many well-stocked libraries. As well as Edinburgh University, there are plenty of private and public schools situated in the local area, including Edinburgh Academy, attended by the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson and South Morningside Primary School.