Recently in Edinburgh Category

While it doesn't quite rival Paris or New York, Edinburgh is a fashion capital in its own right, with a population of smartly-dressed people and plenty of trendy shops and boutiques. And this winter, it's also the setting for a tribute to a designer so revered that she was known as the "world's greatest dressmaker." Jean Muir: a Fashion Icon is on display at the National Museum of Scotland through March 15, 2009, chronicling her emergence on the fashion scene and subsequent success in the 1960's. The collection includes rare samples from her first label, Jane and Jane, where she developed her signature minimalist style, along with pieces from Jean Muir Ltd., which used signature fabrics, brighter colors, and more technically complex designs. And for those who'd like to try their own hand at fashion design, Muir's sketchbooks and original patterns show how her sophisticated outfits were able to leap from the page to the runway without missing a beat. While her dresses were decidedly high-style, they were designed for the ready-to-wear market, endearing her to a generation of women who had never before felt so free to dress fashionably. It doesn't get classier than that. The museum is a twenty minute walk from the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.

[image via National Museum of Scotland]

It's almost time for Edinburgh Festival, the largest collection of arts festivals in the world. Every August, singers, musicians, comedians, magicians, filmmakers, photographers, scientists, librarians, and people who defy category gather in this ancient Scottish city to put on an amazingly diverse set of performances that's like no other. Fans of traditional classical music, opera, dance, and theater come in droves to the Edinburgh International Festival, which this year features the Budapest Festival Orchestra, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, and a performance of Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart by Malthouse Melbourne. Also, included will be a Discover Kymaerica talk by Charles and Ray Eames' grandson, Eames Demetrios, who is currently chronicling his journey to Edinburgh on youtube. Other August festivals include the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, but the party veers sharply toward the wild and weird when the Edinburgh Fringe gets going. Look out for stilt-walkers, shamans, fire-eaters, jugglers, and deejays playing eclectic electronic music to crowds of screaming fans. It's sensory overload in the best way. Guests at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh will no doubt find a performance or three to enjoy.

Over Easter weekend (March 21-23, 2008), the Scottish town of Hawick will host one of the UK's most exciting historical festivals, the Hawick Reivers Festival. Situated near the English border, Hawick and the surrounding area was the setting for many fierce battles between the two nations, and, beginning in the 13th century, various clans in the area emerged as forces to be reckoned with in their own right. The Border Reivers, as they're known, included both Scottish and English families who took to raiding for cattle, sheep, and other provisions to survive the destitution wrought by constant war. Rather than being seen as criminals, the reivers were perceived by their countrymen to be merely protecting their families from a corrupt and bellicose monarchy. This year's festival is the biggest ever, featuring historical reenactments, equestrian events, period music and entertainment, and all kinds of food and drink. A reivers encampment will be set up at Wilton Lodge Park with special displays of falconry and archery, along with a 16th-century market, lunchtime concert, and torchlight procession. There's even a special beer brewed for the occasion, the 2008 Reivers Ale, which is probably tastier than the stuff quaffed by the original reivers. The festival is just 40 miles from the luxurious Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.

The poet Robert Burns (1759-1796) is Scotland's most famous scribe, inspiring great pride among Scots with poems such as Tam O'Shanter and My Luve is Like a Red, Red Rose. And even though Burns passed away more than 200 years ago, his birthday is celebrated every January 25th at libraries, restaurants, pubs, and castles throughout the country. Burns Night, as it is now known, is an evening of readings, lectures, toasts, and special Burns Suppers that honor the great writer and his work. Guests at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh will find plenty of Burns Night festivities at the pubs along the Royal Mile and narrow streets of the Old Town, but to really celebrate it in style, make a reservation for the special Burns Night 2008 gala at Stirling Castle, less than an hour away from the hotel.

The evening begins when a piper welcomes guests to a drinks reception in the Chapel Royal, with background music provided by a harp and flute duo. Dinner in the Great Hall features traditional Burns Night fare such as neeps (mashed turnips), tatties (potatoes), and, of course, haggis. What's haggis? Well, the short answer is lamb's offal (lungs, liver, and heart) minced with herbs and spices and packed into a sheep's stomach and cooked. Sure, it sounds strange, but it's also Scotland's best-known dish, and one that Burns himself celebrated in his famous Address to a Haggis. But don't worry, if the idea of eating haggis doesn't appeal to you, they also serve delicious fillet of Scottish beef and other fine cuisine. Due to popular demand, Burns Night at Stirling Castle will be celebrated on two consecutive nights, January 24 and 25, so make reservations now for this interesting event. It's a great way to welcome in the new year, especially considering that Burns wrote the classic New Year's song Auld Land Syne.

[image via National Library of Scotland]