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Edinburgh Zoo
Corstorphine Road, 334 9171. Daily 9am—6pm. £6.80 (£3.80—£4.80); family ticket £19—£23.50. Widely accepted as one of the finest zoos in Britain, there’s plenty here to while away an afternoon, or even a whole day if you take your 'time. The penguin parade at 2pm is a must and the newly-built African plains afford a fantastic view of the city. For details of temporary exhibitions, see Edinburgh Art Listings page 82.
Georgian House
7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, 225 2160.
Mon-Sat 10am—5pm; Sun 2—5pm. £4.40 (£2.90). Experience a period Georgian house, giving a taste of life in Edinburgh when the New Town was built. Closes in Winter, re-opens 1 Apr. Last admission 4.30pm. Special offer throughout 2000 — up to three children under eighteen go free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Gorgie City Farm
51 Gorgie Road, 337 4202. Daily 9.30am-4.30pm. Free. Bringing country life to the heart of the city. this working farm houses a host of farmyard animals including ponies, pigs and goats. Other facilities include a children’s play area, cafe and workshop, wildlife garden, farm tractors and an interpretation centre, plus a full programme of supervised activities for children and adults.
Huntly House 142 Canongate, 529 4143. Mon—Sat 10am—5pm. Free. Packed with historic artefacts, this restored 16th century mansion tells the story of [Edinburgh‘s past and its people and houses important collections of Edinburgh silver and glass, Scottish pottery and shop signs.
Mary King’s Close Tours
Meet at Mercat Cross (beside St Giles' Cathedral), 225 6591. Times vary — advance booking necessary. £5 (£4—children £3). Literally a trip to
Scottish Holistic Health Festival
Edinburgh’s underworld, Mary King’s Close is part of a now subterranean network of streets, walled off in the middle ages during an outbreak of the plague. Visit the restored (or at least made stable and safe) street and hear the horror stories of the residents left to die.
Museum Of Childhood
42 High Street, 529 4142. Mon—Sat I0am—5pm. Free. Founded in 1955, the museum has five public galleries with all manner of archive material and old toys relating to childhood through the ages. From antique dolls to 1980s computer games, there’s plenty here to send you off on a trip down memory lane.
Museum Of Scotland
Chambers Street, 247 4219. Mon—Sat 10am-5pm; Sun noon—5pm; Tue 10am—8pm. £3 (£1.50); children under 18 free. Devoted solely to the history and heritage of Scotland, the building contains five thematically-arranged exhibitions, moving from pre-history, through the Industrial Revolution, to the present day, at which point national heroes such as Billy Connolly and Elaine C. Smith get involved. For details of temporary exhibitions, see Edinburgh Art Listings page 82.
National War Museum Of Scotland Edinburgh Castle, 225 7534. Daily 9.45am—5.30pm. £7 (£2—£5). Opens Tue 18 Apr. Iloused within Edinburgh Castle, the former Scottish United Services Museum re-opens this year after major refurbishment. Six new galleries have been added to the national collections, exploring military influence in the last 400 years of Scottish history and presenting the experience of the individual Scot in war and peace. Admission to the Museum is included in the admission price to the Castle.
Newhaven Heritage Museum Newhaven Harbour, 551 4165. Mon—Sun noon—5pm. Free. Memorabilia and
What's it all about? This new week-long event is a celebration of the holistic
approach to health.
And more specifically? After a ceremonial opening by The Venerable Lama Yeshe Losal, there will be workshops and talks covering a vast range of subjects including yoga, nutrition, Celtic mythology and even a look at your spiritual DNA. Sounds a bit ’alternative'. . . It is and that’s no bad thing, but if you need persuading further, go along to the discussion entitled ’Paving Pathways — Where Orthodox & Complementary Meet’ (ore-booking required) where a distinguished
panel Will look at the future of medicine.
Any particular highlights? On Sat 22 and Sun 23 July, the festival’s exhibition opens to the public free of charge, with lots of stalls to browse among, and you can enjoy treatments such as Indian head massage, reflexology and reiki at £5 (£2.50) for a half hour session. Sun evening culminates with a concert from the Clarsach $00er of Scotland and a charity ceilidh dance.
2222:; Scottish Holistic Health Festival, Sun l6—Sun 23 Jul, Edinburgh City Chambers, High Street/Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, For information phone
5572649
reconstructed scenes tell the story of Newhaven and its sea-going heritage, from its origins as a naval dockyard to its continued use as a fishing port. For details of temporary exhibitions, see Edinburgh Art Listings page 82.
Old Town Weaving Company
555 Castlehill, Royal Mile, 226 1555. Mon—Sat 9am—5.30pm; Sun 10am—5pm. £4 (children £1); family ticket £8. Watch tartan appear before your eyes at this weaving wonderland. You’ll get the chance to try your hand on a real loom and visit two mixed-media exhibitions, Story Of Weaving and Highland Dress Through The Ages. And if you’re feeling brave you can dress up in ancient Scottish costume and have your photie taken.
Palace Of Holyroodhouse
Royal Mile, 556 1096. Daily 9.30am—6pm (last admission 5.15pm). £5.50 (£2.70—£4); family ticket £13.50. Starting life as a 13th century abbey, the palace has evolved into a sumptuous regal residence crammed full of paintings and artefacts dating back primarily to the 17th century. The tower apartments housed a sad and lonely Mary Queen of Scots for a time, but with a spectacular view ofArthur’s Seat, and magnificent gardens to look at, it’s hard to feel too sorry for her.
Rosslyn Chapel
Roslin, 440 2159. Mon—Sat 10am—5pm; Sun noon—4.45pm. £3 (£2.50—children £1). What you get out of a trip to Rosslyn Chapel may depend on your familiarity with books of the conspiracy theorist genre: a stronghold for the Knights Templar?; proof of pre-Columbian trans- Atlantic travel'?; even the final resting place of the Holy Orail'?!? What is certain though is that the chapel contains enough historically fascinating carvings and symbols to hold the attention of even the most determined philistine.
Royal Botanic Garden
lnverleith Row. 552 7171. Daily 9.30am—7pm. Free. A sea of tranquillity in the hubbub of the city, the Botanic Garden is home to a wealth of flora and fauna from all over the world. The glasshouses give you the opportunity to check out tropical plants as well. The site also hosts art exhibitions, horticultural courses and various countryside events, including daily guided walks in the summer. For details of temporary exhibitions, see Edinburgh Art Listings page 82.
Royal Museum
2 Chambers Street, 247 4219. Mon—Sat 10am—5pm; Sun noon—5pm; Tue 10am—8pm. £3 (£1.50—children under £18 free). A 19th century museum housing international collections of natural history, geology, science, technology and the decorative arts, plus two permanent exhibitions: Art & Industry and The Ivy Wu Gallery. For details of temporary exhibitions, see Edinburgh Art Listings page 82.
Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean Drive, Leith, 555 5566. Daily 10.30am—6pm (last entry 4.30pm). £7.50 (£3.75—£5.75); family ticket £20. The former royal yacht has opened its doors to members of the public after a £25 million refit. The on-shore visitor centre contains historical information on the boat and its furnishings while, on the yacht itself, members of the public can have a good nosy round the royals’ former quarters.
Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, 220 0441. Daily 10am—5pm (last admission 4.15pm). £5.50 (£2.75—£3.85); family ticket £13.50. Take a romp through the traditions and history of yer national drink at this fully
listings EDINBURGH lIFE
interactive attraction. Highlights include a lesson from a ghost master-blender, a barrel-car ride through whisky history and a well-stocked bar in which to test your newly-acquired expertise.
Shaping A Nation
Fountainpark, Dundee Street, 229 1706. Mon—Sat 10am—5pm; Sun 11am—5pm. £5.50 (£4); family ticket £16. The newest addition to the Fountainpark complex provides a fresh look at Scotland’s heritage. Interactive displays and computers give a ‘hands-on’ feel to the attraction, exploring the inventors and innovators who have made Scotland great. The finishing touch is a themed journey on the Turbo Ride.
St Giles' Cathedral
Royal Mile, 225 9442. Mon—Sat 9am—5pm; Sun 1—5pm. Founded in the 1100s, this church has witnessed executions, riots and celebrations. With spectacular stained glass windows, ornate stonework and guided tours it’s a good starting point for exploring the Royal Mile, or if you’re feeling in need of spiritual rejuvenation go along to one of their regular services or music events.
The People's Story
Canongate Tolbooth, 163 Canongate, 529 4057. Mon—Sat 10am—5pm. I -:e. Situated in the Canongate Toliooth, the sights, sounds and even smells of Edinburgh folk from the 18th century onwards are faithfully reproduced.
The Turbo Ride
Fountainpark, Dunlee Street, 229 1706. Mon—Thu I0am—l0pm; Fri & Sat 10am—11pm; Sun Ham—10pm. £3.50 (£2.75); family ticket £10. Step on board the world’s most exciting motion simulator for a thrilling ride. Using flight simulation technology, digital sound and a five storey high screen, the Turbo Ride throws you right into the middle of all the action, in films such as Dino Island and Red Rock Run.
Water Of Leith Visitor Centre
24 Lanark Road, 455 7367. Daily 10am—4pm. Discover everything there is to know about the 24 mile journey the Water of Leith takes from the Pentland Hills to Leith, through interactive displays and video panels. The visitor centre is the ideal starting point for a stroll along the Walkway where you can spot a wide diversity of plants and wildlife.
Writers' Museum
Lady Stair’s House, Lady Stair’s Close, 529 4901. Mon—Sat 10am—5pm. Free. A treasure-house of items relating to three of Scotland’s most famous writers: Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert T is and Sir Walter Scott. For details ( temporary exhibitions, see Edint Listings page 82.
OUTSIDE THE CITIES 7
Stirling Highland Games Sun 9 Jul, £4 (£2). Bridgehaugh Park. Causewayhead Road, Stirling, 01786 478866. A ‘ traditional Highland games, featuring heavyweight events, piping and dancing. plus the Civil Service Sports UK Tug-o- war Championship.
Tyninghame Gardens Open Day Sun 9 Jul, I—Spm. £2 (children free). Tyninghame Ilouse. Dunbar, 01620 861139. Enjoy a stroll through the gardens of Tyninghame Ilouse. complete with Romanesque Ruins, walled garden and an apple tree tunnel. Funds raised go to Imperial Cancer Research. Millennium Festival Of Flight Air Show Sat 15—Sun 16 Jul, 9am—6pm. Museum Of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, Iladdington, 01620 880308. A bumper edition of Scotland’s biggest civil air show.
Art
6—20 Jul 2000 THE “ST 89