Edinburgh ‘mine own romantic town’

The biggest ever gathering of the Clans will begin this Saturday in Holyrood Park at the foot of the famous Royal Mile in Edinburgh's Old Town. The Scotsman reported on July 18, that an estimated 20,000 people are expected to head to the two day Festival.

The awakening of a Scottish consciousness illustrated by the pride with which members of the clans attending the Gathering will wear their respective tartans owes much to one man - Sir Walter Scott, the great Scottish historical novelist and patriot.

Scott was charged with organising the visit of King George IV to Edinburgh in 1822, the first the Scottish capital in nearly 150 years. (Since King Charles I visited Edinburgh in 1633). Scott insisted that all the gentlemen, who attended events at which the King would be present, should wear kilts.

Traditionally, Highlanders had worn kilts, not Lowlanders. Scott's actions helped to develop a distinct visible national Scottish identity. His great historical novels collectively known as the 'Waverley novels' are set throughout Scotland, from The Pirate (Shetland, 1821) to The Heart of Midlothian (Edinburgh, 1818). These novels helped further develop that identity.

Scott is commemorated with a monument in West Princes Street Gardens (pictured above). Edinburgh's main railway station, Waverley, is named after the first of the series of novels previously mentioned. He referred to Edinburgh, his home town, as 'mine own romantic town'.

The BBC website forecasts heavy rain for Edinburgh on Sunday. Some Long-time Edinburgh residents go out with a range of clothing to cope with the vagaries of the weather. Even in late the height of summer, a sea mist - colloquially known as the haar - will sweep in off the sea. It is a good idea to take a small telescopic umbrella, a jack in-a-pack type coat, along with an extra layer or two.

The well prepared traveller can still enjoy the best of Edinburgh whatever the weather. Discover more about the rich life of Sir Walter Scott with two Walk Talk Tours Edinburgh travel guides and you will have the flexibility to stop and start as the conditions dictate.

Visitors to the Gathering can hear about the rich history of Edinburgh's Old Town with the Royal Mile & More Edinburgh audio guide. Listeners to the Royal Mile & More Edinburgh audio guide will hear about the city's most famous canine, Greyfriars Bobby. See and hear where Robert Burns' truelove is buried. To hear an audio sample from the Edinburgh audio walking tour please click here.