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Classy Edinburgh or cutting edge Glasgow -- Which style are you?
Get set for a high-fashion fling in Scotland.
By Ryan Jennings
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Your guide Edinburgh-based film producer Catherine Aitken started making handbags with local mohair and Harris Tweed as a promotional tool for her production company until the demand for her designs warranted setting up an online boutique, www.catherineaitken.com. "The muted and jewelled colours of the gorgeous textiles emulate the Scottish landscape," says Aitken. "They make you think of everything from the elegance of country ladies to that glorious Brigadoon notion of Scotland." Aitken's film Afterlife won the Standard Life Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2003.
Big picture Beautiful architecture, lush, colourful gardens, cobblestone streets and Scotland's most famous castle perched high on a rock overlooking
the country's capital. In August, the city is packed with jazz, film and book events, not to mention the hugely popular comedy and theatrical Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Edinburgh International Festival -- one of the largest arts gatherings in the world -- is also held in August.
The vibe "Edinburgh has a classic feel -- a sort of buttoned-up style," says Aitken. "It's a rich city, but it's country rich, not snobbish. Women pay attention to detail. How well a garment is made is more important than whether it's the latest style. But there's also a saying about Edinburgh women -- that they're all ‘fur coats and no knickers'!"
What to take Sensible shoes, for traversing the cobblestone streets, and a jacket. "It's always windy in Edinburgh, even in summer," says Aitken. "Very rarely can you wander around without a jacket."
Must-see spots No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without walking the Royal Mile, which winds through the narrow streets of Old Town from the
Palace of Holyroodhouse (the Queen's crib when she's in town) to Edinburgh Castle. For shopping, you can't miss Princes Street and a trip to Jenners, one of the oldest department stores in the U.K. For higher-end digs, head to George Street's Cruise and Whistles boutiques. For slightly more off-the-beaten-path design, trawl through William Street's Sam Thomas and Arc Angel, which carry lesser-known labels from all over the world.
Where to stay To fully enjoy Edinburgh's hospitality, stay at the plush Scotsman hotel. With only 69 rooms and a very attentive staff, you'll be treated like a queen (of Scots, that is). From the panoramic view of New Town to the rich tartan fabrics -- and the unlimited Molton Brown goodies -- you'll find yourself torn between exploring the city and cocooning under your duvet.
Where to eat Edinburgh is a feeding ground for foodies. At Restaurant Martin Wishart -- home to one of Edinburgh's two Michelin-starred chefs -- local and traditional ingredients are treated to French flair. Pop in for lunch and try the Scallop Risotto with Cucumber and Lemon Vinaigrette and finish with the Rhubarb and Fromage Frais Parfait with Strawberry Jus.
Where to drink Head to another of the city's land-marks, the Bar at Palm Court in The Balmoral hotel. With five-star clients like Kylie Minogue and Angelina Jolie roaming around, be sure to pack your favourite Jimmy Choos -- if only for posing at the bar. To rest your heels after shopping on George Street, make your way to fashion emporium Harvey Nichols. If you can resist the designer bootie and make your way to the top floor, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the city and the perfect place for a mojito break.
What to splurge on Treat yourself to a membership at The Hallion (approximately $800 a year) -- a private club sans wood panelling and the blue-haired crowd. With locales in both Edinburgh and Glasgow, you'll have a place to call home in each city. Sip champagne in its swank bar while you wait for a table to free up. Once seated in the traditonal yet modern dining room, sample dishes like Ravioli of Shetland Salmon, Crab and Spring Onion. Later, check into one of the individually styled rooms -- from the all-white Virgin Suite to the super-sexed Bond Suite. In the morning, schedule a pedicure -- you'll need one after walking the Royal Mile.
Photo of the posh Balmoral hotel courtesy of Ryan Jennings
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