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EdinburghLive the remarkable History and Heritage of Scotland's capital then change gears to relish the city's Festival Fever.Edinburgh's museums, castles, palaces, and festivals will enthral you with culture, colours, pageantry, and excitement. The "flowering of Edinburgh's human spirit" has grown the city's reputation to being recognised as the festival capital of the world where everything is done in the grandest of styles. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, like all European capitals, has joined the ranks of the world's most distinguished cities.
Edinburgh is home to the famous Edinburgh Castle where so much of the country's turbulent history took place, plots hatched, battles fought and won. Now there is the Scottish Parliament, after nearly 300 years, where verbal battles endure, and which now shape the country's future prosperity and history. From every angle, Edinburgh strikes theatrical poses, from its architecture, its museums, its art and even the streets. Perhaps it was this DNA that helped to make it the scene for the world's largest of international festivals. Like Rome the city drapes itself across seven hills each presenting different panoramic viewpoints, some with a hint of the Highlands to the north east. History & HeritageThe rock on which Edinburgh Castle is perched is a result of an eastward bound glacier of the last Ice Age grinding away at a hard volcanic plug leaving three steep sides and a ramp running down eastwards. Since Stone Age times the rock has been recognised for its strategic advantages while during the Dark Ages the Anglian King Edwin of Bernicia fortified it in the 7th century, thereby laying the foundations of Scotland's capital. Slowly but steadily Scottish Royalty migrated towards Edinburgh, starting around 1o69, when King Malcolm Canmore of Scotland married Margaret, the great granddaughter of Aethelred whose kingdom had by then been over-run by William the Conqueror. She, because of her background and being of a more cosmopolitan disposition persuaded the Celtic Court at the then capital of Dunfermline to move to Edinburgh. Henceforth, the new capital started to evolve. It took nearly eight hundred years before a parliament was held in the city, formally making it the capital under the modern day understanding of a capital city. The Castle on the RockEdinburgh Castle was an important royal fortress throughout the medieval period while Edinburgh's status as a royal centre was steadily growing. The Scottish monarchs, like their European counterparts, required a huge entourage and household which had to be fed and housed. For Royalty it was also "the done thing" to move this huge entourage from palace to palace, never being based in one single place. Falkland and Linlithgow Palaces as well as Stirling Castle were popular royal residences and their developments dictated by royal likes, needs and status. These developments, plus the maintenance of the royal household and entourage were a huge burden on the royal pocket. So why not impose your royal presence on your nobles from time to time. Such was royal life!
The castle was once a cold miserable draughty place to live and was not always a royal favourite, but it evolved under several monarchs to become a genuine royal castle, to become a symbol of the nation as well as real centre of power. The accommodation became comfortable not only for the king and queen but the household and court. There was a place of worship, a repository for national records, a secure storeroom for food rents, monies from tax, a state prison, separate living quarters for royal officers and finally a place for the royal regalia and jewels. Edinburgh Castle took on these roles many of which can still be seen on your visit. EsplanadeAny tour of the castle will start from the Esplanade, the mid-18th century parade ground, and it is recommended that you purchase tickets on the Internet otherwise you will have to queue which can be lengthy. Renowned throughout the world, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place on the castle's esplanade during August every year. it is considered a great honour to be asked to perform at the Tattoo as the standards are high, military precision is essential and in some cases unbelievable. The music is stunning, the cast is international, and it is a truly unique spectacle in its own. The castle's backdrop adds that very special atmospheric ingredient. It is incredibly enjoyable, even mesmerising! NOT to be missed but make sure you can get a ticket. Half Moon BatteryThe impressive curved wall of the Half Moon Battery provided a necessary defence of the vulnerable east front after the Lang Siege of 1571-3. Together with the Forewall Battery, they offer great views of the city and beyond, across the Firth of Forth and on a clear day you will get a hint of the Highlands to the north east. Governor's HouseThe handsome Governor's House, a pleasant Georgian residence, dates from 1742 and still serves as a reminder that the castle has a military presence as it now serves as the Officer's Mess and residence of the governor, the General Officer commanding the Army in Scotland. It is not open to visitors. New BarracksBehind the Governor's House is the enormous New Barracks, as they are still called. Built during the wars with Napoleonic France, they have dominated the Edinburgh skyline since the late 179o's with their bold architectural blocking design. To this day the seven storey building still serves a number of military purposes. The Regimental Museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards is the only part of this building open to the public. St Margaret's ChapelRecognised as the oldest building in the castle, indeed of Edinburgh, St Margaret's chapel is named after Queen Margaret, wife of King Malcolm Canmore and mother of King David I who built the chapel. She was canonised in 125o. She was not just a queen but a very pious humble woman who was committed to acts of kindness. It is an austere Norman place of worship which was used as a gunpowder magazine for 300 odd years. Its original function only became known in 1845 but the chapel was not consecrated until 1924. The chapel is a delight inside, so do not be put off by the plain exterior which looks its age. The VaultsBeside the Victorian Prison, the atmospheric Vaults with their dank dripping corridors of naked rock have been barracks, stores, bakehouse, and a prison for French soldiers. Mons Meg
Mons Meg is one of two siege canons presented to James II in 1457 by the Duke of Burgundy. James' enthusiasm for guns and things mechanised was to be the death of him when he was accidentally killed by an exploding canon during the siege of Roxburgh Castle in 146o. Mons Meg squats with an air of malicious intent on a spot lit plinth and in her day, was capable of firing one cannonball about every 3o minutes. She was so cumbersome that often the action was over before she could be hauled to the battlefield. Honours of Scotland ExhibitionThe Honours of Scotland are the crown jewels used when Scottish Royalty was crowned before the Union of the Crowns in 16o3, the year in which James VI of Scotland also became James I of England. The dazzling display comprises the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State plus a rather incongruous stone sitting amongst this splendour.
This is the famous Stone of Destiny, a plain sandstone slab on which 47 kings of Scotland were crowned. Much has been written about this stone, from scientific fact to myths, legends and even film scores. Follow the eventful history of the Honours and their story with Sir Walter Scott's involvement. National War Museum of ScotlandOn Crown Square is Scotland's National War Museum, an emotional voyage of grey light, tattered flags and an endless list of names of those Scots who have fallen in battle. The displays explore the daily life of Scots servicemen, along with accounts of battles won and lost. There is a fascinating story of how the "Highlanders", once considered rebellious, were turned into ideal soldiers of the British Empire. One o'Clock GunSituated on Hill Mount Battery, a 25 lb gun signals one o'clock precisely every day except Sunday. When it is fired, sending a puff of blue smoke over the battlements, a tradition is being maintained informing shipping on the Firth of Forth of the exact time. Do not miss it, otherwise you might jump out of your skin when the gun goes off. Great HallThe original Great Hall dates from the early 16th century, from the period of King James IV reign who wanted a grand location for royal ceremonies. From 165o until the late 19th century the hall was transformed into a barracks, sleeping quarters and a military hospital. In 1886 work started on restoring it to its former glory. What you now see, except the medieval hammer beam roof, are the fruits of the imaginative architect Hippolyte Blanc, who despite the French sounding name, was an Edinburgh boy.
The Royal Mile & The Old TownBy the 12th century, the huddle of little houses protected by the castle had spilled down the ramp, the genesis of the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile defines the Old Town of Edinburgh, from the west, the Castle, atop its exalted position on the rock, down its esplanade, passing historical landmarks all the way down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in its splendid Royal Park, exactly one "Lang Scots Mile" in length. Allow plenty of time to explore the Royal Mile, naturally on foot, with numerous places of historical and political interest as well as the tourist outlets trying to attract your attention with gifts, grub and grog. The Royal Mile formally constitutes the narrow cobbled esplanade part of the castle entrance continuing downhill through the High Street and taking in the Canongate to the bottom. Scotch Whisky Heritage CentreThe actual process of making whisky is a long slow boring one and the better whiskies take even looongeeeeer! With this in mind the Whisky Heritage Centre has adopted the hi-tech approach to present an entertaining story of its ancient origins with tales of illicit stills, smuggling, the law and prohibition to the modern marketing methods used today. Camera ObscuraThis particular building came into existence in the 17th century and as with many buildings it was extended with the addition of castellated storeys in 1853 when the building first became a camera obscura. The centre offers Edinburgh related exhibitions as well as panoramic projections of Edinburgh using its revolutionary design and mirrors, nowadays competing with the "selfie" brigade. Gladstone's LandIn 1647 a local merchant, Thomas Gledstane acquired the building, a typical 16th century property that would have been similar to that of John Knox further down the street. Gledstane modernised it by adding a stone front and stone arcading. In a later period, the house like many others in the Royal Mile were scheduled for demolition but an astute purchaser presented it to the then fledgling National Trust for Scotland who did an impressive restoration, uncovering the, by then, hidden arcades, now unique in Edinburgh. Some fine painted ceilings also survive from the time of Gledstane and are exceptionally well set of by period furnishings. Note the confusing difference in spelling, as well as pronunciation, between the English and former Scots versions of the name. Writer’s Museum - Lady Stair's HouseThe house is associated with the Earl of Stair's widow and was given to the city in 19o7. It is a museum of memorabilia belonging to Scotland's great craftsmen of words, namely Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. St Giles: The High Kirk of Edinburgh
The magnificent crowned spire of St Giles, a prominent feature of the city skyline, was completed in 15oo and is one of the few remaining examples of 15th century work remaining on the High Street part of the Royal Mile. John Knox's statue can be seen inside the cathedral, but his grave is no longer marked. He was buried in the old St Giles churchyard which is now covered by flagstones. Look for the fascinating Thistle Chapel, is this the only place in the world where you will see angels playing the bagpipes? Look for Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, whose depiction you can see in St Giles’ Great West Window, one of many in the collection of magnificent stained glass windows. John Knox’s HouseThe fiery reformer is reputed to have lived in this house and it was this reputation that saved if from possible demolition as far back as 1849. The late 15th century building, with its first floor gallery projecting into the street gives a good idea of the Royal Mile at that time with a narrow line of tenement buildings with their projected overhangs shutting out daylight to the folk in the walkway. There is an exhibition of the life of John Knox, particularly his part in the Scottish Reformation. He was not quite a humble cleric as you might think from his statue in St Giles. As well as Knox, the lesser known James Mossman also lived in the house. He was keeper of the Royal Mint, goldsmith, and jeweller during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots. His allegiance to Mary eventually cost him his life on the gallows, and you can hear all about him too. Museum of ChildhoodIronically the Museum of Childhood was started by someone who was reputed to dislike children. Patrick Murray, a bachelor, and an Edinburgh town councillor, considered his museum to portray a "specialised field of social history", not the most illustrative advert for a museum. For grown-ups, the train sets and dolls houses can be a nostalgic echo of days gone by, never to be regained. For children it can be confusing as the toys are not computerised, flashing, moving and noisy. Discover your child's reaction to such a different world. Whether with children or not the Museum of Childhood is a fascinating destination for your "must visit list". Canongate Kirk & GraveyardThe church was built in 1688 when King James VII had the abbey kirk at Holyrood converted into a chapel for the Knights of the Thistle. What is of more intrigue is the two graves in the small graveyard, both with a connection to Robert Burns Here lies the the grave of Robert Fergusson, the brilliant Edinburgh poet who inspired Burns, though they never met. Burns paid for his headstone after being shocked at Fergusson's unmarked grave when he visited. The other grave of consequence is that of Mrs McLehose, an attractive young women who was abandoned by her husband and with whom Burns conducted a passionate correspondence. Palace of HolyroodhouseMost of which you can see was built in the 166o's as a Scottish residence for Charles II. The palace evolved from the guest house of the adjacent Holyrood Abbey, now a ruin. It fell into disuse and decline in the late 19th century only for much restoration to take place last century to restore it to its dignity as the Monarch's official residence in Scotland. During such visits the tourist attraction is transformed into a high security establishment. There are tapestries and fine furniture from the royal collections and an intriguing collection of portraits of Scottish Kings, some of whom are more mythical than real. So how was this achieved? Jacob de Witt, a Dutchman who was living in Edinburgh in 1684 was contracted to deliver 110 portraits of Scottish Kings over two years for the princely sum of £240. At least 8o of these paintings can be seen today of which only one can be attributed as an authentic likeness, that being King Charles II who was alive at the time.
Scottish ParliamentBeing at the very foot of the Royal Mile should serve as a reminder to the Members of the Scottish Parliament that they are elected to serve the people of Scotland. It does not appear to always work that way as the controversial Scottish Parliament building, designed by the late Catalan architect Enric Miralles cost ten times the original estimate. The appearance and design has also divided the nation as you either love it or hate it. You be the judge when you take a guided tour. Should the Scottish Parliament or Holyrood, as it is often referred to, be in session you can sit in the public galleries to watch and listen to the proceedings. The free public tours are first class, providing an amazing behind the scenes view on how the Scottish Parliament functions.
A beautiful surprise now meets you after Holyrood, it is the open countryside of which Holyrood Park covers about 15km2 of fields, lochs, moorlands, and hills all dominated by Arthur's Seat, the crest of an extinct volcano which provides an easy walk to take in the breathtaking views from the summit.
The New TownIn the creative heat and spirit of optimism of the Age of Enlightenment, the city laid the foundations of the town-scape of today. As a more peaceful 18th century began in Scotland, improvements in the old town began in order to eliminate the squalid conditions under which the population lived. George Drummond, Lord Provost of Edinburgh had a clear vision of a new Edinburgh arising between the castle and the sea. In 1767 a competition to design a new town was organised, which was won by a young unknown architect, James Craig. The first New Town, now a World Heritage Site, comprised the rectangle bounded by Charlotte and St Andrews squares to the west and east, and Princes and Queen streets to the south and north respectively. Other development schemes followed later around Moray Place and less successfully, along Royal Terrace. The great public buildings and monuments, which enhance the city’s environment so much today, were built at the same time: the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery, columned temples floating in garden greenery when viewed from the east; the fluted shapes of more columns of Calton Hill's unfinished National Monument, which block and change the views east along Princes Street from every angle. Amid all this neo-classicism, the monument to Sir Walter Scott shoots out of the trees like a Gothic sky-rocket. Architecturally isolated, Scott's immortalisation in sandstone plays its part in the theatrical quality of Edinburgh and has become an essential symbol of the city. The Royal Botanic Gardens
Springtime is rhododendron season at the Gardens when its famous rhododendrons burst into riotous colour. Though every plant in the Gardens is a special gem; you just have to know the right time to see them putting on their best displays. Click on the link above and go to their informative website to consult the season's highlights. Admission is free though there is a charge for entry to the Glasshouse. The Botanic's Shop has a great choice of gifts while the Terrace Café offers excellent food. This can be a great day out and comes highly recommended. Princes StreetOnce renowned for its shopping opportunities, Princes Street has undergone a number of metamorphosis since its conception on James Craig's new town plans. Originally it was to be called St Giles Street but King George III objected as it reminded him of the low life and notoriety of its namesake in London. So, the most famous street in Scotland became Prince's Street after the Prince Regent and subsequently assumed its plural form of Princes Street in 1845. Craig's original scheme intended the area to be entirely residential, but commercialisation took over in the mid-19th century. The latest transformation was the introduction of trams. What might the next change be for Princes Street? Princes Street GardensWhat a wonderful place to catch your breath and relax from all the hustle and bustle of touring around the city. We must thank the stubborn natured citizens of Edinburgh for these gardens because, once upon a time a speculator, with the blessing of the city fathers, wanted to build along the southside of Princes Street, something simply unimaginable. The project was only halted after the citizens case went to the House of Lords.
The Gardens border the length of Princes Street providing respite with extensive stretches of grass for use should all the benches be taken. Simply relax by meandering along the main avenue admiring the floral clock or the Gothic inspired Scott Monument. During Festival time there will be entertainers galore to delight you.
Calton HillCalton Hill is a short climb/walk with pathways and steps but is well worth it for the postcard views of Edinburgh. Sunrise and sunset provide the more spectacular vistas with morning being quieter. Unfortunately, the City Observatory, known as the birthplace of astronomy and timekeeping, is still undergoing renovation. The original 19th century William Playfair design is to be reinstated as a hub of art, science, history, and leisure.
The scattered buildings on the hill go a long way to affirm Edinburgh's epithet ‘Athens of the North’. Almost every structure on Calton Hill dates from the Age of Enlightenment as they symbolise great academic knowledge, from observation of the stars to monuments to philosophers and mathematicians. The National Monument of 1822 is so obviously modelled on the Parthenon and is locally known as ‘Edinburgh’s disgrace’. The Nelson Monument was built to commemorate Admiral Lord Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 18o5. Looking like a tall stone telescope, the Nelson Monument contains a time ball which is still dropped at 1 o’clock daily, coordinated with the “one o'clock gun” at the castle. You get a wonderful view of the City and the sea from the top of the building. The Duguld Stewart Monument, modelled on the Tower of the Winds in Athens by Lysicrates, has become iconic, as symbolic of Edinburgh as the castle. It is shown in the very first image as well as extreme left above. Museums & GalleriesThe National Museum of Scotland
The Museum of EdinburghEdinburgh itself has a fascinating history which you can explore from the earliest Watch the city grow beneath your feet in the Museum’s blacked-out theatre where the Story of a City, relates a unique journey through Edinburgh’s fascinating history. Admire the silverware, work produced by metalworkers called hammermen whose craft guild owned part of the building in former times. Then there is the glassware, much of it made and engraved in the Canongate close by the Museum.
NATIONAL GALLERIES SCOTLANDCompleted in 1857, William Playfair's National Gallery rates among the top classical designs in Edinburgh. It has a simple dignity entirely in keeping with its role as a repository for Scotland's finest art collection. When you visit you will see some of the best old masters in the United Kingdom other than London, as well as its Impressionists and, of course, its Scottish paintings.
National Galleries Scotland holds over 100,000 artworks which are proudly displayed in the three Edinburgh locations below, all worth a visit to pursue your artistic fantasies. Scottish National GalleryThe Scottish National Gallery displays some of the greatest art in the world, including masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Constable, Turner, Monet, Van Gogh, and Gauguin, amongst many others. The most comprehensive part of the collection covers the history of Scottish painting – all the major names, including Ramsay, Raeburn, Wilkie and McTaggart, are represented.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern ArtScotland's impressive collection of modern and contemporary art is now housed in the two buildings which comprise the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, namely Modern One and Modern Two. The collection covers works from the 19oos to the present day with some of the most famous names of the period, Matisse, Picasso, Vuillard and more. Scottish artists included are Peploe, Fergusson, Gillies, and Redpath.
Both are set in beautiful parkland close to the Waters of Leith, ideally situated across the road from each other. The Scottish National Portrait GallerySince its opening in 1889 the images of famous Scots have adorned the walls of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. The ranks of kings, queens, politicians, academics, poets, painters, novelists, engineers, philosophers, and even famous fiddlers who have left their mark on Scotland, for good or ill, are now joined by actors and film stars, now the popular choice of democratic surveys. There are famous portraits of Robert Burns as well as Hugh MacDiarmid, recognised as Scotland's finest poet of modern times. From a historic perspective there are the Stuart monarchs, including a portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots. Flora Macdonald, who played a key role trying to restore the Stuart monarchy is also on view.
City Art Centre
Other places worthy of a visitRoyal Yacht BritanniaReceive a truly warm welcome at Britannia's Visitor Centre in Ocean Terminal, before stepping on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, home on the seas to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years. The Royal Yacht, which sailed over 1,000,000 miles around the world is now berthed in Edinburgh, where you can follow in the footsteps of Royalty to discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences.
Edinburgh ZooMake a day trip with the family to Edinburgh Zoo and enter the world of rare and While awaiting your appointment you can visit their relatives the Red Pandas, relatively new to the zoo. Instead you might take in the fascinating Amur Tigers. Want to be closer to home, then the Scottish Wildcat is top of the list as you are very unlikely to see this elusive creature in the wilds of the Central and Northern Highlands, their preferred habitat. More so because they are solitary, territorial, and active at night particularly around dawn and dusk. There are many species of wild animals to be found at the zoo to excite and mesmerise children as well as fascinate adults and when you are all exhausted you can relax in the cafés, restaurant, and gift shop after a wonderful day. Craigmillar Castle
Mary Queen of Scots retired to the castle after her Italian secretary and companion Riccio was murdered. At that time the fortress was held by Sir Simon Preston, one of her staunchest allies. It is considered opinion that behind these massive 16th century walls, the murder of her husband Darnley was planned. Lauriston CastleEdinburgh’s wee gem, Lauriston Castle, is well worth a visit, The Castle is set within an historic garden laid out by William Henry Playfair in the 1840s. Overlooking the Firth of Forth and Cramond Island, the views from the garden are magnificent. See the award winning Japanese Friendship garden, bestowed by the prefecture of Kyoto, a perfect tranquil spot for contemplation. Lauriston is associated with John Napier (155o - 1617) the mathematical genius who invented logarithms. What might you ask are logarithms! They were used to perform complex calculations before the micro-chip changed the world. Now you know where the Napier comes from in Edinburgh Napier University. |
St Giles Cathedral, as it is mostly called, was once the only place of worship within the walls of the old Edinburgh. (The tiny St Margaret's Chapel in the castle grounds was used as a gunpowder magazine for 300 years.) In the strictest of senses, the Protestant Reformation of 165o ended the concept of a cathedral but then how else would we describe our grand places of worship?
The 72 acres of the 
After a multi million pound refurbishment, the 
times to the present day with a visit to the Museum of Edinburgh, where the city’s past is brought vividly to life. The museum is housed in a series of 16th to 18th century buildings. Highlights include the National Covenant (
Visit the City Art Centre and enjoy one of the best collections of Scottish art. On show are interesting exhibitions from their own collections as well as from other parts of the world. Exhibitions of historic and modern photography, contemporary art and design, architecture and the built environment are staged in a rolling programme. It is free, but you will be tempted in their attractive shop located on the ground floor with art books, cards, handbags, and jewellery. There is also a very pleasant café to relax with a delicious coffee and mouth-watering snacks.
wild animals. The star attraction has been Tian Tian and Yang Guang, the two Giant Pandas, and will continue to be so. Visit their separate enclosures, or should it be said "make an appointment to see them" as their popularity is so immense. You will get a time slot to see them if you book in advance.
On the southern outskirts of the city the extensive ruins of 
being set in large parkland, adds to its appeal with pleasant walks along the River Cramond. It has a collection of furniture and decorative arts well preserved in its Edwardian interior. The Castle, more a stately home, was beautifully decorated by the last owner, Mr W R Reid, between 19o2 and 1919 to create a most elegant and comfortable home. See his stunning collections of Blue John, a fluorspar mineral, found only in Derbyshire; sumptuous Eastern carpets and rugs; intricate line engravings and mezzotints, prints made from engraved copper; Crossley wool mosaics, mass-produced tapestry-like pictures; and southern Italian furniture. This collection was put together with great care.
The Edinburgh International Science Festival continues Scotland's age of enlightenment by embracing internationalism to promote science as a world-wide endeavour. For two weeks in April the city is replete with scientific intrigue to pique the curiosity of both young and old. From street corners to digital labs, from the lecture hall to meeting chatty scientists, adults will be immersed in many of the big questions of the day. How can science and technology rise to the challenges and opportunities of our connected modern world to help us secure a sustainable future. As for the kids, the science and technology on view will totally enthral them with wide open eyes and memories that will last for ever.
Inaugurated in the same year as the Edinburgh International Festival in 1947, the Edinburgh International Film Festival is now the longest continually-running film festival, world-wide. EIFF has helped to define the type of event that has since become so pivotal to film culture around the globe. The Festival has developed into a crucial business hub for the UK and international film industry and a key attraction for Edinburgh. Its standing as one of the world’s best-loved audience festivals is unsurpassed. With an emphasis upon new talent, discovery, and innovation, EIFF’s vibrant programme of films and events combines a commitment to audience enlightenment and pleasure.
Three days of spectacular events, incredible bands, and amazing crowds from every corner of the globe. See Shetland Vikings bearing firelit torches, hear beautiful choral singing in St Giles' Cathedral, enjoy birling to traditional Scottish music in the Old Town, and watch top stars and incredible fireworks from Princes Street Gardens. Edinburgh's Hogmanay shows the world how to party! As the bells strike midnight, join hands with friends from across the globe in the world’s biggest rendition of Auld Lang Syne! Note that the third, unofficial day is for recovery purposes!