Edinburgh and the Lothians - where the buzz of Scotland's Capital city sits in perfect contrast to the peaceful tranquility of the surrounding Lothian regions.

The history

From the Bronze and Iron Ages, the defensive advantages of the Castle rock were apparent to the earliest settlers of Edinburgh. The name of Edinburgh has a couple of possible origins, such as Dun Eadain – “the Fortress on the Slope” and from one of its first rulers, King Edwin (Edwin’s Burgh). The town began to develop beyond the Castle in the 11th century, with the Royal Mile forming a backbone that travels a Scottish mile down to Holyrood Palace.

Edinburgh developed as Scotland’s legal and political centre and gained the status of 'royal burgh' from Robert the Bruce. It was an important stage for the events surrounding the Scottish Reformation (Scotland’s move to Protestantism in 1560), and with the merging of the crowns of England and Scotland in 1603 and finally the union of the Parliaments in 1707; Edinburgh became more of a regional centre than a national capital. The world famous University was founded in 1583, setting in motion the city's educational and professional development.

Until the late 18th century, Edinburgh consisted, almost exclusively, of what is now known as the Old Town (the area where you'll find the Castle, Royal Mile and Grassmarket).

Edinburgh expanded its borders over the years to include various smaller settlements. They continue to keep their character, especially in Leith, which has a proud maritime history of trade with the outside world (just look at the old merchant houses and bond buildings still standing there).

Scotland has never lost its legal independence with the main courts of the Scottish legal system still based in Edinburgh. Also, it remains the UK’s second financial centre and Scotland’s tourism gateway. The revival of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh also sees Edinburgh's rise as a centre of political influence again.

The economy

The economy of Edinburgh is largely based around the services sector, mainly banking, financial services and tourism.

Banking has been a part of the economic life of Edinburgh for over 300 years, with the establishment of the Bank of Scotland by an act of the original Parliament of Scotland in 1695. Today, Edinburgh has emerged as Europe’s sixth largest financial centre. The Royal Bank of Scotland, headquartered in Edinburgh, is the fifth largest bank in the world.

Tourism is an important economic mainstay of the city. As a World Heritage Site, tourists come to visit such historical spots as Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Georgian New Town. The number of tourists is bolstered in August with the presence of the Edinburgh Festivals, which generate in excess of £100m for the Edinburgh economy.

As the centre of Scotland’s devolved government, as well as its legal system, the public sector plays a central role in the economy of Edinburgh with many departments of the Scottish Executive located in the city as well as the Scottish Parliament. Other major employers include NHS Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Want to learn more about the services available in a particular post code area? Visit: http://www.upmystreet.com