Interesting Facts about Edinburgh

Interesting Facts About Edinburgh – Scotland’s Historic Capital 

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a city that blends rich history, dramatic architecture, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a curious traveller or a local history buff, these interesting facts about Edinburgh will give you a deeper appreciation of one of the most iconic cities in the UK. 

Edinburgh is a city full of surprises 

From ancient castles to quirky traditions, the interesting facts about Edinburgh reflect the city’s unique blend of heritage, intellect, and culture. Whether you’re exploring the cobbled streets of the Old Town or admiring the views from Edinburgh Castle, you’re walking through centuries of stories that shaped not just Scotland, but the world.

Drummohr is an ideal Edinburgh campsite, with easy access by both bus and train into Scotland’s capital city. On our website you will find plenty of information on Edinburgh Attractions and in this blog we share some of the more interesting facts about Edinburgh, facts about Edinburgh Castle, unique facts about Scotland and Edinburgh Zoo facts. 

Top Unique Facts About Scotland

• Scotland has nearly 800 islands - only around 90 are inhabited, but each has its own culture and charm
• Golf was invented here  - the modern game of golf originated in Scotland in the 15th century, with St Andrews known as the “Home of Golf”
• Scotland is home to the World’s Oldest Tree - The Fortingall Yew in Perthshire is estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old — older than the pyramids of Egypt
• Scotland has more than 400 words for ‘Snow’ - from sneesl (to start raining or snowing) to skelf (a large snowflake) — proof that Scots take their weather seriously! 

Interesting Facts about Edinburgh

1. Edinburgh wasn’t always Scotland’s capital city. It was originally Scone, near Perth. Glasgow has never been the capital of Scotland despite being the largest city in Scotland by both area and by population. The throne was moved from Scone Palace to Edinburgh Castle after King James I of Scotland was brutally murdered by assassins in Perth in 1437. Edinburgh then became the official capital of Scotland in 1452, a crucial Edinburgh history date
2. Edinburgh is said to have the most listed buildings in the world. Over 4,500 Edinburgh buildings are listed, greater than 75%. Both the Old and New Towns are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites
3. Edinburgh Royal Mile isn’t exactly a mile long. It’s 1 mile and 107 yards and runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
4. Edinburgh’s New Town is still over 200 years old
5. Edinburgh Is built on extinct volcanoes.  The city’s dramatic landscape, including the famous Arthur’s Seat, is actually the remains of ancient, extinct volcanoes. This gives the city its unique topography and stunning viewpoints
6. It was the first city in the world to have a fire brigade.  In 1824, Edinburgh became the first city in the world to establish a municipal fire brigade. This was a response to a series of devastating fires in the densely packed Old Town
   
7. The city has a hidden underground street. Beneath the Royal Mile lies Mary King’s Close, a warren of narrow alleys and streets sealed off in the 17th century. Today, it’s one of Edinburgh’s most popular (and spookiest) tourist attractions
   

Fun Facts about Edinburgh 

1. The city hosts the world’s largest Arts Festival. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world, taking place every August, with 3000 shows staged across 300 venues with a total of 50,000 performances.  There are a multitude of other events and festivals including the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival. That’s why Edinburgh is known as the world’s leading Festival City. The population of Edinburgh doubles over the festival season. Drummohr is an ideal festival campsite near Edinburgh, but we do fill quickly for the month of August so please book early to ensure availability. 
2. Famous people born in Edinburgh include Sean Connery, Alexander Graham Bell, the “fifth Beatle” Stuart Sutcliffe 
3. JK Rowling wrote the first of her Harry Potter novels in Edinburgh, across various cafes, with little money to even buy a cup of coffee and there are a number of other landmarks claiming a connection with the famous novels. It’s believed that Hogwarts was inspired by George Heriot’s School, a castle-like building in the city. Edinburgh was used as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies and there is a free Potter Trail, a walking tour for Harry Potter enthusiasts.. Drummohr Camping and Glamping site have a number of Themed Hexi Glamping Pods including a wizard themed pod. 
4. Greyfriars Bobby – the loyal dog One of Edinburgh’s most beloved figures is a Skye Terrier named Greyfriars Bobby, who allegedly guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years. A statue commemorates his loyalty just outside Greyfriars Kirkyard.
   

Facts about Edinburgh Castle 

No article about interesting facts about Edinburgh would be complete without mentioning Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks and the backdrop to the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Hogmanay fireworks. Please note that Edinburgh Castle tickets sell out fast during the Summer months and it is advisable to book ahead. Here are our favourite facts about Edinburgh Castle:

1. Edinburgh Castle sits atop an extinct volcano. Castle Rock, formed from an explosion millions of years ago. 
2. St Margaret's Chapel, in Edinburgh Castle, is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. Constructed in the 12th century it was the only structure to be spared from destruction by Robert the Bruce when he captured the castle in 1314. 
3. Edinburgh Castle is the most besieged place in Great Britain, facing down hostile forces an incredible 23 times, another important fact on Edinburgh Castle. It played a key role in the Wars of Scottish Independence.
4. It is home to the oldest Crown Jewels in the UK, known as the Honours of Scotland. They comprise of the Crown, the Sceptre and Sword of State used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs. However, after the 1707 Union – which united Scotland and England under one crown – the Honours were locked in a chest in Edinburgh Castle and forgotten about for nearly a century, until they were rediscovered by Sir Walter Scott in 1818.  
5. Edinburgh Castle is home to the one o’clock gun tradition. Every day (except Sundays), a cannon is fired from the castle at 1pm sharp—a tradition dating back to 1861, originally used to help ships synchronize their maritime clocks.
   

Edinburgh Zoo Facts 

1. Edinburgh Zoo is Scotland’s second most popular paid-for tourist attraction, after Edinburgh Castle. 
2. Edinburgh Zoo was the first zoo in the world to house and to breed penguins. This was in 1919 and explains why Edinburgh’ Zoo’s logo and crest feature a king penguin. The world’s one and only knighted penguin Brigadier Sir Nils Olav lives at Edinburgh Zoo, knighted by King Harald V of Norway.