Spending 2 1/2 days in Edinburgh, Scotland in two weeks. What are the "don't misses" and the "don't bothers" there? Also spending the day in St. Andrews--what's of interest for us non-golfers? Thanks!

Cam; excuse me if I don't post again, when I've done it so may times before (because it's boring for those who've read it so many times before), but if you can't make the search function work email me and I'll send you two documents on both topics

In Edinburgh, don't miss the Castle, Gladstone's Land, climb Arthur's Seat (an extinct volcano), the Botanical Gardens, go to Cramond-a northern suburb, walk along the River Almond and have a drink in Cramond Inn afterwards, Hopetoun House (outside the city towards South Queensferry). Don't miss eating at Martin's restaurant in one of the lanes off Rose Street. Holyrood Palace is very interesting, but as it's the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh, you can't wander around by yourself and it may be closed to the public if one of the Royals is there. in St.Andrews, the castle ruins are fascinating. It should be a bit warmer than when I was there last December. It was literally freezing that day and the narrow road was one smooth sheet of ice. Driving was a real challenge! Getting to St. Andrews is part of the fun. Go through the little fishing villages in the East Neuk of Fife, I recommend The Cellar restaurant in Anstruther for dinner. Check out Edinburgh's web site at www.edinburgh.org for more ideas. If you have time, walking in the Pentland Hills is lovely.

There is also of course the famous University of St Andrews, Scotland's oldest seat of learning, dating from the 14th century. On a topical note, British heir to the throne, Prince William, will attend St Andrews from October of this year. <BR> <BR>The university buildings are scattered throughout the town centre. St Mary's quad and the old buildings of United College along North Street are particularly interesting. Look for the PH inscription on the pavement (sidewalk) outside the quad on North Street where the catholic martyr Patrick Hamilton was burned at the stake during the religious turmoil of the middle ages. Even today, students at the univerity regard it as bad luck to step on this in case they fail their exams ! (fortunately I didn't) <BR> <BR>The town itself has plenty of interesting small shops, pubs and restaurants as well as attractive parks and gardens. If the weather is kind, there are wonderful clean, sandy beaches to enjoy, ideal for a picnic. Part of the 1980's film "Chariots of Fire" was filmed on West Sands. <BR>

Also in St Andrews, when you see the "PH" on the pavement on North Street outside the St Salvator's chapel, look on the wall around the clock (I think it's about 3 rows up or down, can't recall which) and you'll see a face. This is said to be the face of Hamilton - when he was burnt at the stake he was not throttled first and was burnt alive. This sent the monk from the Blackfriars monastery (the only remains of which are in front of Madras College) who had reported him mad, and allegedly haunts the area of the monastery even today (and having attended Madras, I can confirm that strange things did happen overnight there - shelves falling, etc.)