I thought it would be dark around 6:30, because where I live in the US I think the sun sets around 7 in mid-Sept. and Scotland is much further north. There would still be quite a few hours after that when I'd want to be out and about, but not spending money on theater and shows, and not having big long dinners by myself. That's why I asked.

Just checked. Sunset would be around 7:30. Not bad at all. I forgot that because it's so far north, the days would be longer than where I live before the fall equinox but much shorter in winter. Any time between March 21 and Sept 21 would be better than what I'm used to at home.

OK - sunset -- but it doesn't get dark the minute the sun goes down. Twilight lasts a long time.

so now the next question - why would you possibly think it is unsafe to walk around Edinburgh at night?

I've been there many times by myself and managed just fine day/night/morning/evening.

I guess I just don't get your concern.

Janis, where in my posts do you see me express worry that it would be UNSAFE to walk around? Maybe the reason you don't understand my concerns is that you didn't read what I actually said, but just saw the words "darkness" and assumed I was worried about crime. I am trying to etermine whether I'd enjoy walking around. I was not asking anyone to tell my whether I'd enjoy it, but was asking for info that might be relevant for me to make up my mind. But never mind.

All of the major bldgs in Edinburgh are illuminated at night - it is absolutely gorgeous. Walking around at night looking at the sites is a definite plus in Edinburgh.

So if it isn't safety you are worried about - sightseeing shouldn't be an issue either.

meant to add - the ONLY reason I mentioned safety is because you mentioned it in the first place -- That you feel safe in Rome and Greece at night but aren't sure you would feel comfortable in Edinburgh/Glasgow after dark.

So one would only assume safety was what you were worried about.

Janis, you know this matter of what I was really concerned about is a really ridiculous thing to argue about, since I KNOW what I meant, and while I do think I write reasonably clearly, I am not writing with the clarity required to instruct regarding atomic bomb assembly or brain surgery--just posting casually on a travel forum. But if you look back, you will see that I referred to walks in the southern countries at night as being enjoyable and a normal thing to do and safe. Also, I was being tactful not to be explicit about this, but another thing about the southern countries is that they tend not to be "drinking cultures," i.e., they drink like me--some wine with dinner, and maybe an after-dinner drink, and that's it. I have read a few rare complaints from people who encountered many drunks, people throwing up, etc., on the streets of some Scottish cities at night. I would find that unpleasant, to put it mildly, especially since, as someone who never drinks A LOT (but does drink), I just don't "get" the appeal of drinking to the point of drunkenness and I try to steer clear of drunks. I don't remember who posted these observations and where (Fodors, possibly, but not necessarily) and when these observations were made, so I'm not concluding that this will be a problem. But, in th way I asked the question, I was hoping to feel people out and see whether anyone else mentioned this.

so is desertbound or CMT going to stay in edinburgh at any stage?

Yes, Tracker, IF and when I ever do go to Scotland, I will DEFINITELY spend at least a few days in Edinburgh. I was not so sure about Glasgow, but since there are direct flights there from near where I live, it would be silly for me not to spend a little time there, too.