I am happy to say I will finally visit Edinburgh for the first time this coming May, but sorry already that I'll only have one afternoon (Sunday), a full day on Monday, and a few hours in the morning on Tuesday (I have a 1pm flight to London). I am a history buff. I will be staying centrally in Old Town.
Suggestions for a schedule to see some historical highlights would be appreciated.
thanks

Walk down the Royal Mile from castle to palace and you'll cover 80% of the sights in one day

http://www.edinburgh-royalmile.com/

Then that leaves the likes of the Royal Yacht Britannia, Rosslyn Chapel, National Galleries & Botanics which are a bit too spread out for you to cover more than 2 of them in the remaining time.

thanks, are the Royal Mile venues open every day?
Also, how might I travel to Rosslyn Chapel?

The Royal Mile is a street from the Castle (perched on a gigantic cliff) down through the oldest parts of the town(have a look at and in as many of the houses as you can - incredible) to Holyrood House.

We started in the park at the foot of the Castle and climbed up to get there - to get an idea of what it must have been like for armies attacking it, then toured the castle - incredibly moving and check the time of the guard changing, then walk down - having lunch at a restaurant on the way - and in the afternoon finish with Holrood. Be sure you ahve read all of the key stories - esp about Mary, Queen of Scots, before you go.

http://www.rosslynchapel.org.uk/p/tr...ormation-I561/

The LRT Number 15 bus comes into Roslin seven days a week. The journey time is approx 30 mins. The Bus travels along Princes Street, up Lothian Road and then out through Bruntsfield.

I'd allow one full day (Monday) for the Royal Mile/Old Town, and devote one half day (Sunday afternoon?) to the New Town (also interesting for history buffs, perhaps including the National Galleries if you have time).
Personally with such a short time in the city I wouldn't head out to Roslin, unless you are desperate to see the chapel. Instead, I would probably head to the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street (it's free of charge) for an hour or two on the Tuesday morning.

thanks

I'm answering this elsewhere.

When are you coming Elaine?

For some fun, on a street very near the royal mile is the pub Sandy Bell's. Stop there for a pint. It's best after nine when the musicians have their jam sessions of mostly folk music.