Edinburgh - the cosmopolitan and dynamic capital of Scotland

Heriot-Watt University campus is situated just 6 miles from Edinburgh City Centre. The International Study Centre gives you the perfect opportunity to explore and experience one of the most exciting and welcoming cities in Europe.

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, one of four unique countries that make up the UK. Read more about Scotland.

The country's capital since 1437, Edinburgh is now once again the seat of the Scottish Parliament. The city was one of the major centres of the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century. The old and new Towns of Edinburgh were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Princes Street – Edinburgh’s main high street – neatly divides the old area from the newer, and gardens occupy the space below the castle which stands out against the gentler architecture nearby.

Festivals, Literature and Science

Edinburgh is perhaps best known for its world famous cultural festivals and events. Some 1.4 million visitors are attracted to the city each year, to enjoy the annual Edinburgh International Festival, the largest performing arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the international festivals devoted to films, books, jazz and blues, politics and science and, of course, for the unique 'Hogmanay' New Year’s Eve street party.

Edinburgh’s literary tradition is assured to this day through writing talent such as JK Rowling, Ian Rankin, Irvine Welsh (one of Heriot-Watt’s very own graduates) and Alexander McCall-Smith. Edinburgh is the world’s first City of Literature.

Science and discovery also continues to play a huge part in defining the city. Some of the world’s top selling video game titles were developed in Edinburgh including Grand Theft Auto by Rockstar Games.

Sport

Edinburgh is also a city for sport – two top Scottish Premier League football teams, athletics at Meadowbank Stadium, swimming at the Commonwealth Pool, world-class rugby at Murrayfıeld, skiing and snowboarding at Hillend, climbing at Ratho Adventure centre and an array of top golf clubs are just some of the great attractions for sport addicts.

Entertainment

Those who enjoy night-life will not be disappointed by Edinburgh. The large student population of about 50,000, with at least 5,000 international students, means that the city centre is devoted to student night-life with a very European feel. The Grassmarket and the Cowgate, deep within the old town, are regular student haunts.

Across the city you will find an eclectic mix of pubs, clubs and restaurants that cater to even the most unusual tastes. Edinburgh actually has more restaurants per head of population than London.

Green spaces

Edinburgh is lucky to have magnificent green spaces – the impressive extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat and its associated park lie at the heart of the city. Scotland has some of the most beautiful and unspoilt scenery in the world – beaches, cliffs, islands, mountains, lochs, forests and rivers - all easily accessible from Edinburgh. There is so much space to enjoy in Scotland – you can do practically anything you want from sailing to gliding, mountaineering to horse-riding, skiing to golf – all in delightful, uncongested surroundings.

Transport links

Almost everywhere in the city is accessible on foot, or by means of a short bus ride. Direct air links to and from Edinburgh are growing all the time, as the city continues to develop as a major European financial, business, cultural and tourism hub. Read more about travelling to the University.