Foreword |

ScotlandÕs
Inspiring

Capital
Edinburgh is an internationally renowned cultural and business hub that is the nucleus of a prosperous city region.  
T

he cityÕs captivating history and palpable energy draw over four million visitors every year. We have a population bursting with talent which, coupled with our location in the heart of Scotland, makes Edinburgh the ideal place to invest. 
We thrive on rock solid foundations of innovation in business, the arts, education and science that go back centuries. Every day you can see the public and private sectors working together to make Edinburgh a great place to live, study, visit, work and do business. 
Edinburgh is buzzing with progress. After a short trip from the newly modernised airport to the city centre, visitors are presented with a dramatic cityscape filled with striking architecture 
Ð a World Heritage site unlike anywhere else. On closer inspection you see major construction projects driving the city forward: a new tram network that will be operational by 2011, a cultural scene that gets bigger and better every year, and a range of major festivals and events that focus the eyes of the world on Edinburgh. 
This mix of natural beauty, economic success and a thriving cultural scene makes the quality of life in Edinburgh among the best in the world. We have a responsibility in Edinburgh to modernise and to develop our city further, because the continuing success of Edinburgh is fundamental to the prosperity of Scotland. Our vision for the coming years is to be the most successful and sustainable city region in Northern Europe Ð and we are well on the way. 
People who come to Edinburgh love it so much that they come back time and again. If you havenÕt been, then now is a great time to come and see what we have to offer. I am sure the following pages of this guide will give you a valuable insight into what makes Edinburgh so unique. 

The Right Honourable George Grubb Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh 

People who come to 
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Edinburgh love it so much that they come back time and again. If you havenÕt been, then now is a great time to come and see what we have to offer. 
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