Spinkieden B&B; St Andrews Fife
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You may find this relevant information helpful when researching the area prior to your visit
If you prefer contemporary art, there are several excellent galleries around Market Street in the Old Town, for example The Stills on Cockburn Street, or the Fruitmarket Gallery on Market Street. Commercial Galleries include the Bellvue Gallery on Bellevue Crescent, the Open Eye Gallery on Cumberland and the Ingleby Gallery on Carlton Terrace, all in the New Town.
George Street is one of the original streets in Edinburgh’s New Town development. Named after King George III, George Street, along with Princes Street and Queen Street, was part of the original New Town development built by James Craig in 1766. These three streets run parallel to each other and George Street is the central one which links the two squares at either end, Charlotte Square and Saint Andrew’s Square. George Street is a wonderful example of well preserved Georgian architecture with the added interest of statues of various famous Scots dotted along the way. Buildings of interest on George Street include the Assembly Rooms and Edinburgh’s Royal College of Physicians.
The bagpipes are inextricably linked with Scotland and remain an enduring national image. Unlike two of Scotland’s other national symbols, tartan and kilts, Scotland’s national instrument is indeed traditional and historical.
The bagpipes originated in the Highlands in the 15th century, but for many years remained little known outside of Scotland. Then in the 18th and 19th centuries, as the British Empire expanded, the bagpipes became known the world over. This was because the British Army had several Scottish regiments, all of which had pipe bands. So as the Empire grew, it did so to the sound of bagpipes.
The military association of bagpipes remains to this day and the pipe bands are an integral part of the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Whilst to many people a band of pipers is not a pleasant experience, most would agree that the sound of a lone piper is nevertheless an exceptional musical experience. Tourists in Edinburgh can hear the sound of a lone piper playing on the Castle battlements on most summer evenings. St Andrew’s Square was part of Edinburgh’s original New Town development.
Saint Andrew’s Square, which takes its name from the Patron Saint of Scotland, lies at the eastern end of the New Town development of Queen Street, George Street and Princes Street. In the middle of the square is the 37 metre high Melville Monument. This commemorates the 18th century Viscount Melville who was so influential in Scottish politics he was nicknamed “The Un-crowned King of Scotland. Unlike Charlotte Square, St Andrew’s Square’s architecture has not been preserved particularly well, with many buildings dating from this century. However it is still worth looking out for the impressive Royal Bank of Scotland building, an impressive 18th century mansion that hints at Edinburgh’s importance as a financial centre. Charles Edward Stuart, more commonly known by the familiar nickname of Bonnie Prince Charlie, is one of the best known characters in Scotland’s history.
Charles Edward Stuart was born in 1720 during a very turbulent time in British politics. The Crowns of England and Scotland had been united in 1603, and the Act of Union in 1707 meant that Scotland was now governed by England, which led to enormous tension between England and Scotland. There was also a great deal of religious tension in Britain at the time, firstly between Catholics and Protestants, but also between Anglicans (English Protestants) and Presbyterians (Scottish Protestants).