Edinburgh

I sit on a big, rocky hill, looking out at the sparkling blue water. A strong stone castle sits on my head like a stony crown, watching over all my little houses. My streets twist and turn like wiggly worms going up and down my hills. Sometimes, a happy, buzzing sound floats on the wind. It is the sound of bagpipes playing a cheerful song for everyone to hear. People walk on my cobblestone paths, and their footsteps sound like a gentle pitter-patter. I have been here for a very, very long time, watching families grow and play. I am the city of Edinburgh.

I have two special sides, like having two different playgrounds. I have my Old Town, where my streets are cozy and narrow. These streets have been here since the 12th century, a very long time ago. Kings and queens used to live in my castle. A lovely queen named Mary had her baby, Prince James, right inside my castle walls on June 19th, 1566. He was a very special baby. As more friends came to live with me, I needed more room to play. So, around the year 1767, I grew a New Town. My New Town has wide, straight streets. They are big enough for parades and lots of people to walk together. It’s a happy place with big, sunny windows and pretty parks.

Today, I am a city full of stories and fun. Every year in August, I have a giant party. The streets fill up with music, dancing, and people telling silly stories in fun plays. Everyone laughs and claps their hands. I am also a place where people get wonderful ideas. A kind woman named J.K. Rowling used to sit in my cozy cafes and dream up a magical story about a boy wizard who went to a special school. Her big ideas started right here. I love being a home for so many happy memories and amazing stories. I am waiting for new friends like you to come and explore my streets and dream your own big dreams.