Edinburgh

I sit on ancient, rocky hills, and one of them was a fiery volcano a long, long time ago. From my highest point, where a strong stone castle stands, you can see all the way to the sparkling sea. I have winding, secret alleyways that are fun to explore, and also wide, sunny streets where people stroll. Can you guess who I am. I am Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.

My story starts on my biggest rock, where a fortress has stood since the 7th century. It became a safe and grand home for Scottish kings and queens, like the kind Queen Margaret. A town grew down the hill from the castle, becoming my Old Town. Its most famous street is called the Royal Mile because it connects the castle to a palace. For hundreds of years, this was a busy, bustling place. I felt so proud in the year 1437, when I was chosen to be the capital city of all of Scotland. I knew I had a very important job to do.

As more and more people came to live with me, my Old Town became very crowded. It was hard for everyone to fit. So, in the 18th century, starting around the year 1767, clever people designed a brand-new part of me called the New Town. It was very different. It has wide, straight roads, big houses, and beautiful parks where children can play. This was also a time when I was filled with big ideas from writers, inventors, and scientists who gathered here to share their thoughts with the world.

Today, I love to celebrate. Every August since 1947, my streets fill with music, dancing, and plays for the biggest arts festival in the whole world. I am also a city of amazing stories, and in 2004, I was given a special name: the world's very first UNESCO City of Literature. From my ancient castle that touches the clouds to my modern festivals full of laughter, I am a place where history meets imagination. I hope you will come and add your own story to mine one day.