The New Town was an 18th century solution to the problem of an increasingly crowded Old Town. The city had remained incredibly compact, confined to the ridge running down from the castle. In 1766 a competition to design the New Town was won by James Craig, a 22-year old architect. The plan that was built created a rigid, ordered grid. The principal street was to be George Street, which follows the natural ridge to the north of the Old Town. Either side of it are the other main streets of Princes Street and Queen Street. Princes Street has since become the main shopping street in Edinburgh, and few Georgian buildings survive on it. Linking these streets were a series of perpendicular streets. At the east and west ends are St. Andrew's Square and Charlotte Square respectively. The latter was designed by Robert Adam and is often considered one of the finest Georgian squares in Britain. Bute House, the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland, is on the north side of Charlotte Square.
Sitting in the valley between the Old and New Towns was the Nor' Loch, which had been both the city's water supply and place for dumping sewerage. Some plans show that a canal was intended but was instead drained in the 1820's. Excess soil from the construction of the buildings was dumped into the valley, creating what is now The Mound. In the mid-19th century the National Gallery of Scotland and Royal Scottish Academy Building were built on The Mound, and tunnels to Waverley Station driven through it.
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DESTINATION PROFILES
We're adding new destinations every day.
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Portugal
A small country with so much to offer. Koh Samui
The beautiful Thai beach resort. Goa is India's beach resort teeming with history. Savannah
One of the US's most classic cities. Los Angeles
Land of the stars.
Vancouver in Canada proves to be much more than just another city. Seychelles
Paradise just off the African continent. Gretna Green
The most traditional of places for a wedding. Foz do Iguaçu
One of Brazil's natural wonders.
Hopping the Greek islands
How to spend 22 weeks hopping the Greek Isles, and which of the 1000's to choose. The Caribbean for all
So you don't have a deep pocket and you want to go to the Caribbean. Then read on. Colombia : Dangerous destination?
Tourists have been keeping away from one of the most beautiful countries in Latin America. Its time to have another look at Colombia. Boutique hotels
Enchanting, quaint and peaceful accomodation ideas for you this summer.
Summer skiing in the Andes
These lesser known ski resorts of the world are commonly chosen by world champion skiers for a reason - find out why. Adventure holidays with the kids
Taking the kids on an adventure holiday is not as difficult as you may think. Jazz, voodoo and street parties
The heart and soul of New Orleans Holiday in a motorhome
Our guide to the new fad among young families. A year off to travel - what to do
A small compilation of experiences you simply must live through in your lifetime. Germany World Cup
The world cup is over, but Germany has proven to be one of Europe's top destinations this Summer. So, we'll keep the city-by-city profiles to you to look through.
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