Edinburgh — This Majestic City: ‘The mix old and modern, tradition and innovation was intoxicating’
I stepped foot in Edinburgh many decades ago and immediately fell in love with the place. That first sight of the city will never leave me, and I still adore the way it holds its head high. It was the strongest against Brexit, it has more graduates as a percentage than virtually any other place on the planet, and it hosts world-class innovation and research. While its infrastructure is never at a scale that the mighty London can achieve in terms of innovation, it is livable, walkable, and a fairly safe place to live.
And, so, I just loved this quote [here]:
The mix of old and new, tradition and innovation, sums up my city. Around its ancient building exists world-leading research and innovation, and, like Glasgow, it is focused on technology and scientific advancements. The city nurtured three of our cybersecurity spin-outs, and I believe we could not have succeeded as well as they did without the help of the city — in supporting investment, collaborations, and most of all, attracting the talent needed to build high-impact companies. While Brexit was a major spanner in the works, the city has managed to showcase its economic resilience — more to do with its people and businesses than by politicians — and continues to build its place on an international stage.
For students, it’s a great place to come and study and is in the Top 10 cities of the world for this. In the QS World guide, the rankings for the best city to study are [here]:
- London. 2. Munich. 3. Seoul. 4. Zurich. 5. Melbourne. 6. Berlin. 7. Toyko. 8. Paris. 9. Sydney. 10. Edinburgh =25 Glasgow, Manchester
For a relatively small city, a Top 10 finish is amazing. But, it’s not a big city, and that’s a good thing! Many people can live and work within an area that allows you to walk to work, or, at least, get a bus. In fact, Edinburgh buses are great. While we have a new tram, most Edinburgh people still use the bus to get around. You are typically just 30 minutes away from anywhere in Edinburgh.
And, so, if you like hills — Edinburgh has seven of these, and an extinct volcano to walk around. For beaches, you choose whatever style you like, and for parks, you’ll find one at every turn. But, the best thing, is that it is a truly enterprising and innovative city, that prides itself on its love of education and scientific advancement.
Cities are key to our future. They are economic drivers and places to innovation. Care for your city, and let it live.
