Dee Atkinson's Five Favourite Things about Edinburgh

Dee Atkinson runs Napiers, Edinburgh's leading complementary and natural health care specialist. It was started in Bristo Place in 1860 by Duncan Napier, a respected botanist and herbalist and Napier's still use some of his recipes and operate out of this shop to this day. They have another branch on Henderson Row and are the place to go if you need a herbal remedy. The staff are helpful too. THey have an excellent team of complementary therapists. www.napiers.net

1. Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
   Originally founded in the 17th century as a physic garden, the botanic gardens are now found in Inverleith. A wonderful oasis of calm in the city, they are an ever changing mural of colour and texture. With the hot houses and exhibitions in Inverleith house, there is always something to do on a wet day, and no matter how busy the city is, you can always find a quiet spot in the rock garden to sit and contemplate the city skyline. I find total inspiration just by walking around the gardens, having a coffee on the terrace and watching the world go by.
2. Leith
   This vibrant slightly edgy area of the city is a bit of a hidden and often misunderstood gem. Few tourists venture this far, although I'm not sure why, it is within easy walking distance of the centre. The pub grub is some of the best in Edinburgh, with fish a regular feature. The Shore bar has live music on some evenings and there is a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere. You can still get the vibe of a working dock and despite the gentrification of the area, this is still the beating heart of the city.
3. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
   Hidden in one of Leith's oldest commercial buildings, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society is quietly promoting some of the best whisky's Scotland has to offer. The atmosphere is wood panelling, open fires, the odd game of chess and a bar full of single cask strength whisky's. I first went here about 15 years ago and have been a member ever since. Months can go by between visits, and then when the nights start drawing in, the idea of snuggling up in fron of a fire with a dram draws me back.
4. George Street
   OK, it is just a slightly upmarket shopping street, but for anyone who loves the occasional trip to the shops, George Street is special. In one stretch you have all the top high street brands an then there is the double pleasure of Harvey Nichols and Jenners at the east end. I can easily spend a whole day wandering and making pit stops for coffee and lunch in one of the many cafe's. Even those with a shopping phobia find George Street manageable.
5. Arthur's Seat
   One of the seven hills of Edinburgh, this strange city centre protuberance is an extinct volcano, formed about 340 million years ago. The views from the top are spectacular, straight across the Firth of Forth to the hills of Fife. It is a good half hour steep clibm up to the windswept top, or there are lovely walks around the base. It's a great way to feel that you have got out of the city and done some exercise, when in fact you are still in the city and with in easy reach of a glass of wine or pot of tea. Edinburgh has lots of outside experiences from Arthur's Seat to tackling the miles of cycle paths around the city, or even following the canal bank out to Ratho.