写真

The most colourful and fashionable part of the Old Town - Victoria Street - looking from the Eastern side of the Grassmarket.


The Grassmarket area has had a market dating back several hundred years. It was the main approach from the West to the Old Town of Edinburgh. The first written record of a trading area is from 1477. It was the scene of public hangings and the site of the gallows is now marked by a plaque.

Victoria Street was built in the 18th century as an zig-zagged, access route which leads you up to The Royal Mile. Some of the fine houses which lined this route can still be seen at the foot of the street. The colourful shops on Victoria Street form one of the most distinguishable facades in Edinburgh.

As a tourist atractions Victoria Street, the West Bow, Candlemaker Row, Grassmarket and the West Port are essential parts of route thru the nicest areas of the Old Town. Those who stick close to the Royal Mile leave this area unnoticed very often. But it`s really worthy to be checked out as specially here architecture makes you believe Edinburgh lies on the hills.

The many-storied Victoria Street is incredibly spatial, colorful and photogenic. There is Victoria Terrace above - with a lovely mix of pubs and open-air cafes from where the Royal Mile can be accessed via a series of steps leading into the Upper Bow. This place is so picturesque as a backdrop that BBC Scotland uses it regularly for interviews.

Going along the curve and up the street you may have chance to buy something really elaborate like luxurious leather luggage, Scottish silver and goldsmiths, an old-fashioned brush shop, antique prints, stylish raincoats, polished Scottish stones, old books, objects from almost every corner of the world and even fossils off the shelf. There are even Scotland's kite, juggling, yoyo and circus shops.

The golden light of setting sun was almost gone that moment, but this yellow vehicle added extra life, reference point and perspective to my shot. But hhis late afternoon view was still missing of power and needed some dynamism so a small camera rotating brought me desired effect.

Now, after so many days spent in Edi I have very positive feelings about Victoria Street, which come not from visiting its pubs only :-)



Taken with 33V and 50mm lens. Hope U like it.

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More views and notes from Scotland in theme: "Flower of Scotland".
Thanks for visiting.
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