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Edinburgh (Gaelic: Dùn Éideann) is a major and historic city on the east coast of Scotland on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, and in the unitary local authority of City of Edinburgh. It has been the capital of Scotland since 1492 and is the site of the Scottish Parliament, which was re-established in 1999. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. It borders onto West Lothian, Midlothian and East Lothian. It has a population of around 450,000. The city is affectionately nicknamed "Auld Reekie" (Old Smokey).

In Edinburgh city there are the popular towns of Leith and Edinburgh.

Geography

Situated in the east Central Lowlands between the Firth of Forth and the Pentland Hills to the south.

Industry

Apart from being a centre of administration and finance, Edinburgh is known worldwide for its international arts festival which has been held annually since 1947.

History

The origin of the citys name is understood to come from the Brythonic Din Eidyn (Fort of Eidyn) when it was the home of the mid-6th century King Clinog Eitin. After it was besieged and captured by the 7th century Northumbrian King Edwin, the name changed to Edin-burh (Edwin's fort).