Saturday, March 22, 2014 www.thestar.co.

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TRAVEL

Warm welcome in nations capital

By Richard Blackledge
richard.blackledge@thestar.co.uk @rblackledge

It really couldnt be a more momentous year for Scotland.

Not withstanding the small matter of an independence referendum, a host of huge events are taking place in the coming months attracting international attention, including the Commonwealth Games and golfs Ryder Cup. Indeed, 2014 has been declared Scotlands Year of Homecoming, a big campaign celebrating the nations food and drink, sporting activities, culture, nature and ancestral heritage. So now is the time to visit - and where better to start than a few days exploring the capital, Edinburgh. Sheffield is served with frequent, direct trains arriving at Waverley Street station in the heart of the city. We travelled in rst class with CrossCountry, which - given the extra comfort, attentive service and complimentary refreshments - is well worth passengers treating themselves to. The near four-hour journey sped along comfortably, punctuated by the beautiful scenery of Scotlands east coast.

The Knight Residence

Our accommodation, the Knight Residence, was just a 10-minute walk away from the station. A smart building, it is tucked away on a quiet street but close to the fashionable Grassmarket area, which offers fashionable shops and several of the citys best restaurants. The Knight Residence is divided into serviced apartments, each equipped with a tted kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and sitting room. The apartment set-up gives guests the luxury of a hotel, with more space and the opportunity to prepare their own meals, as well as sampling all Edinburgh has to oer. The friendly staff were brimming with tips about the best places to eat and things to see or do. After a bracing stroll and a spot of shopping we were treated to an excellent meal

at the Timberyard restaurant. Almost full on a weekday evening, Timberyard has built a reputation as one of Edinburghs best new restaurants, offering a simple menu in stylish surroundings. Bare wood and woollen rugs abounded - all very Scandinavian and contemporary, and the dishes emphasised organic ingredients, from the delicious grilled plaice starter to the lightly-cooked main of venision - bravely listed on the menu simply as red deer. Among the attractions, special mention is due to the citys zoo, which gives visitors the chance to see the UKs only giant pandas and koala bears. Watching the rare pandas up close is a particularly remarkable experience, and happily the animals seem extremely well cared for. An out-of-season visit is worth considering, though, to beat the crowds - especially if, as seems likely, the zoo has another attempt at breeding pandas this year. Two days isnt nearly enough time to see everything, especially with accommodation as plush as the Knight Residence - so theres plenty for a return visit. Heres to the Year of Homecoming, then.

A view of the Edinburgh skyline from Calton Hill, which overlooks the city centre

48 HOURS IN EDINBURGH
CrossCountry services run frequently from Sheeld to Edinburgh along the scenic East Coast Main Line passengers buying in advance can save 75 per cent. Visit www.crosscountrytrains. co.uk to book. tO stAY: The Knight Residence, on Lauriston Street, oers
tO GEt THERE: Direct

well-appointed, luxury serviced apartments. Standard nightly rate for a city studio apartment is 264. Log on to www. theknightresidence.co.uk for reservations. tO EAt: Timberyard, on Lady Lawson Street, is a converted timber yard which has been transformed into an inviting,

contemporary restaurant. Ordering all four courses, which build in size from bites to large, is recommended for a la carte diners. TO DO: Edinburgh Zoo and the Royal Yacht Britannia - moored in Leith - are some of Scotlands most popular attractions. Visit www.visitscotland.com for more suggestions.

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