Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since the 15th century. With a population of around 525,000, it is the second largest city in Scotland after Glasgow.

The city is a cultural centre, and is the home of institutions including the National Museum of Scotland, the National Library of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery. Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town together are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway opened in 1842 with its terminus at Haymarket railway station. In the Railway Mania of the 1840s, the railway sought an Act of Parliament allowing access along the existing gardens. An agreement was reached in 1844 on walls and embankments to conceal the Edinburgh and Glasgow railway line in a cutting.

The North Bridge station was opened in 1846 by the North British Railway as the terminus for its line from Berwick-upon-Tweed. The Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway's General station opened a year later. From 1866 to 1868, the North British Railway acquired the stations of its rivals and demolished them. The present Victorian station was built on the site. The station was extended in the late 19th century. In 1897, the impressive glass dome was added. Waverley has been in continual use since, under the auspices of the North British, the LNER, British Railways, Railtrack and now Network Rail.

Edinburgh Waverley is the second busiest station in Scotland, after Glasgow Central.