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 "Boer War memorial" erected in honor of the fallen Royal Scots Greys during the Boer War stands on Princes Street with a background of the Gardens and Edinburgh Castle.