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Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,HotpixUK,city centre,Scotland,luxury hotel,Edinburgh,EH2 2EQ,Edinburgh city centre,United Kingdom,landmark hotel,clock tower,Victorian architecture,historic building,sandstone facade,tourism,winter,winter sunlight,blue sky,Edinburgh tourism,Scotland travel,luxury travel,iconic hotels,heritage architecture,city centre hotels,wedding and events venue,business travel,destination marketing,architectural photography,editorial background,historic landmarks,winter city photography,Princes Street Edinburgh,Old Town meets New Town,Waverley area,cityscape,architectural detail,grand facade,West Register Place,urban travel city break heritage tourism high end hospitality Scottish
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 3DM994Y - A wide, documentary street-level view of The Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street in Edinburgh, photographed from the West Register Place area to frame the full façade and the famous clock tower. The building's grand sandstone frontage, ornate roofline and central tower create an unmistakable city landmark, with the clock face clearly visible high above the main elevation. The perspective between surrounding city-centre buildings helps emphasise the Balmoral's scale and its position at one of Edinburgh's most recognisable gateways between the New Town and the Old Town.
The light suggests a cold-season day with clear winter brightness: pale blue sky, crisp edges on the stonework, and cool shadows that bring out carved details across the façade. The overall mood is calm and architectural rather than crowd-focused, making the image highly versatile for editorial use where a clean, identifiable Edinburgh location is needed.
This photograph suits themes including Edinburgh tourism, luxury and heritage hospitality, iconic Scottish architecture, and city-break travel. It also works as a strong general illustration for Princes Street and central Edinburgh, with the clock tower acting as an instantly readable visual cue for the Balmoral and the wider city centre.
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,HotpixUK,city centre,Scotland,Edinburgh skyline,W Edinburgh,Edinburgh,United Kingdom,modern architecture,contemporary architecture,tourism,travel,winter,clear sky,urban landscape,Scotland destination,winter city break,landmark architecture,urban regeneration,St James Quarter development,hospitality industry,luxury travel,European city travel,city marketing,skyline landmark,contemporary Scottish architecture,travel editorial image,New Town Edinburgh,central Edinburgh,Princes Street area,luxury hotel,hotel exterior,distinctive roof feature,sculptural architecture,regeneration,mixed use development,offices and apartments,rooftops,distant hills
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 3DM996D - A crisp winter cityscape of central Edinburgh, dominated by the distinctive sculptural Ribbon form crowning W Edinburgh within the St James Quarter development. The layered, spiralling roof feature rises above surrounding rooftops and mid-rise blocks, creating an instantly recognisable focal point in the skyline and a clear marker of the city's newer architecture within the wider historic urban fabric. Bright, low winter sunlight and a pale blue sky give the scene a clean, high-contrast look, with sharp detail across the buildings and the distant ridge line beyond the city.
The image reads as a modern Edinburgh story: regeneration and contemporary design sitting alongside older streets and long-established city views. The St James Quarter setting supports themes of retail and leisure, hospitality, luxury travel, and city-centre redevelopment, while the broader skyline context makes the picture useful for editorial coverage of Edinburgh tourism, winter city breaks, and Scotland's capital as a place of festivals, business travel, and year-round visitor economy. The composition also works well for architecture-led uses, with strong geometric layering, repeating window grids, and the singular ribbon-like crown providing a clear hero feature for headlines and destination pages.
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,HotpixUK,city centre,Scotland,Royal Mile,Edinburgh,EH8 8DD,United Kingdom,Scottish gifts,shopfront,retail,Edinburgh Old Town,Edinburgh landmark,winter,winter light,travel,tourism,Edinburgh tourism,Royal Mile shopping,Scotland travel,city break,visitor economy,retail tourism,heritage street scene,destination marketing,Scottish culture,tartan and tweed retail,travel editorial,European city travel,winter city break,gift buying,souvenirs and mementos,Harris Tweed,cashmere,tartan,scarves,knitwear,wool,souvenirs
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 3DM99BB - A straight-on, documentary view of the Flower of Scotland shopfront at 98 Canongate on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, photographed in crisp winter light. The signage across the fascia is clear and readable, with additional wording highlighting Harris Tweed, Cashmere and Scottish Gifts, immediately signalling a tourism-focused retail offer. Large display windows are packed with colourful merchandise, including tartan and knitwear items, racks of souvenirs, and dense point-of-sale displays that create a bright, busy storefront against the darker stonework of the historic Old Town streetscape.
The composition captures the commercial character of the Canongate section of the Royal Mile, where visitors browse for practical cold-weather purchases and Scotland-themed mementos. The pavement and road edge provide a strong horizontal base, while the illuminated interior draws the eye into the shop, suggesting warmth and activity on a cold day. The scene suits editorial uses around Edinburgh tourism, souvenir retail, Royal Mile shopping culture, and the visitor economy, as well as broader themes of heritage streets and modern tourist consumption in historic city centres.
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,HotpixUK,city centre,Scotland,Our Dynamic Earth,Holyrood Road,EH8 8AS,Holyrood area,United Kingdom,planetarium,tourist attraction,sightseeing bus,double decker bus,red bus,bus stop,winter,travel,tourism,Scotland travel,winter city break,sustainable travel,public engagement with science,STEM learning,museum and attraction,architecture and landscape,transport and tourism,editorial travel image,destination marketing,cultural attractions,Scottish capital city,outdoor winter light,European city travel,modern architecture,tensile roof,canopy,mast supports,contemporary building,visitor centre
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 3DM99BH - A wide, editorial winter view of Edinburgh's Dynamic Earth science centre and planetarium on Holyrood Road, photographed at the foot of Holyrood Park. The distinctive tensile white roof and mast supports form a sharp modern silhouette against the dark slope of Salisbury Crags, with crisp low-angle sunlight picking out the contours of the rock face and the building's curved canopy. In the foreground, a red open-top double-decker sightseeing bus pulls into the turning circle and bus stop, while a bundled-up pedestrian waits beside the pole. The cobbled roadway, hard shadows, and clear blue sky suggest cold, bright conditions typical of an Edinburgh winter morning or late afternoon.
The composition works as a clear piece of place storytelling: contemporary visitor transport framed by one of the city's most dramatic natural backdrops. Dynamic Earth sits beside major Edinburgh landmarks, including the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, so the image can support coverage of city tourism, science learning, family attractions, school trips, and the wider Holyrood area's role in Scotland's cultural and civic life. The tour bus adds an immediate commercial cue about hop-on hop-off routes, sightseeing circuits, and seasonal city breaks, while the clean architecture and open space around the entrance convey accessibility and modern public engagement.
Text and signage are present in the scene, including the prominent Dynamic Earth building identity (partially obscured by the Alamy watermark) and bus stop information, which helps anchor the image for editorial use. The winter setting adds extra utility for stories about off-season tourism, low-emission travel choices, and how attractions operate year-round in northern European cities. Overall, it is a strong, recognisable Edinburgh location image combining transport, architecture, landscape, and travel mood in a single frame.
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,pubs,Crichton Street,Dundee,pub exterior,licensed premises,Scotland,centre,nightlife,traditional bar,pub culture,heritage pub,independent hospitality,city centre bar,Scottish hospitality,urban streetscape,travel Dundee,local landmark,real ale pub,beer pub,social venue,bar and lounge,old pub frontage,leisure,tourism,7G Crichton Street,DD1 3AR,The Pillars Bar & Lounge,Dundee bar,pub window,black painted exterior,Tayside,customers,in,window,Scottish city street,local business,evening street scene
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 3E5TC6D - Exterior view of The Pillars Bar & Lounge at 7G Crichton Street in Dundee city centre, Scotland. The photograph shows the distinctive black-painted frontage with gold lettering, large front window, entrance canopy and pavement A-board, capturing a traditional Scottish pub and bar frontage within the busy central streetscape of Dundee. Visible customers inside the window add human interest and help place the venue in the context of everyday city life, hospitality and nightlife rather than as an empty architectural study. The image is useful for editorial stories about Dundee pubs, Scottish bar culture, independent hospitality, city centre leisure, traditional licensed premises and the resilience of local pubs in changing urban centres. The Pillars is regarded as one of Dundee's long-established pubs and is associated with the character of the city centre drinking scene, making the image relevant for travel, tourism, social history and documentary coverage. Its readable signage, recognisable address and strong street-level composition make it commercially useful for picture buyers needing imagery of Dundee landmarks, pub exteriors, hospitality businesses, Scottish nightlife and urban culture. The photograph also works for wider themes such as community meeting places, local economy, food and drink culture, independent bars, traditional interiors and exteriors, and the continuing role of pubs as visible social anchors in British towns and cities. The mixture of classic frontage styling and active modern use gives the picture broader relevance for features on heritage hospitality, city branding, weekend leisure, streetscape character and the survival of older pubs in contemporary Scotland. With clear text, a well-defined shopfront and a central Dundee location, it also suits guidebooks, magazine features, travel pages, hospitality trade articles and editorial pieces about the changing but persistent identity of Scottish pubs.
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,city,centre,Scotland,closes,close,entrance,entrances,Lothian,historic,tourist,trail,tourism,tourists,Auld Reekie,alley,alleys,Toddrick,Wynd,Toddricks,Toddricks Wynd,Royal Mile,Edinburgh old town,UK,EH1 1TB,doorway,metal,old town,history,heritage,Victorian,walking,sights,corners
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2M366PH - Todrick's Wynd - Entirely demolished - It ran from the High Street to the Cowgate a little east from Blackfriars Wynd
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,city,centre,Scotland,closes,close,entrance,entrances,Lothian,historic,tourist,trail,tourism,tourists,Auld Reekie,alley,alleys,hotel,carved,stone,Strichen,EH1 1TH,Royal Mile,Edinburgh old town,UK,Andrew Durie,Abbot,1526,Andrew Durie Abbot,Radisson Hotel,Lord Strichen,bras,sign,head,portrait
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2M366X1 - It takes its name from the residence of Andrew Durie, Abbot, 1526.
It was later occupied by Lord Strichen in the mid- 1700s and is now incorporated into The Radisson Blu Hotel.
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,city,centre,Scotland,close,entrance,Lothian,tourist,trail,tourism,tourists,Royal Mile,Edinburgh old town,UK,EH1 1TB,Auld Reekie,alley,alleys,history,heritage,old,oldtown,old town,urban,capital,sights,attractions,stone,stonework,Scots,landmark,landmarks,business,businesses,places,of,interest
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2M367ET -
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Scotland,UK,4,EH1 2JU,EH1,city,centre,restaurant,the,Scottish,old town,stone,cafe,bar,bars,pub,pubs,castle,tourist,tourism,attraction,attractions,history,historic,heritage,sunny,blue sky,blue skies,tower,towers,present,decorated,decorations,festive,building,buildings,architecture,Beer shop,store
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2RH9DGK -
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,capital,city,centre,Scotland,UK,EDN,in,the,evening,on,EH1,Lothian,EH1 2HG,Shops,stores,pretty,beautiful,at,40,blue,red,pink,Grainstore,Grain Store,Walker Slater,clothes,clothing,shopping,shoppers,tourist,tourism,tourists,world heritage,site,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K3XN3Y -
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,capital,city,centre,Scotland,UK,EDN,in,the,evening,on,EH1,Lothian,EH1 2HG,Shops,stores,pretty,beautiful,at,40,blue,red,pink,Grainstore,Grain Store,Walker Slater,clothes,clothing,shopping,shoppers,tourist,tourism,tourists,world heritage,site,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K3XN7P -
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,capital,city,centre,Scotland,UK,EDN,Lothian,EH1 2LS,historic,buildings,night,nighttime,tourist,attraction,sites,Earthen Mound,spire,spires,University New College,General Assembly Hall,Church of Scotland,lit up,lighted,illuminated,General,Assembly,Hall,dusk,evening,twilight,tourism,attractions,the,Mound
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K3XN7Y - The Mound is an artificial slope in central Edinburgh, Scotland, which connects Edinburgh's New and Old Towns. It was formed by dumping around 1,501,000 cartloads of earth excavated from the foundations of the New Town into Nor Loch which was drained in 1765 and forms today's Princes Street Gardens.
History
The construction of the Earthen Mound, as it was originally called, was first proposed in 1783 by residents of the Lawnmarket to improve connection to Princes Street (which was then built only from St Andrew Square to Hanover Street) in correct anticipation of the need for such a new route. It was extended over the years until by 1830 it was macadamised and landscaped so that it appeared more or less complete. When the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway was extended to Waverley station in 1846, tunnels were driven through the Mound to allow access east to west.
The Bank of Scotland headquarters on The Mound
Some of Edinburgh's most notable buildings and institutions have their premises on the Mound, including the National Gallery of Scotland, the Royal Scottish Academy, the spires of the University of Edinburgh's New College, the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland, the elegant domed Headquarters of the commercially owned Bank of Scotland, and its museum, Museum on the Mound.
The Mound is a busy, if fairly steep, thoroughfare taking traffic to and from Princes Street in the New Town to the Royal Mile in the Old Town. The lower end, or 'Foot' of the Mound is a few metres' walk from the Princes Street tram stop. Due to its raised elevation, the Mound commands expansive views over Princes Street and the New Town of Edinburgh and towards Calton Hill. An 'electric blanket' was installed under the surface of the roadway of the mound to keep this clear of ice and snow in 1959. It is no longer operational but was one of the first of its type
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith @HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Central,Gordon St,Gordon Street,city centre,transport,train,trains,Scotrail,Champagne Bar,Champagne Central bar,Scottish,bar,Champagne Central,drinking,Scotland,historic,99,bars,infrastructure,Victorian,pub,tourism,Gordon street,UK,tourist,ceiling,commercial,stations,pubs,wood,wooden,mahogany,brand,branding
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy PE1J3Y -
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,customers,Scotland,UK,people,tourists,tourism,pedal,by pedal,thin cyclist,bicycle,three wheel,city centre,taxi,Glasgow Cycle Rickshaw,rider,two passengers,evolution rickshaws,rickshaws,ride,riders,tricycle,cargo delivery,A-board advertising,barrhead travel,Glasgow Pedicabs,Pedicabs,shade,roof,fit man,keep fit,cycling,fitness,lazy,Topshop,Lycra,cycle wear
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy P53BTP -
Description
Keywords: Glasgow,city,centre,gotonysmith,stairs,arts,artscentre,center,11,Mitchell Ln,Scotland,UK,G1 3NU,G1,the,building,architecture,stair,spiral,Glasgow City Council,GCG,Centre for Design and Architecture,Scotlands,offices,Glasgow Herald newspaper.,trust,Mackintosh Tower,tower,helical,tourist,attraction,tourism,view,viewpoint,1895,architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy HKHWCP - The Lighthouse in Glasgow is Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture. It was opened as part of Glasgow's status as the UK City of Architecture and Design in 1999.
The Lighthouse is the renamed conversion of the former offices of the Glasgow Herald newspaper. Completed in 1895, it was designed by the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The centre's vision is to develop the links between design, architecture, and the creative industries, seeing these as interconnected social, educational, economic and cultural issues of concern to everyone.
The Lighthouse today
The Lighthouse Trust went into administration in August 2009. At its peak the Lighthouse Trust employed around 90 staff. Its directors moved on: Nick Barley became director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Following a substantial redundancy programme the remaining staff were transferred to Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS) and Glasgow City Council (GCC). The Lighthouse building remains in the ownership of Glasgow City Council, which has made financial provision to meet the costs of operating the centre, re-establishing it as Scotland's National Centre for Architecture and Design
Description
Keywords: Glasgow,city,centre,gotonysmith,stairs,arts,artscentre,center,11,Mitchell Ln,Scotland,UK,G1 3NU,G1,the,building,architecture,stair,spiral,Glasgow City Council,GCG,Centre for Design and Architecture,Scotlands,offices,Glasgow Herald newspaper.,trust,Mackintosh Tower,tower,helical,tourist,attraction,tourism,view,viewpoint,1895,architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy HKHWDA - The Lighthouse in Glasgow is Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture. It was opened as part of Glasgow's status as the UK City of Architecture and Design in 1999.
The Lighthouse is the renamed conversion of the former offices of the Glasgow Herald newspaper. Completed in 1895, it was designed by the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The centre's vision is to develop the links between design, architecture, and the creative industries, seeing these as interconnected social, educational, economic and cultural issues of concern to everyone.
The Lighthouse today
The Lighthouse Trust went into administration in August 2009. At its peak the Lighthouse Trust employed around 90 staff. Its directors moved on: Nick Barley became director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Following a substantial redundancy programme the remaining staff were transferred to Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS) and Glasgow City Council (GCC). The Lighthouse building remains in the ownership of Glasgow City Council, which has made financial provision to meet the costs of operating the centre, re-establishing it as Scotland's National Centre for Architecture and Design
Description
Keywords: Glasgow,city,centre,gotonysmith,stairs,arts,artscentre,center,11,Mitchell Ln,Scotland,UK,G1 3NU,G1,the,building,architecture,stair,spiral,Glasgow City Council,GCG,Centre for Design and Architecture,Scotlands,offices,Glasgow Herald newspaper.,trust,Mackintosh Tower,tower,helical,tourist,attraction,tourism,view,viewpoint,1895,architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy HKHWDN - The Lighthouse in Glasgow is Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture. It was opened as part of Glasgow's status as the UK City of Architecture and Design in 1999.
The Lighthouse is the renamed conversion of the former offices of the Glasgow Herald newspaper. Completed in 1895, it was designed by the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The centre's vision is to develop the links between design, architecture, and the creative industries, seeing these as interconnected social, educational, economic and cultural issues of concern to everyone.
The Lighthouse today
The Lighthouse Trust went into administration in August 2009. At its peak the Lighthouse Trust employed around 90 staff. Its directors moved on: Nick Barley became director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Following a substantial redundancy programme the remaining staff were transferred to Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS) and Glasgow City Council (GCC). The Lighthouse building remains in the ownership of Glasgow City Council, which has made financial provision to meet the costs of operating the centre, re-establishing it as Scotland's National Centre for Architecture and Design
Description
Keywords: City,Centre,art,design,neon,sign,Glasgow,Scotland,UK,culture,architecture,G1,3NU,ln,tourist,tourism,travel,location,destination,designer,green,Neon Sign,The Lighthouse,Mitchell Lane,G1 3NU,Green Neon,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,Scottish,Scots,British,Scotland,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles,Charles Rennie Mackintosh,Rennie Mackintosh,Glasgow School,The Glasgow School
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H9PM2X -
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,Scotish,Scotch,British,Scotland,problem,with,problem with,issue with,Buy Pictures of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,Scottish Nationalism,city,centre,urban,Club,Corrinthian,club,Corrinthian club,Corinthian,Merchants,George,Buchanan,tourism,road,191 Ingram Street,G1
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy HGC7YY - The Corinthian Club stands on the site of the renowned 18th century Virginia Mansion, which was constructed for prominent City Merchant George Buchanan, and was famed as being one of the finest private residences in Glasgow. The location itself is historic and symbolizes the social and commercial development of Glasgow in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Description
Keywords: Scotland,UK,at,dusk,patriot,patriotic,national,Party,indy,independance,independence,45%,45,saits,day,City,centre,City Centre,GoTonySmith,Ediburgh,Tour,tourist,tourism,tourist,attraction,Scotland,Capital,City,Scottish,icon,iconic,@Hotpixuk,HotpixUk,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Tourist Attraction,city Centre,Auld Reekie,illuminated
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy F89PRR - Jenners Department Store, now known simply as Jenners, is a department store located in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was the oldest independent department store in Scotland until its acquisition by House of Fraser in 2005
Description
Keywords: clothing,city,cities,Scotland,patriotic,patriot,sayings,gift,for,tourist,tourists,tourism,gift,unusual,Celtic,traditional,GoTonySmith,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,towns,Alba,land,maps,map,souvenir,souvenirs,apron,shirt,blouse,town,print,fabric,printed
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy EY5KE0 -
Description
Keywords: clothing,city,cities,Scotland,patriotic,patriot,sayings,gift,for,tourist,tourists,tourism,gift,unusual,Celtic,traditional,GoTonySmith,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,towns,Alba,land,maps,map,souvenir,souvenirs,apron,shirt,blouse,town,print,fabric,printed
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy EY5KE1 -
Description
Keywords: clothing,city,cities,Scotland,patriotic,patriot,sayings,gift,for,tourist,tourists,tourism,gift,unusual,Celtic,traditional,GoTonySmith,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,towns,Alba,land,maps,map,souvenir,souvenirs,apron,shirt,blouse,town,print,fabric,printed
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy EY5KE2 -
Description
Keywords: clothing,city,cities,Scotland,patriotic,patriot,sayings,gift,for,tourist,tourists,tourism,gift,unusual,Celtic,traditional,GoTonySmith,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,towns,Alba,land,maps,map,souvenir,souvenirs,apron,shirt,blouse,town,print,fabric,printed
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy EY5KE4 -
Description
Keywords: HotpixUk,@HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,UK,England,English,Lothian,Scotland,evening,Victoria Street,Victoria st,Xmas,Christmas,Edinburgh Christmas,Dec,December,Edinburgh Old Town,Old Town,EH1,terrace,historic,buildings,cobbles,cobbled,street,historic Edinburgh,bottom of,Victoria St,Street,Capital City,apartments,flats,shops,colourful,colorful,tourism,trail,tourist,Old,Town
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2AAT2P0 - VICTORIA Street with its historic architecture, elegant curve and colourful shop fronts is one of the city's most picturesque locations. In recent times however, it has been forced to ward off the threat of destruction.
Before the creation of Victoria Street and Johnston Terrace in the early 1800s, the steep, awkward incline of the old West Bow was the only feasible passage for those wishing to access the Lawnmarket and Edinburgh Castle from the west.
The old West Bow was a precipitous, narrow Z-shaped street linking the Grassmarket with Castlehill. Its path is somewhat preserved today by the steps which cut through Victoria Street towards the Upper Bow. Prior to the 19th century it was considered to be one of the most important roads in Edinburgh, despite its reputation as one of the most difficult to negotiate if travelling by carriage.
Many of the oldest buildings in the city were contained along the old West Bow. An abundance of timber-fronted houses had sprung up over the centuries, many of them resembling upside-down pyramids due to the manner in which the floors increasingly protruded out as they progressed upwards.
As such, the distance between the top floors of some of the houses on either side of the street was so little that it is said neighbours could enjoy the pleasure of tea drinking, without the trouble of leaving their respective abodes'.
The old West Bow was radically transformed between 1829-34 as part of town planner Thomas Hamilton's 1827 Improvement Act which was set up to provide better approaches into the Old Town from the west and south. The eventual design featured a gentle, curved link from the Grassmarket up to the newly-created George IV Bridge. It was originally named Bow Street, remaining so until 1837 when the arrival to the British throne of Queen Victoria was suitably honoured by the city.
More at https://www.scotsman.com/news-2-15012/lost-edinburgh-the-creation-of-victoria-street-1-3019825
Description
Keywords: City,capital,tweed,kilt,buy,retail,gift,gifts,giftware,kilts,Scotland,Uk,Shortbread,tourist,tourists,tourism,travel,experience,Gotonysmith,Auld Reekie,House of Edinburgh,store,shopping,UK,stores,cashmere,kntwear,scarves,tartan,lambswool,pashmina,Harris Tweed,Jewellery,tax free,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy ED4M28 -
Description
Keywords: 34,city,of,tourist,tourism,attraction,ale,house,alehouse,CAMRA,real,royal,companion,Old,Town,outside,Lothians,Scotland,UK,Nicholson,freehouse,company,bar,Chambers,Street,and,George,IV,Bridge,houses,scruffy,EH12QE,EH1,2QE,GoTonySmith bars different shot of near graveyard traditional,Ediburgh,Edinburg,Edinburgh Panorama,Scotlands History,Scotlands History
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy ED4MN2 - Greyfriars Bobby's Bar occupies the ground floor of a row of Georgian houses adjoining the historic Candlemakers' Hall, built in 1722.
The name of the bar is inspired by an Edinburgh legend of a scruffy Skye terrier called Bobby. When his owner died in 1858, Bobby faithfully watched over his grave and was buried alongside his master in the Greyfriars Kirkyard in 1872.
Description
Keywords: street,stone doric columns gothic greek style building Edinburgh,Scotland,UK,Scots,tourist,tourism,attraction,in,the,evening,located,on,The,Mound,in,central,neoclassical,building,designed,by,William,Henry,looking,up,Scottish National gallery,GoTonySmith,Tour,tourism,tourist,Capital,City,Scots,icon,iconic,@Hotpixuk,HotpixUk,Tourist Attraction,city Centre,greenwashing
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy ED4MP2 - The Scottish National Gallery is the national art gallery of Scotland.
It is located on The Mound in central Edinburgh, in a neoclassical building designed by William Henry Playfair, and first opened to the public in 1859
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,Scotish,Scottish,Scotch,British,Scotland,Alba,problem,with,problem with,issue with,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles,Scottish Nationalism,dramatic,EH1,wall,historic,city centre,history,tourist,tourism,attraction,roofs,rooftops
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy DDXH41 -
Description
Keywords: pano city seat of learning education,lothians Lothian,Scotland,UK,GB,great,Britain,tourist,tourism,place,attraction,course,courses,degree,degrees,architecture,building,buildings,stone,traditional,Uni,Edinburgh University,Edinburgh University,Edinburgh Uni,gotonysmith,oldtown,Edinburg,icon,Scots,Scotish,Scotland,problem,with,Uni,stone,history,historic,tourist,tour,travel,study,student,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,problem with,Edinburgh University,Edinburgh Uni
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy DDXXM9 -
Description
Keywords: Old,jock,Shop,WestBow,near,Grassmarket,Grass,Market,top,of,traditional,Scots,Scottish,food,city,Edinburgh,Scotland,UK,city,of,Great,Britain,GB,tourist,tourism,pieshop,GoTonySmith,Alba,Auld Jocks,Auld Jock,pies,takeaway,fast,unhealthy,EH1 2HH,EH1
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy DED18R -
Description
Keywords: Edinburgh Kilt hire shop. Special tourist offer £49.99 Sporran,Chain,Ghillie Shirt Kilt Pin,Royal,Mile,Scotland,bonnie,shops,retail,gift,gifts,presents,from,traditional,tourist,tourism,independent,independant,independence,Skirt,Scotsman,Gotonysmith,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Scots,Scottish,dress,clothing,style,styles,your,tartans,packages,package
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy DED1DX -
Description
Keywords: Scotland,UK,historic,places,tourist,for,tourism,alternative,in,free,Gotonysmith,OLDtown,outside,the,centre,tourism attraction,museums,sign,exterior,attraction,attractions,two,men,carrying,a,sedan,chair,thistle,thistles,symbol,symbols,of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy DED1TD -
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,HotpixUK,Scotland,UK,United Kingdom,Edinburgh Old Town,Edinburgh city centre,Edinburgh Castle,castle view,evening,urban view,cobblestones,curved street,balcony view,elevated view,Christmas lights,festive lights,winter lights,Scottish capital,Scottish tourism,Edinburgh tourism,heritage architecture,UNESCO World Heritage Site,historic buildings,street scene,city at dusk,architecture,Scottish,cityscape,travel,city,view,heritage,tourism,festival,holiday,attraction,break,atmospheric
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy CF7D82 - Elevated dusk view from Victoria Street looking down towards the Grassmarket in Edinburgh's historic Old Town, with Edinburgh Castle glowing on the skyline beyond the rooftops. The photograph captures the blue hour atmosphere of Scotland's capital, with warm street lighting, illuminated windows, cobbled streets, festive lights, chimneys, old tenements and the curved upper terrace of Victoria Street creating a rich urban heritage scene. The darkening sky and golden building lights suggest an autumn or winter evening, while the damp-looking cobbles and cool blue tones add a moody, atmospheric quality. Victoria Street is one of Edinburgh's most recognisable and photogenic streets, curving down from the higher Old Town towards the Grassmarket. The Grassmarket itself is a historic marketplace and visitor area beneath Edinburgh Castle, surrounded by pubs, shops, restaurants and views of the castle rock. This image is commercially useful for editorial and travel features about Edinburgh tourism, Scotland city breaks, UK heritage, Old Town architecture, UNESCO World Heritage context, winter travel, Christmas lights, romantic city views, historic streets, urban conservation, Scottish culture, city nightlife and European short breaks. The composition combines several classic Edinburgh elements in one frame: narrow streets, stone buildings, steep levels, old roofs, chimneys, cobbles, decorative lights and the castle dominating the city above. It can support articles on Edinburgh holidays, walking routes, city guides, heritage tourism, architectural history, festive breaks, cultural events, the Grassmarket, Victoria Street, castle viewpoints and the distinctive topography of the Old Town. With no obvious foreground people, the scene works well as an atmospheric establishing image for Edinburgh at dusk, showing the city's layered history and visual drama as daylight fades over the historic centre.
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,HotpixUK,National Gallery of Scotland,The Mound Edinburgh,Edinburgh cityscape,Edinburgh landmark,Scottish art gallery,Edinburgh Old Town,Scotland capital city,dusk Edinburgh,blue hour,tourism,travel,culture,heritage,art and culture,museums,galleries,architecture,European capitals,editorial travel,seasonal weather,night photography,low light photography,urban atmosphere,public art,UNESCO city,Edinburgh,Scotland,United Kingdom,UK capital,art gallery exterior,museum building,classical columns,stone architecture,iron railings,city steps,pedestrian steps,winter snow
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy CF7D6R - A winter dusk view of the National Gallery of Scotland, part of the Edinburgh National Galleries, photographed from the Playfair Steps on The Mound in central Edinburgh. The neoclassical gallery building is illuminated against a deep blue evening sky, while snow covers the steps and surrounding pavements, reflecting the warm glow of street lamps and gallery lighting.
Blurred figures moving across the steps suggest pedestrian activity captured using a longer exposure, adding a sense of motion and life to the cold winter scene. Black iron railings frame the foreground, while the elevated position on The Mound provides a strong architectural perspective across this key cultural site linking Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town.
The National Gallery of Scotland houses one of the country's most important art collections and sits at the heart of Edinburgh's cultural and civic landscape. The image conveys themes of winter weather, urban atmosphere, culture, and tourism in Scotland's capital city, making it suitable for editorial use relating to travel, arts coverage, museums, seasonal city life, and European capital destinations, as well as commercial design projects seeking an atmospheric winter city image.
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,monument,monuments,Scotland,UK,Broch,the,of,historic,tourist,attraction,tourism,well-preserved,Late Bronze Age,farmstead,Early Iron Age,Iron Age,fort,loch,wheelhouse,settlement,settlements,John RC,Hamilton,Scottish,ZE1,The Willows,38,South Road,Lerwick Sound,Shetland,ZE1 0RD,drama,dramatic,sky,skies,sunny,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R59X7C - The Broch of Clickimin (also Clickimin or Clickhimin Broch) is a large, well-preserved but restored broch in Lerwick in Shetland, Scotland (grid reference HU46434082). Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch, it was approached by a stone causeway. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large forework or blockhouse between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. The site is maintained by Historic Scotland. According to its excavator, John R.C. Hamilton, there were several periods of occupation of the site: Late Bronze Age farmstead, Early Iron Age farmstead, Iron Age fort, broch period, and wheelhouse settlement.
Location
Clickimin Broch is situated on the south shore of the Clickimin Loch, three-quarters of a mile south-west of Lerwick on the Lerwick-Sumburgh road. It sits on a small promontory jutting into the loch. It is one of the best preserved broch sites in Shetland.
The broch has an external diameter of around 20 metres and an internal diameter of around 9 metres. It is surrounded by a stone-walled fort consisting of a blockhouse and ringwork. The blockhouse is a free-standing drystone gateway set just within the entrance to the fort. Access to the broch is achieved via the entrance on the western side. The entrance passage may have had a guard cell, now blocked up, on the right side, just inside the door jamb. The interior of the broch has two cells within the walls at ground-level. Excavations have revealed the postholes for internal timber buildings and in the 19th century there were said to have been radiating stone piers visible. There are two additional entrances to the broch at upper levels. The north entrance leads both into the interior and to a staircase. The other entrance leads to an intramural gallery
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,monument,monuments,Scotland,UK,Broch,the,of,historic,tourist,attraction,tourism,well-preserved,Late Bronze Age,farmstead,Early Iron Age,Iron Age,fort,loch,wheelhouse,settlement,settlements,John RC,Hamilton,Scottish,ZE1,The Willows,38,South Road,Lerwick Sound,Shetland,ZE1 0RD,drama,dramatic,sky,skies,sunny
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R59X7J - The Broch of Clickimin (also Clickimin or Clickhimin Broch) is a large, well-preserved but restored broch in Lerwick in Shetland, Scotland (grid reference HU46434082). Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch, it was approached by a stone causeway. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large forework or blockhouse between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. The site is maintained by Historic Scotland. According to its excavator, John R.C. Hamilton, there were several periods of occupation of the site: Late Bronze Age farmstead, Early Iron Age farmstead, Iron Age fort, broch period, and wheelhouse settlement.
Location
Clickimin Broch is situated on the south shore of the Clickimin Loch, three-quarters of a mile south-west of Lerwick on the Lerwick-Sumburgh road. It sits on a small promontory jutting into the loch. It is one of the best preserved broch sites in Shetland.
The broch has an external diameter of around 20 metres and an internal diameter of around 9 metres. It is surrounded by a stone-walled fort consisting of a blockhouse and ringwork. The blockhouse is a free-standing drystone gateway set just within the entrance to the fort. Access to the broch is achieved via the entrance on the western side. The entrance passage may have had a guard cell, now blocked up, on the right side, just inside the door jamb. The interior of the broch has two cells within the walls at ground-level. Excavations have revealed the postholes for internal timber buildings and in the 19th century there were said to have been radiating stone piers visible. There are two additional entrances to the broch at upper levels. The north entrance leads both into the interior and to a staircase. The other entrance leads to an intramural gallery
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,monument,monuments,Scotland,UK,Broch,the,of,historic,tourist,attraction,tourism,well-preserved,Late Bronze Age,farmstead,Early Iron Age,Iron Age,fort,loch,wheelhouse,settlement,settlements,John RC,Hamilton,Scottish,ZE1,The Willows,38,South Road,Lerwick Sound,Shetland,ZE1 0RD,drama,dramatic,sky,skies,sunny,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R59X7R - The Broch of Clickimin (also Clickimin or Clickhimin Broch) is a large, well-preserved but restored broch in Lerwick in Shetland, Scotland (grid reference HU46434082). Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch, it was approached by a stone causeway. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large forework or blockhouse between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. The site is maintained by Historic Scotland. According to its excavator, John R.C. Hamilton, there were several periods of occupation of the site: Late Bronze Age farmstead, Early Iron Age farmstead, Iron Age fort, broch period, and wheelhouse settlement.
Location
Clickimin Broch is situated on the south shore of the Clickimin Loch, three-quarters of a mile south-west of Lerwick on the Lerwick-Sumburgh road. It sits on a small promontory jutting into the loch. It is one of the best preserved broch sites in Shetland.
The broch has an external diameter of around 20 metres and an internal diameter of around 9 metres. It is surrounded by a stone-walled fort consisting of a blockhouse and ringwork. The blockhouse is a free-standing drystone gateway set just within the entrance to the fort. Access to the broch is achieved via the entrance on the western side. The entrance passage may have had a guard cell, now blocked up, on the right side, just inside the door jamb. The interior of the broch has two cells within the walls at ground-level. Excavations have revealed the postholes for internal timber buildings and in the 19th century there were said to have been radiating stone piers visible. There are two additional entrances to the broch at upper levels. The north entrance leads both into the interior and to a staircase. The other entrance leads to an intramural gallery
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,monument,monuments,Scotland,UK,Broch,the,of,historic,tourist,attraction,tourism,well-preserved,Late Bronze Age,farmstead,Early Iron Age,Iron Age,fort,loch,wheelhouse,settlement,settlements,John RC,Hamilton,Scottish,ZE1,The Willows,38,South Road,Lerwick Sound,Shetland,ZE1 0RD,drama,dramatic,sky,skies,sunny,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R59X99 - The Broch of Clickimin (also Clickimin or Clickhimin Broch) is a large, well-preserved but restored broch in Lerwick in Shetland, Scotland (grid reference HU46434082). Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch, it was approached by a stone causeway. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large forework or blockhouse between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. The site is maintained by Historic Scotland. According to its excavator, John R.C. Hamilton, there were several periods of occupation of the site: Late Bronze Age farmstead, Early Iron Age farmstead, Iron Age fort, broch period, and wheelhouse settlement.
Location
Clickimin Broch is situated on the south shore of the Clickimin Loch, three-quarters of a mile south-west of Lerwick on the Lerwick-Sumburgh road. It sits on a small promontory jutting into the loch. It is one of the best preserved broch sites in Shetland.
The broch has an external diameter of around 20 metres and an internal diameter of around 9 metres. It is surrounded by a stone-walled fort consisting of a blockhouse and ringwork. The blockhouse is a free-standing drystone gateway set just within the entrance to the fort. Access to the broch is achieved via the entrance on the western side. The entrance passage may have had a guard cell, now blocked up, on the right side, just inside the door jamb. The interior of the broch has two cells within the walls at ground-level. Excavations have revealed the postholes for internal timber buildings and in the 19th century there were said to have been radiating stone piers visible. There are two additional entrances to the broch at upper levels. The north entrance leads both into the interior and to a staircase. The other entrance leads to an intramural gallery
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,monument,monuments,Scotland,UK,Broch,the,of,historic,tourist,attraction,tourism,well-preserved,Late Bronze Age,farmstead,Early Iron Age,Iron Age,fort,loch,wheelhouse,settlement,settlements,John RC,Hamilton,Scottish,ZE1,The Willows,38,South Road,Lerwick Sound,Shetland,ZE1 0RD,drama,dramatic,sky,skies,sunny,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R59X9E - The Broch of Clickimin (also Clickimin or Clickhimin Broch) is a large, well-preserved but restored broch in Lerwick in Shetland, Scotland (grid reference HU46434082). Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch, it was approached by a stone causeway. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large forework or blockhouse between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. The site is maintained by Historic Scotland. According to its excavator, John R.C. Hamilton, there were several periods of occupation of the site: Late Bronze Age farmstead, Early Iron Age farmstead, Iron Age fort, broch period, and wheelhouse settlement.
Location
Clickimin Broch is situated on the south shore of the Clickimin Loch, three-quarters of a mile south-west of Lerwick on the Lerwick-Sumburgh road. It sits on a small promontory jutting into the loch. It is one of the best preserved broch sites in Shetland.
The broch has an external diameter of around 20 metres and an internal diameter of around 9 metres. It is surrounded by a stone-walled fort consisting of a blockhouse and ringwork. The blockhouse is a free-standing drystone gateway set just within the entrance to the fort. Access to the broch is achieved via the entrance on the western side. The entrance passage may have had a guard cell, now blocked up, on the right side, just inside the door jamb. The interior of the broch has two cells within the walls at ground-level. Excavations have revealed the postholes for internal timber buildings and in the 19th century there were said to have been radiating stone piers visible. There are two additional entrances to the broch at upper levels. The north entrance leads both into the interior and to a staircase. The other entrance leads to an intramural gallery
Description
Keywords: glowing,scotland,scots,scottish,independence,independance,prrinces,street,winter,victorian,old,town,from,calton,caltan,carlton,carltan,hill,tourist,tourism,parliament,traffic,late,at,night,nightime,time,glow,from,early,evening,traffic,glow,glowing,skyline,gotonysmith,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy D8HDAY -
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,HotpixUK,winter fair,Christmas amusement rides,Scotland capital city,Christmas market Scotland,swing carousel,festive illumination,Christmas,winter,tourism,travel,seasonal events,city break,festive atmosphere,public celebrations,urban leisure,family attractions,nightlife,European capitals,cultural events,holiday season,editorial travel,city life,Edinburgh,Scotland,United Kingdom,UK capital,Princes Street,city centre Edinburgh,winter event,seasonal attraction,Christmas lights,illuminated rides,fairground at night,winter tourism,festive season,people at fair,motion blur
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy CEMX1N - A festive winter dusk scene at the Edinburgh Christmas fair in Princes Street Gardens, showing brightly illuminated amusement rides glowing against a deep blue evening sky in the heart of Scotland's capital city. The image features a traditional helter skelter tower and a swing carousel decorated with red, white and warm golden lights, creating a strong visual contrast with the surrounding darkness and bare winter trees. The lights spill across the gardens, reflecting the lively atmosphere of Edinburgh's annual winter festival.
In the background, historic city centre buildings along Princes Street rise above the gardens, anchoring the fair firmly within Edinburgh's urban landscape. The location, close to the former Jenners department store, is one of the city's most recognisable public spaces and becomes a focal point each winter for seasonal events, attracting residents and tourists alike. Blurred figures moving through the scene suggest crowds in motion, reinforcing the sense of energy, cold-weather activity and festive excitement typical of the Christmas period.
Princes Street Gardens sits between Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town and regularly hosts major civic celebrations. During the winter months it is transformed into a temporary amusement park and Christmas attraction, symbolising the city's role as a cultural and tourism destination during the festive season. The combination of fairground rides, historic architecture, winter trees and twilight lighting conveys themes of celebration, seasonal leisure, urban life and tourism in a European capital city.
This image is well suited for editorial use relating to Christmas, winter festivals, city tourism, seasonal events, public celebrations and Scottish urban life, as well as commercial applications requiring atmospheric winter imagery from a major UK city.
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,HotpixUK,Outer Hebrides,Scottish harbour,coastal town Scotland,rainbow Scotland,harbour reflection,boats in harbour,maritime Scotland,island life,over,weather,climate,rainbow,hope,changeable weather,maritime economy,fishing industry,island communities,travel,tourism,coastal landscapes,seascape photography,editorial travel,remote places,British islands,European islands,natural phenomena,Stornoway Bay,Western Isles,Na h-Eileanan Siar,Scotland,United Kingdom,UK islands,fishing boats,moored boats,working harbour,waterfront buildings,HS1 2RF
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy CF0N73 - A wide panoramic view of Stornoway Harbour on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, showing a vivid rainbow arcing through heavy Atlantic cloud as sunlight breaks across the town and waterfront. The calm surface of the harbour reflects moored fishing boats, harbour structures and colourful shoreline buildings, creating a layered composition that contrasts tranquillity with the unsettled weather above. Dark storm clouds dominate the sky, while the rainbow introduces a moment of brightness and visual optimism typical of rapidly changing conditions in the Western Isles.
Stornoway is the largest town in the Outer Hebrides and functions as the main port, commercial centre and transport hub for Lewis and Harris. The harbour plays a central role in the local economy, supporting fishing, ferry services and maritime trade, and remains a focal point of daily island life. The presence of working boats alongside residential and commercial buildings highlights the close relationship between community and sea that defines the Hebridean experience.
Rainbows are a frequent but fleeting feature of the Hebridean climate, produced by fast-moving weather systems rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean. This image captures that distinctive combination of dramatic skies, calm water and sudden light that characterises coastal Scotland. The scene evokes themes of resilience, isolation, natural beauty and continuity in remote island communities.
This image is well suited for editorial use covering Scottish islands, coastal weather, maritime life, climate and environment, travel and tourism in the Outer Hebrides, as well as commercial applications requiring atmospheric coastal imagery with strong natural symbolism.
