One of the UK’s great cities will host the BetVictor Scottish Open next month – here’s everything you need to know about Edinburgh if you are planning a trip to the tournament.
By Tomos Wyn Jones
Gary Wilson will be defending the title at the Meadowbank Sports Centre, the scene of his greatest moment in snooker as he beat Joe O’Connor in last year’s final. This time the event runs from December 11 to 17 and the field is packed with snooker’s biggest names – for the full draw click here.
Tickets from just £15 are on sale now but must be booked fast – Click here for details.
Getting to Edinburgh
By car, head into the city on the A1. Or leave your car at a Park and Ride site and take a bus or train into the city centre. Edinburgh train station is a 15-minute bus from the venue. For those travelling from international destinations, the nearest airport is just outside Edinburgh, which is an hour commute via public transport. For more information on travel, click here.
The Venue
Meadowbank Sports Centre was at the heart of sport and physical activity in Edinburgh for almost 50 years until it closed in 2017. It hosted two Commonwealth Games along the way in 1970 and 1986 – the first venue to host the Games twice. In 2022 it reopened after a £47 million refurbishment. The new venue supports accessible participation and has improved indoor facilities including two multi-sport games halls with seating, three fitness studios and a gym with triple the number of exercise stations.
What to do?
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and the second largest city in the country by size and population behind Glasgow. There is so much to do in this world renowned location.
Edinburgh Castle
Located a 12-minute drive away from the Meadowbank Centre, this historic castle was voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and it is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction. The castle houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny and the National War Museum. Tickets start at £11.40, with free entry for under-16s when accompanied by an adult.
National Museum of Scotland
Opened in 1998, this museum tells the country’s history from the earliest times to the present day. Originally a Victorian building, the site has been redeveloped to become a vibrant museum for the world of today, providing new facilities and exhibiting ground-breaking technologies. Located a 15-minute bus ride from the arena, it is an entertaining and educational day out for people of all ages. It is open daily from 10am to 5pm and entry is free.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland since the 16th century, this is the site to learn about great historic figures from Mary Queen of Scots to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Open all year round, it stands at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, a 20-minute walk away from the venue. Advance tickets for adults are £18.
For more information on these attractions and much more click here or here or here.
Local Food and Drink
No trip to Scotland is complete without trying a Haggis supper, which consists of minced offal, onion, oatmeal, suet and spices mixed in stock. Haggis can be boiled, baked or deep fried, and is claimed by many to be the official meal of Scotland. Smoked Salmon is also another popular dish, given its flavour by the use of oak-barrels during the smoking process. And check out the Scotch Whisky Experience to find out all about Scotland’s most famous drink.
For a list of restaurants and places to eat in Edinburgh, click here.
