GETTING THERE

with a climb up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano reaching over 800ft with sweeping views over the capital.

A far shorter walk is the brief hike up Calton Hill, with its rewarding mix of monuments at the summit, including the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument, the Political Martyrs’ Monument and the Democracy Cairn.

The Democracy Cairn features various stones from historical locations, such as a brick from Robert Burns’ residence and Robert the Bruce’s castle of Lochmaben. It also includes a stone from Auschwitz to commemorate Jane Haining, a Scottish farmer’s daughter who arrived in Budapest in 1932 to work as a matron at the Scottish Jewish Mission School.

Haining was looking after orphaned girls and she declined several opportunities to return to the UK, remaining with her charges to protect and support them. Arrested by the Gestapo in 1944, she died in the camp, aged 47. She has been honoured by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations and many books and articles have been written to remember her selflessness.

Elsewhere, other pieces of Edinburgh’s Jewish history include Scotland’s first synagogue, established in 1817 within a rented room at 22 North Richmond Street.

A Jewish walking tour explores some of the key areas of interest and the history of the city’s community — you can download an app to follow the route (jewishstudies.div.ed.ac.uk/projects/edinburgh-jewish-walks).

While Scotland’s capital may be quieter than usual without its international tourists, in terms of experiences and history it’s still buzzing — and this time you won’t have to fight the crowds. In fact, 2020 could be the very year to make the most of Edinburgh.

Self-catering accommodation at the Knight Residence by Mansley costs from £124 per night. There’s a choice of one- to three-bedroom apartments, with fully furnished dining kitchens, living space and secure parking, around half a mile from Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle. bymansley.com/the-knightresidence

Tickets for cruises with Maid of the Forth cost from £15 for adults. maidoftheforth.co.uk

Scotland has separate rules from the rest of the UK regarding Covid-19: check the latest details, including mask requirements (currently compulsory in all attractions and shops) and quarantine regulations at gov.scot

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