Text 47. EDINBURGH

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, full of historical monuments of great interest.

The dominating feature of the city is the Castle, standing high on a steep rock. It is in the royal apartments of the Castle that the son of Mary Queen of Scot, the future King James I was born.

The Royal Palace of Hollyrood House, which is the official residence of the present queen of England, Elizabeth II, when she comes on a visit to Scotland, is also associated with the memory of Mary Stuart. The murder of David Rizzio, Mary’s Italian musician and secretary, took place within its walls.

The finest street in Edinburgh and the main shopping area is Prince’s Stree In the gardens on its south side stands the monument to Walter Scott, the famous writer of historical novels. Beyond the Scott monument, at the foot of the Castle, is the National Gallery of Scotland.

To the north of Edinburgh is the Firth of Forth¹. The Forth Bridge², which goes across it, is one of the great engineering achievements of the world.

Edinburgh University, which was founded in 1582, is famous for its medical faculty.

Edinburgh is also an important centre of cultural life, and each year, in late August and early September, it produces a fes­tival of music and drama which is famous all over the world.

Notes:

1. the Firth of Forth – залив Форт;

2. the Forth Bridge – мост Форт.

Answer the following questions:

1. Where is Edinburgh situated?

2. What is the dominating feature of the city?

3. What is the official residence of Elizabeth II?

4. Where is the monument to Walter Scott?

5. Where is the Firth of Forth situated?

6. Why do we call Edinburgh a cultural centre?