Living And Working In Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and situated in the south east of the country. It lies on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, an estuary that flows into the North Sea. You can easily feel as though you are stepping back in time while walking along the city’s cobbled streets and narrow alleyways, or alternatively, you can choose to enjoy a more vibrant, modern and cosmopolitan experience because Edinburgh has everything you could possibly imagine a city has! It is very well connected by road networks and one of the many regular and direct trains will get you to London in around four hours. Edinburgh Airport is Scotland's busiest airport and a flight from London typically takes little over an hour.

Similar to many areas of Scotland, the weather generally has mild summers and cold winters, occasionally getting snow which enhances the magical ambience of the city and is a favourite with photographers.

Edinburgh has a rich and complex history that spans over a thousand years. The area around Edinburgh has been inhabited since prehistoric times with evidence of human settlement dating back to at least the Bronze age. During the medieval period, the city grew  in significance and in 1124, it was granted royal burgh status. By the late middle ages, it became the capital of Scotland with both the Scottish parliament and the royal court residing here. During the 19th century, Edinburgh expanded substantially but remained less industrialised than other nearby cities such as Glasgow and Dundee.

Edinburgh’s economy is robust and diversified, driven by key sectors. Edinburgh remains a leading financial hub in the UK with major companies having their headquarters in the city. The financial sector, especially insurance and investment management continues to be a significant source of employment. Fintech is increasingly prominent, blending traditional finance with cutting edge technologies

The city has seen rapid growth in technology sectors like data science, software development and cyber security. Major tech companies are based here and Edinburgh is also home to a thriving startup ecosystem which is supported by the city’s universities and tech incubators. The city has been dubbed ‘Data Capital of Europe’ due to its investment in data driven industries and initiatives.

The creative sector, including film, television, gaming and the arts, continues to grow in the city. The city’s rich literary heritage and thriving arts scene play a key role in this development. Edinburgh is also a UNESCO City of Literature and has a growing reputation in interactive entertainment.

Edinburgh is an important player in Scotland’s life sciences sector with research facilities and businesses focused on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical technology. The city’s BioQuarter is a hub for medical research and innovation, attracting investment and fostering collaboration between universities, the NHS and private companies.

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh hosts a large number of public sector jobs, particularly in government, administration and policy making with many UK and Scottish government offices based within the city.

Scotland is a leader in renewable energy and Edinburgh is closely linked to this sector. The city is home to firms and research groups working on wind, tidal and other forms of renewable energy, driving green innovation and supporting the city’s net zero ambitions.

The highly regarded University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world and is a world leader in numerous subjects. Other local universities include Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Napier University and Queen Margaret University.  The city’s knowledge based economy benefits from a highly skilled workforce with the number of residents with a degree, far surpassing many other towns and cities.

Tourism remains a cornerstone of Edinburgh’s economy, boosted by its rich cultural heritage and festivals, including the world renowned Edinburgh International Festival. With so much to see and do in Edinburgh, just a handful of the more well known attractions include Edinburgh Castle which interestingly nestles upon an extinct volcano, Castle Rock, from which you can admire views of the city and beyond. You may even spot the ghosts that are said to haunt the castle! Edinburgh Zoo, Holyrood Park incorporating Arthurs Seat, (a large park close to Holyrood Palace), the Scottish National Gallery, Dynamic Earth Museum and the eerie yet fascinating underground city of The Real Mary Kings Close are all definitely worth visiting.

Shopping and dining out in Edinburgh are fantastic experiences as you would expect with a major city of this calibre. A snapshot of these include the famous Princes Street which offers a mix of high street brands and stores, George Street which is perfect for luxury shopping and the Royal Mile which is one of the most famous and historic streets in Edinburgh! Do not miss the opportunity to sample traditional Scottish cuisine such as haggis, neeps and tatties in the many pubs, restaurants, cafes and market stalls.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on October 2nd between 10am - 2pm. The venue is the Assembly Rooms, EH2 2LR. The Georgian building was originally opened in 1787 and was solely used as a meeting place for social gatherings. This popular and much loved building, situated at the heart of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site is now used as an arts venue and for major public events.