There are few major cities where a modern university campus in the countryside can enjoy easy and quick access to the bustle and bright lights of the city centre. Heriot-Watt enjoys this advantage in Edinburgh .

The Scottish Capital is a uniquely compact city. It is home to Scotland's parliament, and an international centre of finance, insurance and commerce. It is not by tradition a heavily industrial city. Civic pride in its rich history and a spectacular location on and around jagged volcanic outcrops overlooking the sea both contribute to the preservation of the city's character, culture and architecture.

Many of the UK's largest life insurance companies are centred around St. Andrew Square. A major new financial district at the West End has also been constructed in the last few years, in grand buildings close to the International Conference Centre and Festival Square.

Edinburgh has good public transport services and excellent road, rail and air connections with all parts of the UK. There are also direct air connections to several European destinations. Airlines using Edinburgh include British Airways, bmi, bmi Baby, KLM, KLM Cityhopper, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, Czech Airlines, Scotairways, RyanAir, easyJet, and Globespan.

The city's established reputation as a national centre of cultural activity is reflected in its museums, libraries, theatres, art galleries and in its active musical life.

As an international tourist, conference and exhibition centre, Edinburgh is home to Europe's premier International Festival of music and drama, the famous Fringe Festival and Film Festival, and in addition to Book, TV, Jazz and other Festivals - and not forgetting the world-famous Military Tattoo, played out on the Castle Esplanade with its stunning backdrop. Edinburgh has also established itself as a major venue for "Hogmanay" (New Year) celebrations. The city presents its visitors with a stimulating intellectual forum. Edinburgh also plays host to international sporting and athletics meetings.