Something for the weekend: Edinburgh

By Rennie Brown

Where to stay
Tigerlily is one of those hotels that gets you run-around-the-room excited. As soon as the door clicks shut you'll be racing around, opening and shutting drawers and doors, admiring the Designers Guild furnishings and gasping at the slinky bathroom. All over the hotel women let out delighted cheers as they discover GHDs in their wardrobes, while the boys heave happy sighs at their shiny crop of hi-tech toys. Tigerlilly is the hotel equivalent to a beautiful box of chocolates. Everything's so sumptuous and sexy - you'll just want to rip off the wrapper and dive in.

Where to eat
If you do manage to drag yourselves away from the Tigerlily hotel, you won't have far to go for dinner. The Abstract is just a short walk from the hotel, so it's perfect for your first night in the city. The restaurant is dimly lit, with dark furnishings and a glimmering gold leaf ceiling. Try the tasting menu if you're in the mood for indulgence. It features delights such as scallops tartar with caviar and seared red mullet with tarragon. Each course is accompanied by a different wine and the 2002 Hunter's Merlot is guaranteed to send you weak at the knees.

Down by the shorefront in Leith, you'll find the seriously atmospheric Malmaison Brasserie. The restaurant has wine-red walls and deep squashy chairs that beg to be sunk into. Ask for the homegrown menu and you'll sample the best regional dishes in the city. The pan fried hake with spring onion mash is highly recommended, as is the Buccleugh Estate steak. And if you're a cheese lover, the Bruckley cheese platter is a must. It's served with grape chutney and walnut bread and it tastes as good as it sounds.

On Sunday morning, head to the farmers' market to indulge in a few more Scottish specialities before you head home. The bustling market is alive with colour and it's small enough to wander around in an hour. A lot of the fresh produce won't make the flight home but the chutneys and jams make delicious souvenirs of your weekend.

What to do
After all that food, stroll along Scotland's most famous street. Princes Street is as its best after sundown when the passers-by are all dressed up and Edinburgh Castle is bathed in spotlight.

Take a proper look around the castle in the morning if you can, as you'll beat the crowds. Otherwise join the throng at lunchtime to witness the stirring boom of the 1 o' clock cannon. If you're hungry for more sights, try the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. Prince Charles famously ordered a double bed aboard the yacht for his honeymoon with Diana. It's curiously narrow and well worth a peek!

Getting there
For more information about Edinburgh visit www.visitscotland.com.