EVENT ESSENTIALS

FLAG Specific

Meals - Breakfast is included with every night's stay, while lunch on the 7th will be exclusively provided for summit attendees. Please note that lunch on the 8th is not included for summit attendees.

Thursday Reception - The happy hour reception is included for summit attendees, as well as for guests who have purchased a “plus one” package.

Friday City Tour - The tour on the 8th and the evening dinner party are included for summit attendees, as well as for those who purchased a “plus one” package. The tour will last approximately three hours and will cover all the major attractions in Edinburgh. After the tour, there will be some time to explore additional sights or take a short break before the dinner party.

Friday Ceilidh - (pronounced "kay-lee")

A ceilidh dance is a traditional Scottish social gathering that features vibrant folk music and lively dancing. The term "ceilidh" comes from the Gaelic word for "gathering" or "visit," reflecting the event's communal and festive spirit.

Join us at The Caves, an intimate and atmospheric venue located beneath the historic South Bridge, right in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town and just a stone's throw from the iconic Royal Mile. FLAG is excited to sponsor this lively evening featuring the talented band The Jacobites!

Enjoy heavy appetizers along with a selection of beer, wine, and soft drinks served from 7 PM to 9 PM. This exciting event is included for all summit attendees and those who have purchased a plus-one package.  Transportation back to hotel is not included (within walking distance).

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Transportation to and from Edinburgh

By Train     https://www.thetrainline.com/

• Edinburgh Waverley Station: This is the city’s main train station, right in the heart of Edinburgh, connecting to major cities across the UK.

  • From London: Direct trains from London King's Cross take about 4.5 hours.

  • From Glasgow: Frequent trains from Glasgow Queen Street Station take around 1 hour.

  • From Manchester: Direct trains take about 3.5 hours.

Trains are a comfortable way to travel, especially for longer distances, and tickets can be cheaper if booked in advance.

By Bus  https://www.flixbus.com/

• National Express / Megabus: These companies offer long-distance bus services to Edinburgh from major UK cities, including London, Manchester, and Glasgow.

  • From London: The bus journey takes 8-10 hours but is often cheaper than the train.

  • From Glasgow: Buses take about 1.5 hours.

Buses are a budget-friendly option, but they can take longer than trains.

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Hotel Info

Novotel Edinburgh Centre
80 Lauriston Place, SCOTLAND, EH3 9DE EDINBURGH, United Kingdom

The hotel is centrally located, just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Grassmarket area, making it a convenient base for sightseeing.

The hotel is well-connected by bus and tram services, with stops nearby. It’s also about a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.

You can reach Edinburgh Airport in about 30 minutes by car or 40 minutes via the tram or Airlink 100 bus service.

Nearby attractions

• Edinburgh Castle: 10-15 minute walk

• Royal Mile: 15-minute walk

• National Museum of Scotland: 10-minute walk

• Princes Street Gardens: 20-minute walk

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Getting Around

• Walking: Edinburgh is a very walkable city, especially the Old Town and New Town areas. Comfortable shoes are a must due to the cobbled streets and hilly terrain.

• Public Transport: Buses and trams cover most of the city. You can buy day passes for unlimited travel.

• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are available but can be expensive. Uber and local ride-share services are widely used.

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Must-See Attractions

• Arthur’s Seat: This ancient volcano offers a great hike and panoramic views of Edinburgh. It’s a bit steep, but well worth the climb.

• The Royal Mile: This historic street runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

• Holyrood Palace: The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, rich in history and beautiful architecture.

• The National Museum of Scotland: Free entry and full of interesting exhibitions on history, culture, and science.

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Local Cuisine

• Haggis: Try haggis (a traditional Scottish dish) at a local pub or restaurant. It’s often served with “neeps and tatties” (turnips and potatoes).

• Scottish Whisky: Edinburgh is known for its whisky. Visit a whisky bar or book a whisky-tasting tour.

• Afternoon Tea: Enjoy a classic British afternoon tea in one of the many cafes around town.

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Average Temperatures:

• Daytime: 7°C to 10°C (45°F to 50°F)

• Nighttime: 2°C to 4°C (35°F to 39°F)

Other Weather Factors:

• Rain: November is a wet month, so expect rain on about half of the days. Bring a waterproof jacket and umbrella.

• Wind: The wind can make it feel colder, especially in exposed areas like Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle.

• Daylight: Days are quite short in November, with around 7-8 hours of daylight.

Layering is key for staying comfortable during this time of year!

For any additional questions, please reach out to Terri Cunha at tcunha@flag-intl.org.