Best Hogmanay vantage point

Published on Tuesday 30 December 2008 18:37

LOOK to the skies

OLOROSO, 33 Castle Street, Edinburgh, 0131-226 7614, www.oloroso.co.uk Set in the heart of Edinburgh's city centre, Oloroso occupies a key top-floor corner site on bustling George Street. Thanks to its position, Oloroso's large roof terrace offers a unique dining setting with stunning panoramic views across the city, with an unrivalled view of the midnight fireworks.

Oloroso is the perfect destination for style seekers who appreciate fine food and decadent drinks served in a luxurious setting. The restaurant is always one of the most desirable locations to spend Hogmanay in Edinburgh and a bespoke seven-course menu means diners are promised a night to remember.

CALTON HILL One of Edinburgh's seven hills, Calton Hill rises beyond the East End of Princes Street and carries a rather eccentric collection of buildings and monuments. Its principal attraction is the superb panoramic view, which makes it one of the best vantage points in or around the city for watching the fireworks.

BLACKFORD HILL Blackford is another of Edinburgh's seven hills, the home of the Royal Observatory and Visitor Centre. It lies about two miles to the south of the city centre, 164 metres (538ft) high, with views in all directions. A board at the top of the hill identifies landmarks that can be seen on a clear day, but for firework-watching, you need only look in one direction in the dark!

THE RUTLAND HOTEL, 1-3 Rutland Street, Edinburgh, 0131-229 3402, www.therutlandhotel.com

If there is one place that knows how to bring in the New Year in style, it's Edinburgh and the capital's newest venue, The Rutland Hotel. Poised within a traditional landmark building in the heart of Edinburgh's historic west end, The Rutland Restaurant is one the city's best-kept culinary secrets and is situated in one of the most dramatic settings in Edinburgh.

On 31 December, revellers will be welcomed with champagne and canaps followed by a festive five-course menu complete with coffee and homemade chocolates. Guests will benefit from the beautiful backdrop and opulent interior, interwoven with unrivalled views across Edinburgh's skyline, as it sparkles with fireworks.

ARTHUR'S SEAT Sitting to the east of the castle, 251 metres above Edinburgh's skyline, this hill is popular with tourists and locals alike because of its breathtaking views of the city and further afield, over to Fife and towards East and Midlothians. It is a quite a scramble to reach the top, but Arthur's Seat is always a hot spot to enjoy Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations.