Things to do in Markinch

Perched atop a craggy volcanic rock close to the heart of town, Edinburgh Castle is the city's oldest building and is steeped in a history spanning almost a millennium. In its time, it has endured sieges, served as the base for military campaigns and been a famous home of Scottish kings and queens. The admission fee to the castle includes a guided tour but you are also welcome to explore the ramparts under your own steam. The castle's website offers a suggested itinerary.

A visit to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without a trip along the Royal Mile with its hundreds of years of rich Scottish heritage and culture. This cobblestone stretch runs all the way from Edinburgh Castle on one side, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse on the other. To this day, its series of streets come together to make up the Old Town's foremost thoroughfare, where you can see its historic buildings and admire some of the city's best sights.

Explore the campuses of the University of Edinburgh and soak up the academic atmosphere in its museums and galleries. Sights such as the quad of the Georgian Old College and the Gothic towers of New College on the Mound are iconic parts of the cityscape.

Spanning over 33 hectares to the west of the city, Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 1,000 different animals from around 200 different species.

Steeped in tradition, the University of St. Andrews is among the oldest in the English-speaking world. The academic institution is known for its impressive buildings spread around fields and floral displays. Visit its museums to see collections that inspire the students of this venerable university.