''My Luxury Edinburgh''
   by Peter Taylor

Welcome to the December edition of the Luxury Edinburgh newsletter. This month, Peter Taylor, Chairman of the Town House Collection, talks about why he loves Edinburgh at this festive time of year.

Edinburgh is a fabulous place to visit for many reasons: cultural or romantic breaks, family trips, festivals, business meetings, weddings, shopping treats and gastronomic tours and the list goes on. At this time of year however, it's often to take in the wonderful festive atmosphere in the city, as Edinburgh's Christmas festival comes to life. From ice skating in Princes Street Gardens to the stunning views from the Edinburgh Wheel, there really is something for everyone to get involved in, explore and enjoy.

Edinburgh is an amazing treat to discover for the first time, but for those who return again and again there is always something new to uncover. Edinburgh has so much to offer from the historic charm of the medieval Old Town, to the cobbled and charming dockside location of Leith.

I love this time of year, as the city is gearing up for Christmas and New Year. On a crisp winter's day, there is nothing I like better than to wander around the maze of antique shops and small boutiques that are scattered all over Edinburgh. The traditional German Market, which comes to Edinburgh each winter, is always a good place to find unique gifts, so too are the Christmas displays and seasonal goodies to be found at Harvey Nichols, a stone's throw away. It is also great to pop in and say hello to Belinda Robertson, the Queen of luxurious knitwear - I always treat my wife to a cashmere sweater before the winter completely settles in.

Of course, not everyone comes to Edinburgh to shop at this time of year - when we have friends visiting us, our first port of call, is always Edinburgh Castle to show them the fantastic views and take them on a magical tour of the castle. Just beside the castle is the Scotch Whisky Experience which is home to the world's largest collection of Scotch Whisky and is an absolute must for any whisky lover. After a morning of culture in the Old Town, we love nothing better than to pop into The Witchery's Secret Garden to soak in the atmosphere that this lovely restaurant conjures up.

Nothing sparkles quite like Edinburgh in the winter and I am proud to call this wonderful city home.