EDINBURGH, cont'd

The stars at the side of some properties are the Scottish Tourist Board grading.  Price is a guide only.  Some properties charge extra for linen/towels/electricity - please check.

West Port, Grassmarket

Sleeps 1/5   4 stars

Minimum stay 3 nights   Available January-December   No smoking   No pets

Set in the 'Old Town' Grassmarket conservation area of Edinburgh, at the foot of the precipitous Castle Rock, by the West Port (the ancient 'Flodden Wall' gateway to the city).  The area's infamous past is linked to public executions and the notorious activities of Burke and Hare.  Today, the Grassmarket area is a browser's paradise, with fascinating shops, cafes and pubs. Third floor apartment at the rear of this historic complex, with views of the Castle from both sitting room and master bedroom.  The flat is refurbished to a high standard.  Sitting room with sofa bed, video, TV, hi fi and films.  Modern kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer.  Double bedroom with direct dial phone and computer point, second bedroom with sofa bunk (full size single bed on top, sofa below, which drops down into a 4' double bed).  Bath with power shower. Price: from £435 per week for 2; from £72 per night.  Gas, electricity, linen, towels and complimentary breakfast included

Windsor Street

Sleeps 2/4   4 stars

Minimum stay 2 nights   Available January-December

Windsor Street is a quiet classical Georgian terrace, designed in 1822 by William Playfair, one of Scotland's greatest architects, within walking distance of Edinburgh's main attractions.  A recently converted lower ground floor apartment, modernisation and decoration is contemporary and stylish, in keeping with the atmosphere of Old Edinburgh. It is accessed by stairs from Windsor Street and overlooks a tranquil walled rear garden.  Large living/dining room with garden window seat and sofa bed.  Fully fitted kitchen.  The bedroom has shutters at the windows, polished wood floor and antique brass bed.  Spacious bathroom with bath with shower over.  Off the bathroom is the laundry room with washer/dryer.  Private garage parking. Price: from £77 per night

St Mary's Street

Sleeps 2/4   4 stars

Minimum stay 3 nights   Available January-December   No smoking

Just 20 metres off the Royal Mile, Edinburgh's oldest street, connecting the Castle and Holyrood Palace.  Over the years, smaller streets have intersected it and St Mary's Street is one of them.  Shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes near, with the Castle, Holyrood Palace and Princess Street also within easy walking distance. Fourth floor walk-up apartment (no lift) which has been recently refurbished and modernised to make comfortable accommodation.  Bathroom with bath with shower over, wc and basin.  Twin bedroom, dining room, sitting room with sofa bed and payphone, a fully equipped kitchen with washer/dryer, dishwasher and microwave. Price: from £365 per week for 1/2; from £395 per week for 3/4.  Gas, electricity, linen and towels included