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Edinburgh quirks: You're not from Edinburgh if you haven't done some of these 13 things – in pictures

Gary Flockhart
·3-min read
Edinburgh natives love a good chippy - especially after a night on the town. And the locals like to enjoy their deep-fried delights with chippy sauce. (Photo: Third Party)
Edinburgh natives love a good chippy - especially after a night on the town. And the locals like to enjoy their deep-fried delights with chippy sauce. (Photo: Third Party)

From moaning about the never-ending tram works to pitching up for a picnic at the Meadows, these are some of the things that have come to characterise Edinburgh life for many locals.

Just for fun, take a look through our photo gallery to see some stuff we reckon every true Edinburgher will have done.

This 22 mile waterway runs from the Pentland Hills down to the shore at Leith - with a path following it all the way down, including through Dean Village - and everyone in Edinburgh must gone for a stroll along at least part of it at some point in their lives. (Photo: Third Party)
This 22 mile waterway runs from the Pentland Hills down to the shore at Leith - with a path following it all the way down, including through Dean Village - and everyone in Edinburgh must gone for a stroll along at least part of it at some point in their lives. (Photo: Third Party)
Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl, The Southern Bar, December 1, 1991: an impromptu acoustic show that would become the stuff of legend. Only around 30 punters witnessed the fabled event, but thousands have since claimed: 'I was there'. If you're from Edinburgh, chances are you have had a conversation with someone claiming to have been there that night. (Photo: Third Party)
Edinburgh's two top-flight football teams have been rivals since for over 100 years, and many people in the Capital support one or the other. Of course, if you want to be neutral, you can always claim to be a supporter of Edinburgh City or even Spartans. (Photo: Third Party)
Edinburgh's two top-flight football teams have been rivals since for over 100 years, and many people in the Capital support one or the other. Of course, if you want to be neutral, you can always claim to be a supporter of Edinburgh City or even Spartans. (Photo: Third Party)
Lucas is something of a local institution, and can't seriously claim to be from Edinburgh if you haven't enjoyed some of their delicious ice-creams. They have shops in Musselburgh and Bruntsfield, and during the summer the queues can stretch out onto the pavements. (Photo: Third Party)
Lucas is something of a local institution, and can't seriously claim to be from Edinburgh if you haven't enjoyed some of their delicious ice-creams. They have shops in Musselburgh and Bruntsfield, and during the summer the queues can stretch out onto the pavements. (Photo: Third Party)
At all times of the year, but especially during the summer months, Edinburgh's city centre is awash with map-wielding tourists on the hunt for the famous Castle. We've all been asked for directions to the iconic landmark, even while standing right in front of it on Princes Street. (Photo: Third Party)
At all times of the year, but especially during the summer months, Edinburgh's city centre is awash with map-wielding tourists on the hunt for the famous Castle. We've all been asked for directions to the iconic landmark, even while standing right in front of it on Princes Street. (Photo: Third Party)
Edinburgh Zoo's two giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, will be returned to China this year, but in the 10 years they've been in the Capital most locals will have been to see them at least once. (Photo: Third Party)
Edinburgh Zoo's two giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, will be returned to China this year, but in the 10 years they've been in the Capital most locals will have been to see them at least once. (Photo: Third Party)
Every August, when the Fringe and Tattoo are in full swing, Edinburgh's streets are literally teaming with tourists, and locals can often be heard complaining about how they can't get moving for them, especially in the Old Town around the Royal Mile. (Photo: Third Party)
Every August, when the Fringe and Tattoo are in full swing, Edinburgh's streets are literally teaming with tourists, and locals can often be heard complaining about how they can't get moving for them, especially in the Old Town around the Royal Mile. (Photo: Third Party)
Over the years, the Kings Theatre panto has been as much a part of Edinburgh's Christmas as mince pies and turkey dinners - and most locals have been to see it at least once. Oh yes they have! (Photo: Third Party)
Over the years, the Kings Theatre panto has been as much a part of Edinburgh's Christmas as mince pies and turkey dinners - and most locals have been to see it at least once. Oh yes they have! (Photo: Third Party)
It is the curiosity of the world over – an Edinburgh delicacy every tourist seems desperate to try. And, in the interests of research, many locals have stuffed their faces with the deep-fried Mars Bar too, normally after one too many drinks in the pub. (Photo: Third Party)
It is the curiosity of the world over – an Edinburgh delicacy every tourist seems desperate to try. And, in the interests of research, many locals have stuffed their faces with the deep-fried Mars Bar too, normally after one too many drinks in the pub. (Photo: Third Party)
When the sun is shining in Edinburgh, The Meadows fills up with locals who flock there to have picnics, play sports, or just enjoy a few tins of beer while catching some rays. (Photo: Third Party)
When the sun is shining in Edinburgh, The Meadows fills up with locals who flock there to have picnics, play sports, or just enjoy a few tins of beer while catching some rays. (Photo: Third Party)
It went hundreds of millions of pounds over budget, caused massive disruption, opened five years late and made Edinburgh the butt of countless jokes. The Capital’s tramline – up and running since 2014 –is still a sore subject amongst the natives. And it's not even completed yet. (Photo: Third Party)
It went hundreds of millions of pounds over budget, caused massive disruption, opened five years late and made Edinburgh the butt of countless jokes. The Capital’s tramline – up and running since 2014 –is still a sore subject amongst the natives. And it's not even completed yet. (Photo: Third Party)
Much like the Meadows, Portobello Beach is a magnet for locals on those rare days when the Capital enjoys sunshine and hot temepratures. Some like to catch some rays on the sandy beach or go for a dip in the sea, while others enjoying a stroll on the two-mile-long promenade. (Photo: Third Party)
Much like the Meadows, Portobello Beach is a magnet for locals on those rare days when the Capital enjoys sunshine and hot temepratures. Some like to catch some rays on the sandy beach or go for a dip in the sea, while others enjoying a stroll on the two-mile-long promenade. (Photo: Third Party)