'I tried Edinburgh Christmas Market's scary Starflyer ride - here’s what I thought'

Maybe it was all the times I’ve walked down Princes Street and bumped into tourists and locals alike who have stopped in the middle of the street to stare up at the imposing funfair ride.

And, I’ll admit, I’ve done the same thing. It’s hard not to stare up at the swing ride and have a silent admiration for whoever would willingly put themselves through that.

Years ago, I was terrified of heights. Since then, the fear’s left but has been replaced with a disinterest in being dozens of metres above the ground with just a thin belt and metal bar to give you comfort. Rollercoasters I can do fine, but the Starflyer was uncharted territory.

But, when my editor was looking for someone to board the 80-metre tall swing ride, I decided to look brave and take a step out of my comfort zone - I said yes.

And I guess Edinburgh’s not the worst place in the world to have a panoramic sky view of numerous beautiful landmarks - even if it’s from the world’s tallest transportable Starflyer at the annual Christmas market.

It was a sunny Tuesday afternoon when I handed my ticket to the man at the gate of the towering swing ride.

I was told to sit on the outside of a two-person cart, and, to my surprise, I was completely alone despite their being a free seat next to me. This did nothing to help my nerves.

This is because I initially entertained the idea that I’d make a new friend for life on the Starflyer. Who knows - maybe I’d have company while facing the 80-metre tall tower and we could comfort each other if in the worst case scenario things went a bit south on our ride.

I didn’t have much time to think about my imaginary Starflyer fellow passenger though since, as soon as I sat down and the metal bar lowered over my lap, it seemed an announcement was made that the ride was starting.

As our seats began to rise over the stalls and happy Christmas market-goers, I remembered that I had agreed to record a video of the whole experience. But, due to this sudden announcement, I didn’t have time to set up my phone to film.

I began to wrestle through my leather jacket, attempting to grasp my phone that was kept within my trouser pocket, and failing miserably.

As we rose higher and higher, part of me started panicking that I’d have to go on the ride a second time due to my inability to get my phone out of my pocket.

The wind, which I didn’t think was that strong before getting on the ride, blasted through my hair and, as soon as I thankfully managed to get my phone out of my pocket, I held onto it with a tight grip.

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Luckily enough for me though, I was borrowing an anti theft lanyard for my phone for this specific Christmas endeavour so it would be difficult to drop my phone off the ride.

However, there were plenty of others just holding their phones without any safety protection and hoping for the best. I don’t know how they did it but I’d never do that with my phone.

When I had finally settled in, I had the privilege of enjoying the beautiful sights the tall tower provided of the city. And, by chance, it was a clear day with hardly any clouds.

Views of Edinburgh amazed me

As someone new to Edinburgh, it was beautiful to have a birds eye view of some well-known landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, as well as the Scott Monument which was hard to miss with it being right in front of the ride.

It honestly made me see the city in a new light. And, despite still being petrified due to the situation I was in, I started to enjoy the experience.

Some initial screams from others on the ride had already turned into laughter as they chatted away with their friends and enjoyed the same views.

Then, as the ride started to descend, part of me wished it wasn’t over so quickly. I wasn’t timing it but I’d say it lasted around two minutes in total with maybe about a minute of airtime right at the top.

It is £13.50 for a ride on the Starflyer, which, personally, I thought was on the expensive side for what you got.

However, did I regret my ride? Not at all. Maybe I was a bit dramatic initially with the fear I felt before sitting on the chair, though this was quickly replaced with excitement and I had a great time.

If you’d like to try it out for yourself, the Around the World Starflyer is at Edinburgh Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens until January 4. Tickets are available via the box office or on their website.