Like any group of people, even the most seasoned ‘Edinburgers’ can grow weary of daft questions, odd statements, or jokes at their expense. When you live in the tourist capital of the country, you’re bound to encounter a lot of visitors who may not realise that their comments could be grating.
Recently, we asked you, our Scotsman readers, “What is something you should NEVER say to someone from Edinburgh?” and recorded your impassioned answers. For the thousands of revellers making their way to ‘Auld Reekie’ (Scots: Old Smoky) to enjoy its wonderful attractions, these should be of use to you.
If you’re visiting Edinburgh soon and want to put your best foot forward, here are twelve things you should avoid saying to someone from Scotland’s capital city.
9. "If you're from Edinburgh you're English."
While it's true that Edinburgh is home to many English expats and graduates who continue living here (including the famous J.K. Rowling herself), it's certainly not the only Scottish city like this. Edinburgh has been Scotland's capital city since 1437, so if you're born and bred here - or have lived here for a long time - then of course you're absolutely Scottish. Photo: Sanne Berg (Getty Images Pro)
10. "Edinbro" or "Edinboro"
Frequently, tourists from countries like the US touch down in the capital and exclaim something like "Wowww, 'Edinbro' is beautiful!" While we love your enthusiasm, don't forget that the standard phonetic pronunciation of Edinburgh is "ed-in-buh-ruh" or "ed-in-bruh". Unless you're attempting a term of affection for your Edinburgh-based brother, avoid the pronunciation "Edinbro." Photo: Douglas McGilviray (Getty Images)
11. "Edinburgh is just like Harry Potter!"
Edinburgh has famous Harry Potter merchandise stores, and it is a beloved fact that J.K. Rowling wrote some of the stories around Edinburgh cafes. However, the capital city existed hundreds and hundreds of years before our plucky young Wizard ever deigned to hold his first wand, so it's best to appreciate the city for what it is on its own terms. Photo: Mikhail Nilov (Pexels)
12. "Glasgow's way better than Edinburgh."
Some claim it's a matter of fact, to most of it's a matter of opinion. Glasgow is well-regarded for having "friendlier" people and a world-famous sense of humour (after all, "people make Glasgow.") However, you'll be hard-pressed to find any Glasgow park that has an extinct volcano in it - although the city did have a 'Volcano Nightclub'... Regardless, let's just say that both cities have their fair share of positives and leave it at that. Photo: Eivaisla (Getty Images Signature)