Council Leader Andrew Burns has welcomed news that the Capital is the only UK city to make it on to a shortlist of the world’s friendliest cities. Edinburgh took 11th place in the countdown by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine, with only five other European cities making the list (Dublin, Galway, Krakow, Bruges and Reykjavik). In its article revealing the top 20 friendliest cities for 2016, the magazine said of Edinburgh:

“A “great mix of ancient and modern” with “great energy”—be it on a typical Tuesday or during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. One reader in particular shared this lovely story that seemed to sum up Scotland’s capital city: “Just down the Royal Mile from the [Edinburgh] Castle we happened on a little restaurant with eclectic/offbeat décor, interesting food, and presentation. After luncheon, when we left, my husband was jostled and fell—several people stopped to help, were very concerned about his well-being. They even offered to drive us back to our accommodations—what great people!””

Cllr Burns said: “Another tremendous – and richly deserved – accolade for Edinburgh. To be the only UK city to make it into this countdown of the world’s friendliest cities is a huge tribute to the warmth and kindness of the people of this great city.

“With our packed calendar of exciting events year-round, and especially during peak festival season in August, we always go above and beyond to give a wonderful welcome to visitors from all over the world.”