Address Royal Observatory Edinburgh, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh EH9 3HJ, Scotland, UK
Telephone: 0131 668 8100 Fax: 0131 668 8264
Website: http://www.roe.ac.uk/
The Royal Observatory stands at the top of Blackford Hill, just a short walk south of Morningside or Newington; at the foot of the hill, the bird sanctuary of Blackford Pond is the starting point for one of the many trails running through the Hermitage of Braid local nature reserve, a lovely shady area along the course of the Braid Burn. The castellated eighteenth-century mansion along the burn, after which the reserve is named, now serves as a visitor centre (Mon–Thurs 9am–5pm, Fri 9am–4pm, Sun noon–5pm; free).
Immediately to the south are the Braid Hills, largely occupied by two golf courses, which are closed on alternate Sundays to allow access for walkers.
The three activities at the ROE are:
The United Kingdom Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) – the UK’s national centre for the design and production of state-of-the-art astronomical technology. The UK ATC is the major establishment of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
The Institute for Astronomy (IfA) – part of the University of Edinburgh. The IfA undertakes astronomical research and teaching.
As you visit ‘Royal Observatory Edinburgh’, you may find interest in following listings . . .
