[arethuza]

Edinburgh here - we've got the hiking, spectacular views (and then some), islands, aquatic beasties, skiing 2 hours away. Even some nice big bridges.

You may have a point about the weather though! ;-)

[NB Obviously I forgot to mention the history, culture, the festivals, an ancient castle on the plug of an extinct volcano, glorious architecture....]

Weather can be a bit grim though.... (and has been particularly miserable this winter).

[david-given]

Edinburgh is one of the Great Cities of the world.

I apologise for the BuzzFeed, but the pictures are worth it: http://www.buzzfeed.com/hilarywardle/edinburgh-is-the-best

[arethuza]

”This profusion of eccentricities, this dream in masonry and living rock is not a drop scene in a theatre, but a city in the world of reality.”

Robert Louis Stevenson

[m1sta_]

2hrs to skiing where?

[arethuza]

There are 5 ski areas in Scotland - most fairly handy for Edinburgh (OK - not the Lecht):

http://www.winterhighland.info/

OK not the 3 Valleys but on a good day they can be great fun. My personal favourite is Nevis Range:

https://vimeo.com/10797924

[cmdkeen]

Glencoe 15cm of snow on the ground today according to Google.

I live in Edinburgh and have always been able to live less than a 15 minute walk from work, often in my own flat, for very reasonable sums. Everyone I know in tech has been able to afford their own property within 6 years of starting work.

I'd choose here over London any day of the week. You sort of get used to the weather eventually...

[arethuza]

One of my colleagues, who is from Spain, was struck by the speed of the clouds when he moved here.... :-)