High 5

GEORGE Laing, 32, project manager, High Street, picks his top five Edinburgh festival hotspots.

1 The Royal Mile

It's always been a good place to get the vibe of the festival season, and since they brought in the performers area it is even better.

2 Princes Street Gardens

So many shows use the Gardens for promotion that you are almost guaranteed to see something weird and wonderful going on especially if it's a nice day.

3 The Pleasance Courtyard

This is the best place to go star spotting at the Festival, although it can get a little cramped at times.

4 Charlotte Square Gardens

The Book Festival home is probably one of the most welcoming places during the festival, and while there's always plenty going on it still manages to seem like a little oasis of calm.

5 Hunter Square

Surrounded by venues, this is probably the real hub of the Fringe and it is always one of the most lively places in Edinburgh during the festival.