We Are Rediscovering Edinburgh

As the Alumni Engagement team put the final touches to the programme for our Alumni Weekend 2013, we thought we’d catch up with three of our community who have already signed up to the festivities and ask why they are keen to rediscover Edinburgh.

Joerg Sommer, Insa Rath and Ines Fialho Brandao were kind enough to share their memories of the city with us, including recollections of university life and aspirations for the weekend.

All three maintain a connection to the city and have visited recently. Joerg tries to come at least for an extended weekend every other year whilst Ines, despite returning in 2010, regrets not having being able to come back every year since graduation.

Looking back

Joerg’s pick of university life includes the panoramic views of Arthur's Seat, the city, the Firth of Forth and the Fife Peninsula from the Royal Observatory's lecture hall, whilst Ines recalls an inspirational snowy Saturday workshop with the Women's mentoring programme (Springboard).

For Insa, Edinburgh is all about the people:

I met a number of great people there who became my friends and whom I'm still in touch with. These people are the major part of my favourite memories.

Looking forward

People also form a core part of why our three are returning for the weekend with Ines keen to meet friends, introduce friends to each other and meet new people whilst Joerg highlights the familiarity and warmth of the city which he describes as a city that make you feel home after a very short period.

Insa is also keen to catch up with new developments on campus including the refurbished library and CMB (Chrystal Macmillan Building).

Hidden gems

Finally we asked for some insider information, special locations and less well-known spots and events in the city.

Joerg mentions the villages of Cramond and Duddingston, Insa recollects walks up Blackford Hill or through Craiglockhart Wood whilst Ines provides an insight into the supportive world of the International student, with Coffee Hour at the International Student Centre.

Be inspired

We hope that these memories have inspired you to return. Join us from 21 to 23 June and rediscover your Edinburgh.