Recently the Edinburgh Silver Surfers were invited to a special guided tour of Lauriston Castle here in Edinburgh. As web designer and photographer with the surfers I accompanied the group on the trip and like everyone else was delighted by what we found.

While some form of residence has occupied the site since at least the 16th centaury - Lauriston Castle is today one of the UK's finest examples of an Edwardian country house. Loving restored and filled with the heirlooms and furniture of the last family to live there, the last surviving member of which gifted the property and its contents to Edinburgh Council to maintain on behalf of the people of Edinburgh.

Not only does the Castle provide a fascinating insight into Edwardian family life - the public gardens also offer one of the best views over the river forth I have ever come across!

During the visit I was struck with the realisation that even after almost 25 years living in a city I thought I knew inside and out - there were still places with the power to not only delight me - but also inspire the creative side of me.

Talking it over later with friends, I found I was not alone. Within minutes over a dozen places were named that all of us really wanted to visit but which none of us had ever managed to get to. It also came to light that each of us had favourite places that the others had never heard of - or were only faintly aware of.

Following on from all of this - I am delighted to announce the launch of 'TROVE' as part of this year's Edinburgh Internet Festival.

Edinburgh is a beautiful city which offers many delightful attractions and locations that are well known and popular with both visitors and residents alike. However, with so much on offer - it is easy to miss or bypass some of the brighter if smaller gems in the Capital's crown. Trove is a new guide which aims to reveal some of Edinburgh's lesser known treasures... Beautiful - Remarkable - Fascinating and Exciting attractions and places which deserve greater attention and are well worth a visit!

Nominate a 'Treasure'
- Like to nominate an attraction or location for inclusion in Trove?
Please send your suggestion in an e-mail to festival2008@scotfestival.com