There's a kind of buzz all over the town

Although it doesn't all really kick off until next week (apart from the Jazz Festival, which starts on Friday), there is a tangible sense of expectancy and industrious preparation about central Edinburgh at the moment.

The legendary purple upside-down cow of the Udderbelly (pictured) has its torso in place, and lighting and banners are being hoisted up on the surrounding venues of The Gilded Balloon and the Pleasance Dome. Not long before this area is jam-packed with punters, performers and princesses (see previous post) and transformed into one of the places to be during the Festival.

Elsewhere, the much anticipated Hullaballoo is being erected in George Street Gardens, the C Urban Socco is again making use of the derelict burnt-out area in the Cowgate and the grass of Charlotte Square Gardens is freshly mown in readiness for the Book Festival tents.

1001 other preparations will be going on behind the closed doors of other venues as well, all working hard to ensure Edinburgh is dressed in its finest Festival best. And it's looking damn good already...