Perhaps this is what has made it the centre of gay and lesbian pioneering work in Scotland. Nowadays, the city has a thriving, vibrant and relatively open gay and lesbian community - which has developed a strong commercial element as well as a sound political front.
Political types have plenty to get on with.
The advent of the Scottish Parliament has provided the opportunity to lobby on specifically Scots-related laws. There is plenty of information available without having to look too hard. Posters and flyers advertising all kinds of events can be found at every venue. The best source of news and listings is the free, monthly paper Gay Scotland, while Scotsgay and Cruise are also free and carry listings. Broughton Street should be your first port of call at any time of the year.