An expat who moved to Edinburgh in lockdown and fell in love with the capital is writing a book on the secret side of the city for tourists and locals.
Dominik Smrek, 32, moved to Edinburgh in October 2020 and started to get involved with the community in Pilrig and surrounding areas.
While exploring his new city Dominik discovered the historic capital had so many secret spots and history just waiting to be discovered so started to make YouTube videos focussing on unique places.
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His YouTube channel picked up interest and the self-made entrepreneur decided to crowd-fund to write his own book about Edinburgh and its hidden gems.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Dominik said: "Well since I moved here during covid, I was instantly impressed by the city and started exploring it in detail.
"I don't like just to go and see basic tourist spots, I love to know more about the history of interesting places and find the spots that people don't look for.
"I have loved exploring Edinburgh one story at a time and want to put my experiences into a book for more people to enjoy."
Dominik started making YouTube videos highlighting special places around the city which instantly became a hit with tourists and locals alike.
He said: "A lot of inspiration for the book has been from people who watch my videos on my YouTube channel before they come to Scotland to gain inspiration.
"So many times I have been stopped in the streets of Edinburgh by some tourist asking me if I am not by any chance that guy from YouTube.
"I definitely love the Colinton Mural and the story behind it. Also the "lost" statue of Robert Luise Stevenson, and a very unique statue of Queen Elizabeth as a child at the bottom of Johnson Terrace.
"There are countless stories that can be told by every kirkyard in this city."
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In detail about the book he said: "The book is a comprehensive guide to 100 hidden gems of Edinburgh, full of photos, history, stories, and ordinary but also almost unknown places anyone can visit and see in Edinburgh.
"I made the book in a way that it is suitable for young folks who want to explore or elders who feel nostalgic from it. It's not hard to read and navigate so everyone can enjoy it."
You can find out more and donate here.
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