Viral Twitter question starts opinionated debate on Edinburgh's favourite bus route

Whether it’s down to the functionality of getting from A to B, or the sheer beauty you can take in while travelling, Edinburgh’s favourite bus route is certainly a talking point.

And never have the flames of such a hot topic been flamed as much as when the question is put to the fine people of Twitter.

Playwright David Greig put the question to his 17.3K Twitter following just after 9pm on Monday evening, and it’s fair to say that it seems to have unlocked something deep inside Edinburgh’s great and good.

He asked: “What's the best Edinburgh bus? Some say it's the 41. Sheer class. Others like the 4. The 4's got a certain adventurous quality to it. For me, though, there's no competition. It's the 26: ride it top deck, up the front all the way to The Pans.”

And he was mobbed with responses.

Radio presenter Grant Stott offered his reasoning, saying: “For me, it’s the 41. Has got me into, and back from, town in numerous conditions on many occasions.”

Nicola Roy said: “16 for me, get a wee chat with some of the old Morningside ladies and as a kid it was a highlight to get it toys galore. Since, got me back from many a boozy night up town.”

Twitter account Sekond President said: “The 22 has its own song - “You take the 22 all the way down and when you get to Leith you know you’re in town, we stay near the docks in the high rise flats, we hate the clerry boys and the jam tarts”.”

Lewis Killin made a pitch for the 19, saying: “I can't see anyone sticking up for the 19, so I will.

“It's not the most glamorous, but it always gets the job done and is so no-nonsense it just ploughs straight through town, the backbone to all other connections.

“Conflict of interest: also my door-to-door commute route, so.”

Even Lothian Buses got in on the act, saying that choosing a favourite route would be akin to “choosing a favourite child”.

Jan McTaggart offered the 23, writing: “The 23. Just for the glorious moment when it turns out of Hanover Street to the wonder of Princes Street gardens and the castle. Front of the top deck, obvs. Anyone who would knowingly choose another seat is deranged.”

Brian Inglis reminisced of times gone by, saying: “26 reminds me of when I was a kid..riding from Port Seton to Haymarket on the way to Tynecastle..my dad smoking up the back of the bus.

“I’m a 22 kind of guy these days..from Stenhouse into town..proper convenient.”

Alan Roden offered the number 3: “The multi-purpose offering of the 3 for me. From the South, it'll get you into the heart of Edinburgh as fast as a car can. After a late night it'll stick an N on its name and get you home for just a few quid. And on a Sunday it'll take you the other way for decent pub lunches,” while Ian Beattie picked a few of his favourites: “I'm a big fan of the 23 and 47, but you can't beat the quirkiness of the 24.”

At the time of writing, the tweet has amassed a whopping 451 likes, 94 retweets and almost 250 comments, with everything from the nostalgic to the most convenient getting a shout out.

It seems Edinburgh folk are very opinionated when it comes to their favourite route.

Let us know on Twitter or Facebook your favourite route.

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