Edinburgh

We had a super time in Edinburgh, although currently effected by major disruption as new tramways are installed to link the city to Leith, it did not spoil our stay. We have however decided to visit again in 3 or 4 years when the boarding and barriers have gone and the noise of the city will be hustle and bustle as opposed to drills and hammers. 

I have already written about our three highlight days: HMY Britannia, Johnnie Walker Princes St and Edinburgh Castle. There's lots of photos on each blog page, just click the links and enjoy a browse. 

This photo was actually taken as we left Scotland. Instead of travelling down the A1 we took the scenic route up high over the Cheviot Hills. At Carter Bar as you cross the border there's a cairn either side of the road marking each country. It was a bit nippy being so high and windy too but the looking back towards Scotland was amazing.

One of the main Edinburgh 'must see' is not a huge building but a very small statue. Greyfriars Bobby is the city's famous dog, although there is still doubt over the story. A faithful pet who visited his master's grave for 14 years and in recognition of his dedication became the responsibility of the City Council. His body, and his owner's, is buried in Greyfriar's Kirkyard.

Greyfriars Kirkyard is a popular place with Edinburgh's visitors and is included in most city tours. Although everyone loves the story of Bobby it is the graves people visit. They are such elaborate monuments but one in particular has more visits than any other ... Thomas Riddell. I wonder what the real Thomas would make of being made famous from an author putting his name in a book!

Our apartment was on the No 10 bus route so getting and out of the City was quite easy especially with the tap to pay scheme, no searching for loose change. However we did walk quite a bit over the week, one day we even walked back to Leith and it wouldn't be a trip to Edinburgh if we hadn't have walked the Royal Mile (thankfully downhill).

Just to the side of this famous road is St Giles Cathedral, an impressive building both inside and out. The stain glass windows were superb, telling stories from different ages. Again Scottish military played a dominant part with many standards and flags on display. 

The Thistle Chapel within the Cathedral was amazing with all the emblems a d coats of arms. The Order of the Thistle is Scotland's order of chivalry founded in 1687. The Lrder consists of the Sovereign and sixteen Knights and Ladies as well as members of the Royal Family and foreign monarchs. It was a beautiful room, such decoration along with the pageantry.

The other end of the Royal Mile to the castle is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh. We didn't visit as it was closed the day we walked there, typical, but it is something to look forward to on our next visit. It was close to the Scottish Parliment building which, if I'm honest, was not very impressive, too modern for me. 

Arthur's Seat is another iconic Edinburgh attraction. As with the  Castle it is a dormant volcano and stands high above the city. My photo is taken from high above the buildings and as such Arthur's Seat does not look so high. I had hoped to walk to the top but with all our other walking and visits we just did not have the time.

We did however walk up Calton Hill which also stands above the many buildings and roads of bustling Edinburgh. From the top we were almost level in height to the castle which is the super background to our windy selfie. The views from the top were expansive, a great view point.

As members of the National Trust we also get admission to Scottish Trust properties, one of these is on the Royal Mile. Gladstone's Land is named after Thomas Gladstone to owned the building from 1617. He rented rooms to many business a d trades people and to attract the wealthier tennants he added ingrict paintings to the wooden ceilings. 

The National Trust for Scotland bought the property in the 1930s at which time it needed much repair. It is now three floors each showing a different era of living in the house. The ground floor houses a cafe and the upper most floors are now Trust accomodation rooms. The ceilings, which were discovered under plasterboard, are beautiful and would certainly have added value to the rentable rooms. 

As I said before we had a super time in Edinburgh and will certainly visit again. Our apartment in Newhaven was superb, lovely pubs nearby and a great fish and chip across the road. It was close to Leith with it's waterway, breweries and cocktail bars. 

The absolute bonus to our stay was the view of the Forth Bridges, they were stunning early morning, midday and at sunset. It was so relaxing to just sit and enjoy the view after a day of walking in Edinburgh's great city.