To Scotland and Some Stiff Walking

After a five year delay in taking this trip (our original deposit was still there this year!) due to Covid and grandchildren, Hubs and I bit the bullet and made the trans-Atlantic flight, meeting my daughter and family in Edinburgh four days before the trip began. I’d forgotten how tired the time difference made you, but my daughter only scheduled two tours a day to account for that and our advancing years.

This is the entrance to Edinburgh Castle. A steep walk uphill all the way to the top, with gorgeous views and lots of history. The second picture was taken from the end of the street where our hotel was located.

You can see why the castle was never taken, although parts were blown away by cannon fire. The volcanic rock on which it sits offers a naturally defended position, with sheer cliffs to north and south. This is Mons Meg, a six-ton cannon that could fire 500-pound balls for two miles. It was a gift from Duke Philip of Burgundy to King James II of Scotland. My grandson told me he could crawl inside!

This is the back of a barracks at the top of the castle – looks like it would be interesting inside, but not.

This ;picture was taken in the great hall at the top of the castle complex. Lots of armor and swords etc. This was NOT Queen Mary’s primary residence – she preferred Holyrood Castle at the other end of the Royal Mile – warmer and more comfortable. But she gave birth to James I of Scotland ( who was also James Vi of England) here, because of concerns for her safety.

The views from the top breath-taking (as was the climb!).

We also took a long taxi ride to Midhope Castle, which is derelict but intact on the outside. Does anyone recognize Lallybroch from Outlander?

Then a tortuous and expensive taxi ride to find Hopetoun House, another Outlander site. The house was built 1699–1701 and the south wing of the house is occupied by the family of Adrian Hope, 4th Marquess of Linlithgow. First seen as the Duke of Sandringham’s home, Hopetoun House has been used in seasons 1, 2 and 3 of Outlander, to recreate scenes in Scotland, England and Paris. We had a great lunch outside the original stables and enjoyed the glamorous surroundings, gardens, and manor.

The following day we visited HRM Britannia, the Royal Yacht of Queen Elizabeth II for over 44 years, travelling the world and hosting state events.

Today, she is a five-star museum and events venue in Edinburgh, Scotland. We had high tea to celebrate my birthday on the Fingal, a companionship to Britannia where people can book to stay. The food was overwhelming and we slept with tight bellies that night.

On Sunday we had to find our own way to Glasgow, where our tour began the next morning, so we said goodbye to the family and discovered the clean and efficient Scottish bus system.

More to come…