Edinburgh 11, 12 July

Getting to Edinburgh from Strasbourg was a bit of an ordeal, involving a train, two bus rides and two plane rides.

First thing we did in Edinburg was catch a tourist bus to get a bit of an overview. Great choice, as they have an informative and charming guide on each bus.  We had lovely sunny weather.

 

The Scott memorial, or Gothic Rocket as it is known.

 

View of Edinburgh Castle.

 

The Scottish National Gallery.

 

 

Another view of the castle.

Our hotel.

Walking down The Royal Mile, which runs from Edinbough Castle to Holyrood Palace, and was just around the corner from the hotel.

Saint Giles Cathedral, a Church of Scotland, is called the High Kirk of Edinburgh. The present church dates from the late 14th century, though it was extensively restored in the 19th century.

John Knox, Scottish clergyman, writer and a leader of the Protestant Reformation, is considered the founder of the Presbyterian denomination in Scotland

Saint Giles is beautiful inside.

The Thistle Chapel.

All along the Royal Miles are street performers. In this photo, you can see Star Wars characters, an artist and, of course, a piper.

 

Little alleyways like this lead off the Royal Mile.

  

The Scottish National Trust Gladstone Museum, a good example of a typical merchants house.

 

View towards the Scott Memorial.

 

We visited the Palace of Holyrood House, the Queen's official residence in Scotland.

Detail of the fountain.

The courtyard inside.

The ruins of Hollyrood Palace Abbey, founded by King David in 1128. 

Another view of the Abbey.

Inside the new and very busy looking Scottish Parliament building.

They had a marvellous tapestry on Scottish history on display in the Parliament building. There are about 160 panels. This one is Mary Queen of Scots who lived in the Palace of Holyrood House before being imprisoned in the Tower of London and later beheaded by Elizabeth 1.