Michael: Here are some photos from my day-trip to Edinburgh yesterday. I hadn't planned on doing any sightseeing, but since I was there, I went for a quick walk around the city centre. It was quite easy to get around. The land is undulating and very pleasant to the eye.


Linlithgow Palace
.. as viewed from the train on the way to Edinburgh; the place where Mary, Queen of Scots was born.


New town in Edinburgh was built for the rich after the old town, south of what is now called the Golden Mile, became too disease ridden and insalubrious. Naturally, the poor were left behind. New town is very well organised, beautifully laid out and the fine Georgian buildings are very easy on the eye.



Portrait Gallery


Not sure what this building is, but it was far too impressive not to snap



The pipers were out in force, entertaining the tourists.


Loved this novel take on the Three Graces, outside the National Museum. Here we find the Three Grazers, being admired by three (erstwhile?) Graces :)


A view of the Scott Monument from the southwest; a stunning vista. The weather was beautiful and the natives were out en masse, sunning themselves.






The Hub, home of the world famous Edinburgh Festival.


The Castle, seen from the dark side. Couldn't quite get the exposure right on this one, but I'm sure you'll forgive my amateur attempts at photography.



Edinburgh Castle forecourt with the seatings set up for the Military Tattoo. For some reason I had thought that the ceremonies were actually held within the castle grounds. Not so.


A view down the Royal mile looking towards the city chambers



The St Giles High Kirk, sometimes erroneously referred to as the St Giles Cathedral. It is in fact where John Knox began his reformation of the Scottish religious establishment. It has a very fine electronic action Pipe organ.


An intricately carved wooden canopy at St Giles.

I also visited the Thistle Chapel, just off the main nave of St Giles. It has a sumptuously decorated wood interior, a fine rib vaulted ceiling and is festooned with heraldry. The light was low inside, which added to the solemnity and I didn't quite feel up to photographing it. I will leave it for Ian to do at a later date.


Edinburgh City Chambers


A cute little alleway off the Royal Mile.


The tourists were everywhere, rushing here and there. Crowds are almost constant in this part of the world.


Yes, there were TWO of these filthy "coffee" houses along the Royal Mile. Very disappointing. Guess they have to keep the American tourists satisfied.




A column celebrating Napoleon. I am not sure what the other building is, but it looks medieval.


The area around the new Scottish Parliament building and the Palace of Holyrood has this very impressive cliff formation.


The outside walls of Parliament are decorated with these little plaques. This old Scottish proverb is particularly apt, but sadly ironic too.


The grand entrance to the Scottish Parliament, closely guarded by two of Scotland's finest.


The view over Edinburgh Waverley Station.

Edinburgh is easily the most beautiful city I have ever visited, but then, I've never been to Paris. Someone famous (I forget who) once said that Edinburgh is the city Paris ought to be. I guess I'll find out if I agree with him when I finally visit Paris. Suffice to say, I really enjoyed walking about and we will definitely be returning to spend more time there. I noticed that there are plenty of restaurants and cafes there - yet another incentive to return!