Welcome to Edinburgh!
Edinburgh is located on the East coast of Scotland, on the Firth of Fourth. It's the capitol of Scotland, where the Scottish parliment has decided to build a new parliment building, since they are deciding to become their own country again. This view of the city was taken from Edinburgh castle, looking east. The castle was built on an outcrop of volcanic rock. People have been settling on this rock since around 600BC.
The day we visited the castle, the guards were from the 52nd Borderers. Notice the tartan pants (the formal dress alternative to a kilt). In our opinion, the tartan pants score a solid 2 on the fashion scale. Stick to the kilts, next time. There was a guard on each side of the castle enterance, and they had taps on their shoes to help them keep time when they marched.
The Gate Tower where the portcullis winding mechanism was. This is looking back out from the inside.
Mons Meg, a medieval seige cannon made for a Scottish king. It shot 18'' stone balls, which could go up to 2 miles. It was difficult to transport, tipping the scales at a mighty 10 tons. Its use was discontinued when its barrel burst during a celebration in the 16th century.
A queue waiting to get into the Royal apartments, where the Scottish honors are kept. The crown, scepter, jewels, and stone of destiny used in coronations are inside beneath a glass case. The honors were sealed in a oak chest in a locked room for 111 years until Robert Burns obtained permission from the crown to open the room and see what was inside. After discovery, the honors were displayed in the castle. They were buried briefly during WWII to ensure their safety from bombing. The apartment where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI of Scotland, and I of England is inside.
War Memorial building next to the palace. It is a memorial to Scots who died in WWI.
Leaving the castle, we see the magnificent yet ominous portcullis gate, used to keep marauders at bay.
St. Giles' Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh. Founded in the 1100s, it was the church of John Knox during the Reformation. It is located on the Royal Mile, a street between the Castle, and Holyroodhouse.
Coronations began in Edinburgh castle, and ended by processing the mile to Holyroodhouse, where the following celebration took place. This is where the Scottish monarchs would stay instead of the castle, because the castle happens to be built on a very cold and windy promonotory, while this is sheltered and warm. When the royalty feared attacks, they would flee to the castle, which was well armed and protected.
Licenses are required for all TVs. It costs about $150 a year to recieve 4 channels.
Who is Hume?
"To the memory of the Admiral Horatio Lord Viscount Nelson, and to the great victory of Trafalgar, too dearly purchased with his blood, the grateful citizens of Edinburgh have erected this monument not to express their unavailing sorrow for his death, nor yet to celebrate the matchless glories of his life, but by his noble example to teach their sons to emulate what they admire and like him when duty requires it, to die for their contry."
This monument is on the top of Calton Hill, it was built in 1807. The monument is a tower 6 stories high, with a time signal erected in 1852 on top. The signal is a big ball that drops at 1.00, so that ships in the harbour can set their clocks.
George IV visited Scotland a long time ago.
Nicole and her hero, Sherlock Holmes. The scourge of London criminals.
Two species of sweet pea! This is at the Royal Botanic Garden. It was the most beautiful botanical garden we've ever seen!!
This hedge is made up of numerous beech trees planted close together, and let grow to a height of 20 feet. It gets pruned once a year, and trimmed occasionally to keep up its appearance!
The Royal rock garden with the Caledonian Hall in the background. The garden is over 28 hectares.
Wellington and his famous boots.