Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a fantastic blend of old and new. Old Town has cobbled closes (alleyways), narrow stairways, and curving steep streets such as the Royal Mile connecting the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which lies in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, the extinct volcano, up to the incredible Edinburgh Castle, used as the royal residency for Scottish monarchs, a fortress for armies, and a prison for pirates and POWs. Nearby is St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building dating back to the 12th century.
The well-organized New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the central area of Edinburgh, has neoclassical buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. There are Georgian townhouses, broad avenues, open squares, chain stores on Princes Street, upscale boutiques on and around George Street, chic hotel bars, and atmospheric cocktail lounges.
Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens
with Edinburgh Castle in the background.
Princes Street Gardens (old and new).
Old Calton Burial Grounds, opened in 1718,
is owned and operated by the incorporated Trades of Calton.
Royal Mile (Castle in the left background).
More Edinburgh Castle Photos:
Main Entrance
Inside the walls.
I waited forever for this guy to finish photographing,
but I actually ended up liking the photo
with him in the foreground the best.
More Old/New Contrasts:
Edinburgh’s stunning spires, castles,
monuments, and architecture formed a world-famous glorious panorama—until “a
looming new addition,” the W Hotel in St James Quarter, appeared.
Some referred to it as a polished turd
clad in bronze-colored steel with its invasive fecal peak photo-bombing Kodak
panoramas no matter where you stood.
Writers accused the shimmering pile was
evidence that “despite all the UNESCO World Heritage site protections,
conservation group campaigns, and lengthy planning negotiations, shit still
happens.”
Meanwhile, followers
of the Golden Turd Hotel Twitteraccount posted enough photos of the structure to win a
surprising landslide victory for the 2020 title of the worst building in the world.
This retail shopping center should never have been allowed.
My PG-rated take reminded me of an ice cream cone.
Others in the group had more of an X-rated interpretation.
I did love the two new Forth Road bridges, though.
After breakfast, we spent our final morning in Scotland, meeting artisans preserving some of Scotland's most iconic traditions.
It was during our visit to Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, specialists in crafting the highest quality traditional handmade tartan kilts, that we met Gary, the current owner, who shed some light (no pun intended) on Scots in battle shedding their tartans and exposed their family jewels when they interfered with the battle charges.
So, what do Scots wear under their kilts? They go commando or wear underwear.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dh3x8uNy0x4
Gary, the owner of Nicolson's, looks spiffy in his kilt.
The sporran (the leather pouch hanging in front of your kilt
held in place by a belt and chain) was added to keep
your belongings are safe since kilts don't have pockets.
Today, it usually contains a cell phone.
The Kelpies, created by Glaswegian sculptor Andy Scott, arethe world's largest equine sculptures at 98 feet high.
They were unveiled in April 2014in Falkirk as a monument to Scotland's heavy horses that powered ships through the canals.
Interestingly, though, according to Scottish lore,
the Kelpies are malevolent, shape-shifting mythical water horses. When the early evening transitions to total darkness,
they are pretty creepy and more threatening
when they start to illuminate within.
THE 2023 ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO REVEALED
I won't lie. This was the annual event behind my decision to visit Scotland in August. I was still waiting for our trip itinerary and if I could even get a ticket, but miraculously, everything worked out. On our last evening in Scotland, I was shooting videos like a mad woman in the nosebleed section. It was worth every penny (or pound sterling). I was concerned with the late starting time, but earlier daylight hours would have negatively impacted the incredible light shows and special effects.
ABERDEEN REVEALED Aberdeen, AKA the "Granite City," with its stunning, sparkling granite buildings and monuments, has the third largest population in Scotland with notable fishing and shipping industries, a lively cultural scene, beaches, distilleries, and, of course, castles. Aberdeenshire is known as "castle country" for its more than 250 castles. We did a tour of Fyvie Castle, known for its history and ghostlore, with a fantastic tour guide who was a great storyteller. Fyvie Castle is a massive castle with an impressive interior, beautiful gardens, and landscapes owned (in order) by the Lindsays, Prestons, Meldrums, Setons, Gordons, and finally, the Leith family in 1889. It was put onto the open market in 1982 and is now owned by The National Trust for Scotland. The Weeping Stones Curse But it was the ghostlore that made this castle more thrilling and exciting. Over 500 years ago, Thomas the Rhymer, a prophet renowned for his gloomy predictions and ill tempe...
A DAY IN THE LIFE REVEALED Today, we set off to discover the Cladich Fold, a cattle farm on the south side of Loch Awe in Argyll, to experience A Day in the Life of a Highland cattle farm. We met the farm breeders and learned about the native Highland cattle and the land occupied since the Bronze Age. We took a trail ride to the hilltops to take in views of Loch Awe and the opportunity to meet these gentle, hairy beasts and perhaps get the chance to brush their coats. (I was content to take photos of Stuart, the farm manager, and the cattle that loved him.) These cows can't get enough of Stuart's love. A loner checking out the activity from atop the hill. Mom and baby. Queenie was inside the house prepping our lunch single-handily because it was Sunday and the help was enjoying a day off. John is standing to the rear left to ensure Stuart has no issues. Going into the water to clean off the tractor and trailer. (I'll admit I was a little worried.) Great trailer tags ...
ST. ANDREWS REVEALED St. Andrews, a seaside town northeast of Edinburgh, is best known as the "Home of Golf." It is the largest European public golf complex - with seven golf courses, the most famous being the Old Course, purchased by the town council in 1894. In 1895, Thomas Hamilton, a businessman whose membership in the Royal and Ancient Golf Clubhouse was denied, built and originally opened the Grand Hotel overlooking the 18th hole. It was the first hotel in St. Andrews to have a pneumatic elevator and running hot and cold water in every room. The Hamilton Grand with a glimpse of the Old Course in the foreground. My first birdie on hole #1. Paul battles the brutal and noisy wind. Our fearsome foursome. Architectural highlights of our walking tour. The Cathedral ruins (above and below). Blackfriars Chapel ruins (above and below). St. Andrews Castle ruins. Clock Tower inside St. Mary's School of Divinity Quadrant. St. Andrews Cathedral. The University of St. A...
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