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| A piper welcoming us to our Scottish dinner. What a night that was. Haggis is quite delicious and the 'addressing the haggis' was a sight to be seen to understand. |
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| Off to the Military Tattoo which was the highlight of our trip. And what a highlight it was. Jules was really excited because she was chosen by one of the Tattoo police to help direct the pedestrian traffic. It made her feel really important. The Tattoo itself has to be seen to be understood and appreciated. What a spectacle! And a very fitting way to celebrate my late father's birthday. He had always wanted to go back to Scotland and to attend the Tattoo but didn't get there. We went to the Tattoo on his birthday as a celebration of his life and to carry out one of his dearest wishes. I am sure that he enjoyed that night as much as we did. If only he could have been there in person our night would have been complete, although we did have the very strong feeling that he was. |
| Rain in Edinburgh isn't the best way to sightsee but for one day we didn't really care. Edinburgh Castle is incredible, full of nooks and crannies and for a Scot to actually see the Scottish Crown Jewels back in their rightful home and on show at the Castle was one of those times when the hair on the back of your neck stood up. It was really magic. |
| The Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It is the greatest spectacle you will ever see. |
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| Edinburgh Castle lit up and in all its glory. |
| We checked out St Andrew's for lunch and found not only the golf course but a lovely sandy beach... golden sand like we have here in Australia. |
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| A genuine Scottish dinner and entertainment (complete with haggis) really topped it off for us. |
| Unfortunately I didn't get more than a fleeting glance of Greyfriars Kirk and the statue of Greyfriars Bobby the Skye Terrier whose master was buried in the churchyard and who spent the rest of his life laying on his masters grave. Such devotion had to have been rewarded. |
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| Stopping at Melrose Abbey on our way through the borderlands brought home to us that we were leaving this magical land which we had come to love so dearly. I am sure that there was a tear in more than my eye as we stopped to take photos of the border sign. |