We visited Edinburgh in the spring of 1999 with Verna’s folks, and again at Christmas. Edinburgh is a great town to explore, especially the old castle.As it sits on top of the most prominant rock in the city, it becomes the focal point for any view of Edinburgh. In the picture at the right, the large brick-colored building near the center of the picture is the castle.  Castle dominates the city, rising high above it on the craggy basalt rock of an extinct volcano, making it easier to defend. In fact, it was never overtaken by force. The first portion of the castle was built in 600 AD and added to through the years. St. Margaret’s Chapel was built in 1314 in memory of Queen Margaret who had married Malcolm, King of Scots. Queen Margaret is said to have civilized the Scots—she brought to Scotland religion, manners, and soap. She was canonized in 1250, for at least one of those treasured gifts. 

We walked the length of the Royal Mile, off which dozens of small alleyways and streets wind their narrow way. At one junction lies St. Giles Church, which houses the famous Thistle Chapel, where the Order of the Thistle, the highest and most revered title in Scotland, is awarded by the reigning monarch. Queen Elizabeth was to be in Scotland in July to knight a dignitary into the Order. Lining both sides of the street are wonderful shops where beautiful woolens garments in delicious hues and shades are displayed. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) most were too warm for us to wear in the warmer climes we tend to frequent these days. No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to John Knox’s home, built in the 1400’s. Knox was a leader in the Protestant Reformation, and worked diligently to unseat Mary Queen of Scots and assure that Scotland followed the new Protestant religion..

If you continue along the main street of old town, heading downhill, away from the castle, you’ll pass through a newer part of town, full of shops and eateries. Continuing further to the end of the road, you will come to Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s residence when she visits Edinburgh, and toured the portions of the Palace open to the public. Joining the Palace is Holyrood Abbey ruins. The abbey was destroyed by the English under orders from Henry VIII when his demand for the return of the infant Mary, Queen of Scots was refused. Mary’s chambers in the palace are a part of the tour. The palace and Holywood Park are in the perfect setting, dominated by Arthur’s Seat, rising to some 822 feet at the summit and providing views across the entire city. Queen Elizabeth holds a Garden Party at the Holywood Palace every July. We were so sorry we will miss it! They do provide tours and you can walk around the grounds at your leisure. At the left is what remains of the abbey.

Below is a view of the city of Edinburgh, taken from the castle, looking toward the Firth of Forth (the blue water at the top of the picture). The train station and the park are immediately below. The newer shopping district runs along the main road at the edge of the park. Princes Street is one of the most famous shopping streets anywhere in Britain and is surely one of the most picturesque. We could not leave Edinburgh without a bite at The Elephant House, close to the Royal Mile, which was touted as the best tea and coffee establishment in Edinburgh, and which, we found, is a favorite eating place of the university students. 

Edinburgh is also where the Records Office is if you want to do any geneological research. You must call first to make an appointment to ensure you have a seat. Once there, the folks are very helpful. Jim was able to find the records of his mother’s birth in a very short time. Be aware that the records are dated as of the recording date, not the actual birth date. So be prepared to look through several weeks of records, depending on how quickly the birth was recorded.

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