Scotland...........tartans and castles

A quick side trip to bonnie Scotland.  

We seven, a motley crew comprising of two Brits(Babs & Eric), two ex-pats, but always Brits (Paula & yours truly), one Canadian (Kim), and two Americans (Bob and Rob), piled into the van early morning, wished the rain away, and headed for the border.  Two hours later we stopped briefly in Gretna Green - the border town where under age Brits have always run off to get married - and then we were on the road to beautiful Edinburgh.

I really believe men get to have a ton of fun wearing amazing Scottish tartans.  The kilts are so gorgeous and I love them dressed up for formal occasions with jackets and beautiful ties.  

Hey, would you go out with a man wearing a 'skirt'?  Must say I wouldn't hesitate if he looked like this! Bob, your legs are OK still - perhaps we should have bought you one!

  

Interesting historic buildings - numerous statues for perching! 

Edinburgh Castle - sitting proudly above this lovely city.  My first time in Scotland - sun shining, wind blowing, a short but exhilarating visit.
The castle has been a stronghold for over 3000 years - Scotland's chief royal castle since the middle ages.

Scottish bank notes...........having a wad of them would be nice to spend on all those tartans!

You know my tastes...............and having lunch in this lovely space under an exquisite ceiling with a gorgeous chandelier, made dining in Scotland memorable.  Even the food was great.  Of course you also know I was aching to bubble wrap that chandelier, tuck it in my suitcase, and bring it back to SuzAnna's Antiques!!!

The Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the reigning monarch in Scotland.  Standing at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, it is the setting for state ceremonies and official entertaining.  Queen Elizabeth II spends one week in residence at the beginning of each Summer.

Holyrood Abbey was founded by David I, King of Scots in 1128 - the shell of the abbey church is visible in the palace grounds.

Wish we'd had time to view this photography exhibit at Holyrood - that banner photo is our beautiful Queen Elizabeth  as a child.

More touristy kilt offerings - they even look good mixed with sportswear.

Another view of Edinburgh Castle - live bird perched on the statue's head!

Looking back at the city - a quick but wonderful visit.  At last I can add Scotland to my list of places visited. About time too.........growing up at the other end of the British Isles was a long way to travel so I never made it there as a child.

Lots more posts to come from the Lake District - Beatrix Potter, castles, sheep, more sheep, incredibly beautiful countryside.........and my meeting(s) with two delightful bloggers!  

Stay tuned - my jet lag is bad, and the heat here in NC is making my head pound......but I'll be back soon.