UK Bound: Edinburgh (Day 2 the afternoon)

We had such a busy day, took in so many wonderful sights, as well as photos I had to seriously sit down to recall just what we managed to add to the day. Ah yes, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, tea with the queen, and just a little fire.

Our pit stop at St. Giles’ Cathedral should have been at least a couple of hours. At least we left with some idea of what we might see at the castle, or if not, music singing in our souls. Considered to have been build by King David 1, (he was a busy man) starting in 1124, the Cathedral has witnessed many changes and histories.

My knowledge of the Bible is sketchy which meant I had to look up the meaning of what this window is depicting. However, it also means I am entering any house of worship , I hope, with a very open mind and eyes. Finished in1922, I thought Jesus stilling the sea of Galilee was beautifully crafted. The colours are so brilliant.

Just one section of the beautiful carved stone ceiling bosses. I believe these are in the nave if I have my architectural references correct.

I apologize for the poor quality, my phone camera zoom could not get any closer. St. Giles has high rafters and wondrous works. James the VI coat of arms after he became James I of England and Ireland in 1603. (unicorns symbolized purity, innocence, masculinity and power) Somewhe

I became enraptured by this choir practicing. Their voices really did rise to the rafters in joyous song. I spent more time listening to them, and lifting my eyes to what was above than anywhere else. Or perhaps I just did not want to venture outdoors too soon. The stain glass is a memorial to Robert Burns, installed in 1985. I wonder how parishioners, or the people of Edinburgh, felt about having a non-Scotsman design the piece.

Our allotted arrival was 2:00 – 2:30, I assume staggered to prevent crushes of people. They were unsuccessful with that plan and anyone with prepaid tickets was shoved into the same line as those who had just walked up to the ticket booth. It reminded me of the chaos at the Birmingham Airport line to enter security. (I will include that in another Blog) However, once through we could avoid the crowds if we were careful. While in line a simple notice in a few places explained the 21 gun salute. Queen Elizabeth was indeed in Edinburgh for the week, the decision having only been made that morning! Too bad she was staying at the other end of the Royal Mile in Holyrood Palace. Tea would have to wait.

A forbidding sight and one to surely make generals and their soldiers seriously rethink their plans. Not that the size and fortifications stopped them. Edinburgh Castle is the most besieged place in the UK. I suppose the fact the castle is still standing is a testament to how well built it is.

Now I understand ‘down the barrel of a gun’. Such views from the castle!

St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, mother to King David. Although the glass is much newer the Chapel was built around 1130.

Saint Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. Well, the arches and sections are original. Left forgotten for a few centuries it saw light again in 1845. A lovely, simple place for reflection, or just to get away from the busyness of the castle.

Do they get bored marching up and down such a short distance? Guardhouse to where he is standing is such a short space. We missed the changing of the guards (most likely not nearly as grand as in London) but I did see four of them stepping sharply in time, followed by a small crowd, as they headed to their quarters. (I think is what the sign said – could have been from years gone by but that was where they disappeared to)

Keeping up appearances.

Although the rain had finally stopped it was an extremely blustery day. For much of our visit to the castle I wore my gloves. (I could have used a scarf!) None of these cannons were used in the 21 gun salute, they are all capped.

There are a few indoor areas of great interest where photos are not allowed. Or of enough wonder, plus a lot of reading, that made me forget about pictures and just have history take me back in time. The embroideries of Mary Queen of Scots, held in the castle under house arrest, although replicas, show a simplicity in style with perhaps meaning behind their making. I suppose a queen imprisoned cannot simply take up a hobby to bide her time.

After a few people on our morning tour mentioned hearing about the Calton Hill fire I decided to look it up. Not exactly a ‘small fire’! We had been standing at the top of the ridge the day it happened.

We closed out the castle, guards were patiently waiting to pull the velvet rope across the entrance of the road to our final castle museum. Full of history, a bit damp, and looking forward to a trip to the other end of the Royal Mile on our last full day, we made our way back to our hotel. I know we had dinner, just no recollection of where or what!