Scotland/Ireland 2017 – #05

[Categories: Travel, Photography, Photography 101 Forever]
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Many days and miles have passed.  I knew I couldn’t keep up the (posting) pace.  I’m in the Republic of Ireland now, but this is now, that was then.

Monday 24 April (only a week ago???) was the assault on Edinburgh Castle.  It is quite the lofty promontory of igneous rock.  It doesn’t jut into the sea but points towards it, carved some 350 million years ago by glacial erosion of softer soil around it.

The castle is all hill, steep hill from most sides.

Robert the Bruce flanks the gate.

The castle esplanade and entrance.

William Wallace opposite Robert the Bruce.

The wind is bitter and biting cold so we visit inside to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland (The Honours, no photography allowed), The Great Hall, St. Margaret Chapel, and coffee in the Redcoat Cafe.

Part of the orignal castle where many of the early King James’ spent time.

Old armaments on The Great Hall walls.

A well-costumed docent explains medieval battle of calvary vs. pike vs. claymore broadsword. Bloody heck of a messy business I say.

The Great Hall ceiling. No nails we’re told.

After a visit to The Tartan Mills (genuine Scottish wool products) and lunch at the Ensign Ewart pub we head to Greyfriars Bobby statue, church, and grave (Wikipedia enlightens).

Bobby’s gravestone at the Greyfriars Kirk (church).

Greyfriar’s Bobby statue of Skye terrier (Bobby!)

Bobby’s master. Bobby sat by the grave for 14 years it is said.

Then on to the Scottish National Museum for a gander at old Scottish history. This museum has much more than that, and it’s FREE!, but we narrow our focus.

The geology of Scotland is fascinating but I find the history from the Romans and Picts onward quite confusing.  There is little if any chronology, the subjects apparently grouped by theme instead.  I may have to go back to Wikipedia.  I learn much more about Scottish (and Irish) history from smaller museums like The Writer’s Museum, Armadale, and Robert Burns museum, not to mention the Enniskillen Castle museum in Ireland which is incredibly outstanding.  Shame, Nat-Muse Scotland.

That evening we attend a Spirit Of Scotland dinner show, heavily (solely?) tourist oriented but such is part of being on a bus tour.  The singing, dancing, bagpiping, and accordian playing is fun.  Go with the flow.

Onward.