Edinburgh, Scotland

Leaving England and entering Scotland...

Goodbye England (for now)

Hello Scotland

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland.  It's beautiful buildings, broad cobblestone streets, and parks make walking in the city a delight.  The jewel of the city are Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh Castle has been both a royal residence and fort since the 11th century ... impressive looking on a rock high about the city.  The Royal Mile connects the castle and Scottish Parliament along a pedestrian cobblestone street (High Street) ... and yes, it's a mile long.  The walk takes you past interesting shops, government offices, the Edinburgh museum, and churches.

Looking over Princes Street Gardens (from Royal Mile)

Yes, kilts are worn in Scotland 

Happy Scottish Bull

Edinburgh taxis (note the legroom in back seats)

Ramsey Gardens (just off of Royal Mile)

Residential building (just off of Royal Mile)

Walking alone Royal Mile

Royal Castle (beyond church steeple)

Another beautiful church

Royal residence behind the castle

A building of Edinburgh University

Buildings along the Royal Mile

Entrance to castle with royal emblem above

Gatehouse building (entrance to the castle)

Gated building entrance (along Royal Mile)

At the end of July, temporary seating (which is amazing in itself) is constructed in front of the Royal Castle entrance for a band competition know as the Edinburgh Tattoo, so we couldn't get a good picture of the entrance.  In addition to the Tattoo, music concerts are performed (it's a terrific setting for artist and fans).  

Temporary seating for Edinburgh Tattoo.