A Scottish Story (aka preliminary ramblings)

“Oh my god! Imagine my surprise when I realised I am leaving tonight! And not tomorrow!”

Urgent message to my support crew

And so it was that I commenced, in a not so auspicious start, my much anticipated trip to Scotland and an attempt to tackle the Scottish National Trail.

Despite the obvious pleasure of embarking my aircraft on the correct day, the flight was….well….unpleasant. 23 hours, give or take. I had, in what I had assumed was a stroke of brilliance, nabbed myself a window seat in an aisle of two. Just one stranger to negotiate the tricky bathroom breaks with. Easy.

Not easy. The stranger was, without doubt, the world record holder for deep sleeping on a plane. Head bobbing forward, sideways, all over my shoulder. Tray table down and covered in paraphernalia. Each time I woke her was like unfreezing a cryogenic body. A polite tap. A bit of a shake. Pushing, shoving and shouting “Excuse me!”. The confusion at being re-animated. The sitting and waiting whilst she took in her surrounds. The clearing of the tray table. It becomes obvious. Drinking is not an option. Better to become parched than wake this one more than is absolutely necessary!

I’ve been in Scotland now for the same amount of time I was on the plane. 23 hours. Different story. Edinburgh is amazing. Getting through customs couldn’t be easier. Public transport to my accommodation, a breeze. Finding my apartment, a little bit trickier, though a friendly local pointed me in the right direction quick as a flash.

The rather unobtrusive entry to my apartment

What to say about the city? It is beautiful, ornate and amazing. The juxtaposition between old and new, blending together so harmoniously, to create an atmosphere of culture and creativity. Blessed with glorious weather, today was a day for stretching the legs and thoroughly enjoying my surroundings. I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Acclimatizing a little before bed, old and new combining so seamlessly

Edinburgh Castle. Symbol of Scottish pride, perched atop the basalt core of an extinct volcano and sheltered by cliffs on three sides, this castle has played an important role in Scottish affairs for hundreds of years. I turned up before opening and had the old beauty to myself.

Sleepy city view from the castle. In contrast to my jet-lagged 5.30am, the city didn’t seem to wake up till a very respectable 10am.

Site of the writers museum, tucked down a little laneway and housed in a mansion constructed in 1622

Colourful Victoria St (named after the Queen) shone like a little jewel amongst the old stone buildings

What may be my favourite memorial in the world. The most loyal of boys, Bobbie, has been commemorated for being a good boy. When his owner perished in 1858, Bobbie was found a few days later sitting on his grave, a vigil he reportedly maintained until his death 14 years later. I love that the Scottish community recognises this special bond.

The little mate, Bobby

Pinky hues at Canongate Kirk

Canongate Kirk. Founded in 1688 and completed in 1691. And looking super with popping red doors.

The ruins of St Anthony’s chapel. Although these remains have existed since the 14th century, I was shocked ( but not surprised) to see people climbing them in order to nab a photo. Makes me sad.

A spectacular field of beautiful, but invasive, gorse

The climb up to Arthurs Seat. I got my first taste of the “walk anywhere within reason” rules of the Scots. There were people and tracks everywhere. I thoroughly enjoyed wandering over those green hills and it made me so excited for the walk to come!

Enjoying the Scottish sunshine. All jumpers off and I even got a bit burnt! I really hope this is a good weather omen for the whole trip

Spectacular views of Edinburgh

Finishing my walk at a classic old Scottish pub, the Royale. The food didn’t quite match the plushness of the surroundings. But my Bloody Mary was banging.

The iconic Scotts monument at sunrise. It definitely pays to get out and explore early.

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