The city of Edinburgh is classic Scotland. Dark and dreary stone on the buildings, but with colorful and playful accessories, like flags, etc. It is hilly but compact and pleasantly walkable. Edinburgh Castle is the premier attraction, a truly formidable-looking castle.

Edinburgh Castle

  From the castle to the opposite end of the Old Town is the famous Royal Mile, lined with shops and restaurants.

The Royal Mile

   At the other end is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, one of Great Britain’s royal residences. A tour of the palace reveals much about the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, a rival of Queen Elizabeth I.

Holyroodhouse

     In the middle of the Royal Mile is St Giles Cathedral, noticeable because of its crown-topped steeple.

St Giles Cathedral

   Climb Calton Hill, just beyond Holyroodhouse for outstanding views of the Old Town.

Edinburgh Cityscape

   The New Town contains a lovely park on which you will find a memorial to Sir Walter Scott.

Sir Walter Scott Memorial

  When we were in Edinburgh, we stayed in Dalhousie Castle, a real treat and worth every penny of extra expense.

Dalhousie Castle