Day 52 to 55 - Edinburgh, Falkirk, Dundee, St Andrews

Well once again got behind so here is 4 days at once - as we head north may even get harder to cobnnect - we shall see.

Day 52 – Sunday Edinburgh

After a very casual start we decided to use our guide Wilson and visited various parts of Edinburgh. We first went to look at a canal – Water of Leith and walked along the canal bridge – but it was very cool and lightly raining.

From there we drove through various parts of Edinburgh suburban area and ended up by Cramond Island – which is connected to the land but a strip of land 1.5 km long at low tide.

We enjoyed a nice cuppa in a local cafe. After a trip home we then travelled into Edinburgh city and did some more exploring and walked to the concert hall and listened to the two very good choirs as well as a very large pipe organ.

After our cultural experience we then travelled out to visit Wilson’s sister who lived south of Edinburgh – after a very pleasant dinner we went for a walk across the nearby golf course onto the beach and saw the sun setting – around 9.45pm!!!!

We then walked around the very attractive village, then returned to Edinburgh after a very full day again.

Day 53 – Monday Edinburgh Castle – Heriots School

Today the sun is shining – and it lasted all day. Off to the big city first. Time to visit Edinburgh Castle. We travelled in by local bus (very efficient – 3 pound for a day ticket). Got to Castle and found our heritage card doesn’t work here so had to pay!!! Very interesting castle to walk around – a mini town inside with lots of museums and models and commemorations for people killed in various wars. Also included the Scottish Crown Jewels on display and a small chapel.

Also very impressive views of the city from the vantage point – very steep cliffs off most sides. They were also setting up for the millitary tattoo which is on in a little while.

After leaving this we met up with Wilson again (who had left his ticket at home). We then had a walking tour of the old city – as well as a weaving centre – very fascinating city – great views and we had a our own personal historian giving us a tour around this great city. The buildings are just about all made out of stone/paving stones and naturally fairly dark so it takes a bit to get used to – but some really interesting building structures – especially roofs, gables etc. There is also some very nice “green belts” breaking up the buildings. We also saw greyfairs Bobby statue

We then and the privilege of visiting George Heriot’s school – one of the oldest private schools (dating back 100’s of years) in Edinburgh and certainly one of the most impressive buildings physically have ever seen.

This is just their front gate - shall we try this for Milson?
This building was used as the starter idea for one author Rowling for Harry Potters school! . This is the view of the school from the castle - yes that is a school not a castle or palace!

This is a large full primary secondary school with something like 1600 pupils. Great school to visit and well hosted by the various staff who gave up their time to show us around and share their ideas with us. Some of their rooms and buildings were simply stunning.

Following this impressive school we had a coffee at a local cafe then continued our tour of Edinburgh. We saw many more buildings including churchs, office blocks and views of Edinburgh Castle again.

We then recaught the bus and headed back to Wilsons and a well earnt tea



Day 54 – Falkirk, Stirling

Today was up bright and breezy to a rather shady day weather wise. In the car with Wilson as guide once again and headed off to Falkirk which was about 40 minutes away. We then visited Victoria Primary School. Welcomed by head teacher Gillian Purves. School was similar in size to Milson. School was very impressive – kids were great and we were once again looked after by various staff and looked at the programmes and saw classrooms in action. Thanks Gillian.

Then off to explore one of the most famous recent icons in Falkirk the Falkirk Wheel – a huge structure to move canal boats from one level to another- very impressive and very large.

Following this we headed off for some food and ended up at a Premier Inn where we had a delicious lunch – Wilson meeting some friends in their.

From there we went to Robert the Bruce memorial,

then to Stirling – we decided not to go into the castle and instead after looking at the outside viewed the Battle of Stirling Bridge

and then onto the National Wallace Monument

and huge tower on the top of a very steep hill – which yes we walked up – including climbing 2-300 steps up a very steep spiral staircase – but we both made it – to see some stunning views of the local areas.

We then drove along some very narrow country roads ending up in Dumblane. We had a walk around the church and pretty stream on the way back this was the view of Stirling Castle.

Then home to Edinburgh via the Firth Bridge

and buying a computer camera so Wilson can skype on the way home. He then headed out to a French Language group while we downloaded more of our increasing numbers of photos.

Day 55 – Dundee and St Andrews

Saying farewell to Edinburgh this morning and on the motorway travelled to Dundee which was about 90 minutes away. Roads were good and we travelled across the Forth Bridge.

We then visited Downfield Primary School

 – this school was only 2 years old (having been moved from an old site). Very impressive 2 story modern school. Head teacher Olivia Menzies was kind enough to show us around her neat school – a school of about 360 primary plus attached infant classes.

Following this we headed across the Tay Bridge to head back to the area of Fife. After a quick meal at a road side burger place we headed on to find our nights accommodation. After finding it – and ending up on a small track first almost in someones back yard we did eventually find it!!!

Before booking in we drove the 15 minutes to St Andrews.

So impressed by this small town we spent the rest of the afternoon there. Stood on the hollowed grounds of the golf course and took plenty of photos.

Enjoyed the lovely shopping centre as well as visiting the St Andrews Castle and cathedral

 – both of which are now in ruins but impressive never the less. We also walked around the nice sheltered habour.

Back to book in at our country guest house which was very much rural – next to a piggery!! But very nice and hosts Audrey and Alex (Vicarsford Lodge) had strong links back to NZ – having even been to Palmerston North and lived in Te Awamutu!

We then had a really nice tea at a local restaurant/pub about 7 miles away. Now writing up 4 days of diary to try and catch up before our next adventure packed day.