I had just learned of the magnificent Assembly Rooms on a TV show when in Galashiels and had tried to get in yesterday but there was a private event going on, which is what the building is used for, so I arrived first thing in the morning try again. Claiming be a travel writer (LOL) and using my card for proof I was escorted to the main ballroom. Other rooms were being set up for weekend events hence off limits. WOW is all I could say and that a far to wee word for the magnificent room I had entered.
At the very far end of Princes Street Gardens, tucked behind St John’s Church, is a wee garden with a couple benches that I’ve sat in before. Right in the busy heart of the city, it is surprisingly quiet and calming.
With a nice view of the castle
The morning light was perfect and the St. John’s interior was glorious.
FDR had his Fala, and Mr. Gray had his famous Bobby.
The next stop is across the street, the grand National Museum of Scotland, an absolutely terrific museo. My target this time, on such a brilliant morning, was the roof terrace. A somewhat unhighlighted gem with some of the the best views of the Old Town including an eye level view of the Castle, the spires of St Giles and Arthur’s Seat & Salisbury Crag.
The main atrium of the museum full of sunlight, a bit of a rarity!
Across from St Giles the statue of David Hume suggested to me to visit his grave.
On the way I stopped at the Museum on the Mound to catch this shot of the Scott Monument. I wish that the city would hire a good power washer as once the soot was removed the white stones would shine, but the stones might get damaged. In the museum £1,000,000 is displayed but before one notes the minor security, all 50,000 notes have been stamped “Canceled”
Someone is having a rough morning! I did not know that this cheap high we used to tipple in college was still being made, Mad Dog 20/20!
Having been to the National Gallery last visit, I went in to see if one of my favorites, Edwin Landseer’s ‘Rent Day in the Wilderness’, was hanging. It’s on loan but the Monarch of the Glen filled in very nicely
As I understand it, the minimum wage in the UK is oddly broken down to age not occupation. It is £6.15/$7.95 for 16-20 and £8.21/$10.61 for over. £10 is $12.93 today.
On to Calton Hill with the Nelson Monument (which I’ve climbed on an earlier visit and saw no need to repeat), views of the NewTown and Forth Bridges in the background
At the base of the hill, Holyrood Palace & the Scottish Parliament
The National Monument
A short walk downhill takes me to the Monument of Scottish American Soldiers with Abe Lincoln and David Hume’s tomb.
A bit tired so I road the bus with my day pass getting off and on, switching periodically before alighting again at the National Portrait Gallery. The Poet & RL Stevenson
A 21 year old Queen Victoria was prettier than the many statues of her in later life would let on. And I could smell the old ink and paper in the library room
Here I ended up back at St John’s and from my garden hideaway the Castle seemed on fire
Never having seen the fountain lite at night before I hurried to get a couple photos before the garden gates were locked
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