First meal I was offered was liver and chips. I am still surprised I could get the liver down. I shut up and ate it.

Pastor H* driving me around Edinburgh. We passed a school which he said was integrated, meaning both Catholic and Protestant students. He said tThey were kept apart for classes, brought together for recess to allow them to fight, then separated for classes again.

Pastor R and his wife invited me for tea, and later supper. They were an older couple and lived on the second floor (first floor UK). The stairs were narrow and went to a landing and then up. White painted on the walls to help with the light I assume. For tea we had tea in a cozy, sausage rolls, and small buttered pancakes which were slightly sweet, and a lemon cake. Also later for a main meal they served chicken, potatoes, rice, carrots and peas.

With the H family for breakfast they served eggs sunny side up ( I can’t stand eggs, but I put on a brave face and got them down!).

In the church service they sang “All Things Bright and Beautiful”. I couldn’t believe it.

On the 28th visited the National Portrait Gallery. Made many notes and drawings. I was brought to one of the staff rooms and given a binder of black and white photos of portraits and allowed to draw details from it.

First day in Edinburgh I worked my way down the Royal Mile looking for a good affordable daywear jacket. Visited Hugh MacPherson, John Morrison, Discount Highland Supply. Also Leith Army Stores for no particular reason. Ended up in the Grassmarket. I am not certain now, but I think I went back and got my jacket at John Morrison in the Lawnmarket. A Lovat Green Crail for £90. I still wear it. Hugh MacPherson had a similar jacket >£90, worsted kilt at £125 and heavy at £150.

Saw the Greyfriers Bobby monument.

Traffic almost got me looking the wrong way. Stupid tourist stunt.

St.Giles was awe inspiring, but I only stepped in the door as there was a service in progress.

Have seen five or six men in kilts.

One evening I walked a footpath to Corstorphin Hill overlooking most of the city.

Bloody whins are sharp as thistles!

On to Stirling next.

* I stayed with Pastor H’s family. I don’t want to use names as there are still family members living. I will likely do this in other places as well.

(Pictures to come)