Kilted Fortnight Scotland Holiday – 2011

**Phil** · 28th September 11, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by McClef

Both those pictures you mentioned were covered in the BBC programme on Mondya night Ern.

And the dirk that George IV is wearing was shown. Very impressive it was too. The fountain in the courtyard is very similar to one at Linlithgow Palace. A small correction - that is Salisbury crags in the background, not Arthur's seat.

**Mael Coluim** · 8th October 11, 08:58 AM

[The story continues.]

After leaving Holyrood Palace, we made out way to the opposite end of the Royal Mile (High Street) to The Castle. The day before tourist had been denied entry to The Castle due to high winds from the remnants of a tropical storm. Still windy we were able to tour The Castle. There were some challenges to remain modest being kilted.

King Robert the Bruce

Sir William Wallace

Today, I wear my modern Malcolm tartan casual kilt from Burnett & Struth’s. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo played here in August, since 1950 is world famous. Its first director was Lt. Col. George Ian Malcolm of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the XVIII Laird of Poltalloch, Chief of the Malcolm MacCallum Clan.

**Mael Coluim** · 8th October 11, 09:04 AM

The Royal Palace in the heart of The Caste in Crown Square. Click here to read about the Palace and the Honours of Scotland.

Read here about the re-discovery the Honours of Scotland

The poignant Scottish National War Memorial that honours the fallen Scottish military since World War I.

On top of my list to see was St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in all of Edinburgh. Built around 1130 by King David I to honor his mother who died in 1093 due to the news of her husband, Malcolm III’s death.

**Mael Coluim** · 8th October 11, 09:07 AM

What’s a castle without cannon? No, disappointment here. The six ton siege gun from the 15th century, Mons Meg.

One of the cannon of the Argyll Battery built by General Wade in 1730’s and named to honor John Campbell 2nd Duke of Argyll for his victory at Sheriffmuir in 1715.

From the battlements you can get some great views of the city.

There is much more to see. A return to The Castle is high on my list of return visits. Next off to Grassmarket for a pint and lunch! More to come

**English Bloke** · 10th October 11, 02:09 AM

Crackin' pictures as ever Ern. Sorry I missed you. I'm an hour and a bit south of Carlisle but at the time of your visit I was away at work. One day mate... One day.

**Mael Coluim** · 14th October 11, 05:15 PM

It was a steep long stairs that took us ‘down’ to Grassmarket. I had spent a few enjoyable visits to the pubs and restaurant here in 2009. But that’s not how Grassmarket started. I was a man on the mission to go the Last Drop Tavern.

This tavern was behind the execution area in times past. One of residents at the community I manage had recommended it to me. He is a native born Scot who immigrated to the US as a child with his family. Later he piloted B-17s in WWII. Success!

Enjoying a Bellhaven Best Ale

**Mael Coluim** · 14th October 11, 05:23 PM

Chuck had on his list to see Greyfriar’s Bobby.

I knew the story, so had an interest to see the famous dog’s resting place. Chuck was not please with me when I commented I had seen a TV show on it about hoaxes that claims the story was made up to increase tourism to Edinburgh.

We traveled down Cowgate to get there

Afterwards, I head back up the Royal Mile to see the Royal Scottish Museum of History and took these pix.

Another infamous dropping station

It was a full day, so after my museum visit, I meet up with Chuck and we re-visited the Whiski Bar for dinner. Tomorrow we leave the capital and head for Inverness with a few nice stops before arriving.

More to come

**RAF** · 14th October 11, 06:50 PM

Wonderful pictures! Makes me realize how much I missed on my short 4 day visit to Edinburgh a few years ago. Looking forward to going back - next time for a longer stay! When at Edinburgh Castle there was a freak snow squall with high winds which lasted about 15 minutes or so. The sky turned very dark very suddenly. It was wonderfully eerie.

**castledangerous** · 14th October 11, 08:55 PM

great pics!

**Santa Wally** · 15th October 11, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

I was a man on the mission to go the Last Drop Tavern.

This tavern was behind the execution area in times past.

I love the painting... no more drinks if you take that "last drop" with your neck in the noose.

I wasn't thinking of that last drop when I first read Ern"s statement, "I was a man on the mission to go the Last Drop Tavern." I was connecting the last drops of a drink at a tavern as a cute name for a tavern.

Thanks again Ern for your photo travelogue and the links that provide the detailed information for greater understanding of the photos.