Mike and Wendy's holiday blog

Friday 21 August

Set off at 6am, got to Tebay and decided it was too early for breakfast and motored on.

Saw signs for the Falkirk Wheel so went there.

But of shopping at Tesco then found the accomodation. We were early and it was still being cleaned so we walked to the Kelpies along the river.

Got settled in the accommodation and had a meal

Walked back to the Kelpies on my own in the evening to see them lit up.

Walked back over the canal down to the riverside - lovely reflections in the water.

Saturday 22 August

Train into Edinburgh then met up with Ema and JP.

First things first, food and a cocktail.

Then a wander round the city.

The seating structure for the Tattoo is temporary!

We left Mike and JP in a pub and went for a wander to some of the viewpoints.

A lone Piper.

Greyfriars Bobby's nose is starting to degrade with all the touching and stroking.

More walking. Nice in the sunshine.

Coffee and cake stop.

Lots of good street performers for the Fringe.

Street food before queuing.

Great atmosphere for the Tattoo.

Tried to get out early to beat the rush but ended up having to wait - and inadvertently git the best views of all the performers.

Followed the pipers down the street out from the esplanade.

Got our train. Sat on the seats for elderly or needy passengers. Interesting seat materials.. 🤣

A fabulous day!.. 👍

Sunday 23 August

A day for recovery. Went into the village of Culross.

A perfectly preserved 17th century village with the historic Culross Palace - well a merchant's house - built for Sir George Bruce who made his fortune in salt and coal. The house overlooks the Firth of Forth so he could keep an eye on his ships going up and down!

In 1625 a violent storm flooded Sir Bruce's revolutionary underwater coal mine The Moat Pit which was built with high walls out in the river - so the village started to decline and because there was no money to demolish and rebuild, the houses remained mostly derelict but intact.