2. The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Edinburgh Castle parking lot.

The Queen's Official residence in Scotland is how the sign reads at the entrance. Outside it was very nice and that included the Abbey ruins which are attached to the palace.  We were allowed pictures outside and I did my best to get as many goods one as possible. :)

Unfortunately, again, no pictures allowed inside, and that was a shame, because the inside was wonderfully magnificent.  We didn't get to see many of the rooms that are used by the Queen but the walking tour showed several rooms and parlors that were quite beautiful. I was impressed by the entry and foyer which is large, high, and had many grand items.  Even the inside of the front doors with their massive locking mechanisms were impressive.

Update: July 28, 2008  Flicker has decided to add one of my pictures to their "Guide to Edinburgh". I will try to set a link so you can see it, but in the mean time I will mark the photo below.  It is one taken at Holyrood Palace showing the stone ceiling of the abbey ruins.  Although I cut a section from the bottom of the photo I sent to Flicker, the original is here and marked with ***.

After a short bus tour of the old town Edinburgh we are taken up the the highlight of our stop in Edinburgh, The Castle.

It's early in June but they are already beginning preparations for the Annual Military Tatoo which takes place in mid-August. The parking lot at the entrance to the castle is beginning to be transformed with bleachers.

Our special tour director for the day lead us to the front gates, through and up to the second gates and then on up to the upper levels of the castle. He was quite knowledgeable and fun to listen to.

Pictures were allowed both outside and in. 

This castle is still used by the military, so maintenance has kept it in very good condition.   

Edinburgh Castle parking lot.

After seeing the castle and the Palace we were given a about three hours to stroll the old town area.  Gave us time for a nice lunch and plenty of shopping. One of our bus tour had been here previously and made a suggestion.

Filthy McNasty's turned out to be a great little place to grab some fish and chips and a brew.  As you can see from a couple of the pics, yes, that is the name. But it's only a name.  Nothing dirty, nasty, or gross, or filthy about it.  Small, open to the street Pub with good fish and chips.

After we got back to the hotel we had an hour or two to rest up before dinner.

We knew exactly where we would go.  Back to Bar Roma!  Another wonderful dinner and evening. (See my review of Bar Roma)