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Published: December 15th 2017
Woolly says – I woke to blueish skies, wet pavements and the cold, the very very cold having added several layers, including one of my Christmas jumpers, I escorted the women towards the Ocean Terminal and the place to catch the bus, better known for a famous attraction, but that wasn’t on today’s list. It was warm onboard and having settled down for the ten minute journey into the city centre I thought it a good idea to tell everyone a little bit about the city itself. Zoe and I sat back as his lecturing voice started, there was not point in trying to stop him unless we wanted a sulking mammoth so better to give in and get it over with. Woolly says – I really do need to consider my staffing situation in the New Year, they would be lost without me! Smiling at the lady in the seat opposite I gave them my brief introduction. Recognised as the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century, Edinburgh is home to the Scottish Parliament and the seat of the monarchy in Scotland, a rather good looking castle and the Fringe Festival. Having had settlements since 8500 BC which makes it nearly as old as me it is best known for its extensive Georgian New Town, built in the 18th century. Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town together are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. I was just getting into my stride when it appeared that we had arrived at our first destination….. well I could see
it anyway, I looked down at my little legs and wondered quite how I was going to reach the large 12
th century structure based high above us.
I looked at my little legs and pondered the same question, Zoe meanwhile quickly found a route on her phone and we set off. Woolly says – As we passed through Princess Gardens admiring the many statues we gradually started to wind our way upwards towards the castle. Having climbed the last forty steps, I collapsed exhausted waiting for my companions to summon and ambulance for me…… He managed four steps in total before pleasing tiredness and my soft heart picked him up! Having seen the entrance ahead we stepped over him and carried on. Woolly says - …. The indignity of it, I dragged my weary body behind them until I realised that a six foot white furry animal was watching me, I nodded and trotted past the Yeti as fast as my swollen paws would allow. While the women paid I caught sight of a man in a check coloured skirt holding a bag in his arms that seemed to have too many legs, a sudden wail issued from the bag and I looked around to see if anyone else was going to rescue the poor animal, it appeared not and as the ladies reappeared they didn’t see the need either. It seemed a fitting way to go into the castle with the sounds of Scotland squeaking out of the wee beastie. Having admired the cannons and some of the incredible views we could feel the cold biting into us, Woolly’s idea of one of the many regimental museums seemed like a good one. Woolly says – The Royal Scots are one of the oldest regiments and having followed their history through the rather good displays which included uniforms through the centuries I found my eyes starting to glaze over once we reached the extensive medal collection. Feeling that we could all face the cold again I thought Zoe might enjoy the next couple of buildings with her love of crime.
That being her studies not her activities! Woolly says – I wouldn’t be so sure! The Prison Museum had been set up as a replica of how the inmates would have fared in the 1700’s, it’s known that at least twenty one pirates who were associates of Black Bard were held there in 1720 until they were hung, the pirates would have felt most at home in the hammocks that swung over the wooden box beds. Although basic and cramped the large roaring fire would have provided a rosy glow for the ones nearest it when the huge rooms were filled. Next door and down some narrow steps lay the Pentonville style military prison which looked cold and cell like in comparison. The did at least have toilets and I felt it would be rude not to make use of the facilities. He really is a constant source of embarrassment, as two Americans came out of the one cell laughing I could hear his screeching voice telling them to give him some privacy, the shame of it, I followed Zoe back into the chilly world outside and hoped he would catch up with us. As we made our way towards the next part of the tour we realised that a large crowd had gathered by the cannons and that it might be close to one o’clock when the gun would go off which was a daily tradition (except for Sundays) for centuries to provide a time signal for the sailors at sea.
Woolly says – I made it just as the gun fired and nearly blow my ears off, surely it didn’t need to be that loud, with the bang still echoing in my head and trotted towards the biggest cannon of all. Mons Meg is a siege gun given to James II of Scotland in 1457 which makes it one of the worlds oldest cannons, it is also in my latest I Spy book so having climbed onto one of her wheels I duly posed for my snap. Thirteen ticks already today, were doing well. St Margret’s Chapel was small but beautifully formed, being the oldest part of the castle, it was built by King David I in honour of his mother Catherine.
The small stained glass windows were delightful and as a large group of Americans arrived we took our final picture and left them to it. Woolly says – The next port of call was known as the Honours of Scotland, it was fascinating and told the story of how the crown and royalty came to Scotland before showing how the royal crown, sceptre and sword were made in life size displays. First used for Mary Queen of Scots in 1543 when she was only nine months old I was rather surprised to find them under my nose and have the ability to touch them, unusual I thought in something so old, I waited for Jo to catch up with the camera and show her my find. You have to love a replica and he seemed happy with the notion that he was holding something so precious. The next room gave us the real thing and although nowhere near as impressive as the Crown Jewels in the Tower they were splendid.
Woolly says – By now we were starting to flag not to mention the lack of snacks that had been forced upon me, service is terrible. I suggested a visit to the Great Hall before a late lunch. Built for James IV who had little time to enjoy as he was killed only months after completing in 1513 and its purpose was changed to that of a memorial for our brave men. It’s a wonderful and beautiful monument to all of those that have served and lost their lives in the battles across the world and centuries, no photography was allowed which was understandable but a shame not to be able to share the magnificence it held. With everything on our bodies now freezing including our noses we hurried from the castle and taking little notice of where we were going headed into the nearest warm pub that sold food. Woolly says – with a tummy warmed by the mulled wine that Jo didn’t appear to see me consuming and the rather yummy Cullen Skink (smoked fish and potato soup for those of us in the know), we sat back happily when I remembered a question that I had yet to have an answer to, what does "Och aye the noo" mean?
I chuckled but then realised that I didn’t know either, Zoe hit the keyboard and within seconds we were really none the wiser. Woolly says – When would I ever say, "Oh yes, just now", it’s not a common sort of conversational piece now is it, I must ask a Scot why they say it….as soon as I find one that seemed friendly that is. With bellies full I suggested a last most go place to finish our day off and happily led the way ticking more things off in my book. Lady Stairs House was constructed in 1622 and holds the printing press that was used to produce Sir Walter Scott’s books, it now houses the writer’s museum. Each of the three areas followed a separate author from Scotland, following Robert Louis Stevenson’s history of writing and his life in Samoa to a plaster cast of Robbie Burn’s skull as well as Scott’s works and desk it was an interesting place in a fascinating building with its spiral staircases.
As we ventured outside once more the sky was turning dark and the chill factor seemed to have increased tenfold, my small companion shivered, having wrapped him in my coat we headed towards the bus stop as the words ‘Och aye the noo’ came repeat from my jacket, hopefully the passengers wouldn’t mind to much!
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Dancing Dave
David Hooper
Edinburgh Castle
I like castles. My home is my castle...but I couldn't handle the vacuuming of one that big!