Saturday, May 13, Edinburgh
According to online sources (wikitree) I can trace my ancestry back to a David Lindsay who lived at and built up the castle and gardens at Edzell, about two hours north of Edinburgh. I only discovered this connection after we booked this trip. We had to go see it of course.
We hired a private tour so I could enjoy the scenery instead of praying I stayed on the left side of the road. Our driver, Duncan is great and helps make the day extra special. Shortly after leaving Edinburgh we are in the beautiful rolling farmland of lowland Scotland. Our expectations for Edzell castle are limited by the mediocre online pictures. On arrival we see it is so much more. The red sandstone used in the construction is quite striking. The simple tower seen in the online photo is only a small part of the castle and adjacent garden. The garden walls are covered in artistic plaques many related to the earl's beliefs that education was an important part of a successful society - damn liberal of someone living in the 1500's.
As an added bonus, being a Lindsay descendent (Lindsey in the US), I am entrusted by the receptionist at the castle with the key to the family crypt at the nearby graveyard. We go and pay our respects. Six months ago I had no idea of this ancestry - a really special day.
On our way back to Edinburgh we stop at the abbey and church of Dunfermline. Its main claim to fame is being the burial place of Robert the Bruce minus his heart. I will let you look up that story online.
We are accompanied on this trip by our Amsterdam friends Cees and Josephine who came for a long weekend visit. Extra special having them along.
The great railway bridge
This railway bridge just north of Edinburgh was once the greatest man made structure in the world. The bridge crosses the Firth of Forth. Still in use and still damned impressive.
Beautiful countryside
Plant is rape seed aka canola. The air is filled with the scent.
A view of Edzell castle
The castle tower
Inside the castle ruins
A huge cooking fireplace
Mason's mark in stone - a signature of their work
A view of the restored garden - note summer house in background
Part of the garden walls that are covered in plaques
One of the many plaques
Another plaque
View from the summer house
The Lindsay crypt
Plaque inside crypt - what does it signify?
Celtic cross at graveyard
Church at Dunfermline
Grave of Robert the Bruce
Our Amsterdam friends
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