Dr. Bob in England, Scotland, and Iceland

The Day of Edzell

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

Castles and friends

Friday, May 12, Edinburgh

Today is fairly relaxed. A leisurely breakfast consists of the UK standards of eggs, bacon (Canadian, not streaky), bangers, grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms and beans. OK, there are other items like fruit and pastries, but also those Scottish favorites blood sausage and haggis. We ignored those last two.

We are then out for a modest walk to Edinburgh castle. The castle is more practical fortification than fancy royal house. However, its commanding view of the city make it a remarkable place.

After our tour, we stop at the castle tea house for ale and scone - pretty sure that combination violates several unwritten laws, but it sure was tasty.

Afternoon siesta seemed appropriate, then we walk to a nearby hotel to meet we our friends Cees and Josephine from Amsterdam. We meet them on a cruise some years ago and have gotten together like this a few times since. We catch up over beers and cider then more at dinner. Good times.

Oh BTW it is also our anniversary today.

Approaching Edinburgh castle

Another view showing the high perch - plus a photo bomber

There be cannon here

Fire at Will - whoever Will is

Some internal glitz

Battle ready

Who carved my initials into the wall?

Local brew and scones - yummy

Off to Scotland

Thursday, May 11, Edinburgh

We bid a sad farewell to York this morning and are off to Edinburgh. We navigate the train station with a little more certainty this time. Sure wish the US had a system like this one.

We travel in first class which includes wine and lunch and lots of space - well worth the slight extra cost. The scenery along the way is gorgeous.

Our hotel, the Scotsman is in a historic building that used to house the Scotsman newspaper. It is just off the 'Royal Mile' so we take an easy afternoon stroll. Our main stop is at the St. Giles Cathedral, not the fanciest but with some interesting points. Best part is we get an impromptu organ concert as we wonder about the place.

The great train traveler in York station

'Fine dining' on the train to Edinburgh

Beautiful countryside - the yellow stuff is called rape

More beautiful countryside

St. Giles cathedral

A grave monument

Iconography - not sure what it means

Look carefully at the carvings on the armrests

Looking up at the ceilings

Looking down at the floors

A previous bishop

Looking down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Walking in York

Wednesday, May 10, York

Part of York's fame is its mostly intact medieval wall. Driving into the old town requires passing through one of the wall gates. There are long sections where you can stroll along the top of the wall and enjoy the views or maybe bring your bow and arrows to ward off invaders. We choose the strolling option. As an added bonus the sun is out and we are able to dismount into a lovely garden with beer and cider service. The English are so accommodating.

The other item of fame is the York Minster. A minster is more than a church but less than a cathedral. This place seems pretty cathedral like to me, but I never got to vote. York Minster is typical of the era - long and high wth ornate burial monuments tucked in here and there. There are also a few whimsical bits left by the stone masons as well.

Our evening includes going to the Grand Opera House for a ballet of Cinderella.