Perry Family Holiday – Scotland – Fifth Leg

Driving from Oxford down to Luton we then had a mid-afternoon flight to Glasgow where we picked up a rental car and drove into the city.  Having watched the airport TV shows we were nervous about flying with Easy Jet however it really was quite smooth (once we back tracked the missed freeway exit and Scott had dropped off the rental car and caught the bus back to the airport).

“Arrived in the land my husband is named after, Glasgow tonight then Edinburgh after a slightly stressful drive to Luton as we missed an exit and then an easy jet (good) experience…”

Staying at the Grasshopper Hotel in Union Street, we were very central for shopping at St Enoch Centre and enjoying dinner from stall holders at the St Enoch Square market.

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After our hot breakfast (without the black pudding) we drove from Glasgow to Edinburgh with a few hours shopping at Livingston Designer Outlet where I bought my Scottish outfit from Ness.

Edinburgh is just charming, I particularly liked the old town and we stayed in the docklands at The B Suites Edinburgh.  Dinner on the first night was at Filling Station in Rose Street and Edinburgh Castle stands out majestically overlooking the city, magically lit up at night.

On Saturday, we parked near St Giles Cathedral and headed up the Royal Mile, lined with Scottish shops, to Edinburgh Castle.  The day that we visited was very busy as there was a re-enactment titled ‘Besieged.  The year is 1640 and Edinburgh Castle is under siege!  Discover what it was like to be a soldier fighting under these conditions and witness the devastating force of the cannon and muskets that defended this might fortress.  This included firing from the Argyll Battery, learning about weapons and equipment and meeting ‘soldiers’ in traditional dress.  There are amazing views from the top of the castle and it is an absolute ‘must do’.

After wandering around the castle (with the individual audio guide) and seeing the Scottish Crown Jewels we headed to the Scotch Whisky Experience.  The tour included a Whisky barrel ride through the production of Scotch Whisky, an understanding of the aromas in Whisky and regions across Scotland, tastings in the impressive tasting room and a huge range of Scotch Whiskey available in the shop.

Lunch was at The Castle Armsnear the castle and then we drove past Scottish Parliament, Palace of Holyroodhouse and Arthur’s Seat.

“enjoyed Edinburgh CastleThe Scotch Whisky Experience, scottish fare at The Castle Arms for lunch, The Royal Mile and views around Edinburgh, United Kingdom plus got a Scottish outfit from Livingston factory outlets yesterday – Jess Perry loves her shopping!” (7.10.12)

As we were staying in Leith we had dinner at the Leith Beer Company, and pick up a few supplies at ASDA – so cheap!

Scott’s Mum Fiona was born in Scotland so on Sunday we drove from Edinburgh to Kinghorn in Fife and saw the village and the house she grew up in.

With an evening flight from Glasgow back to Luton, we drove through the Scottish countryside via villages such as Killearn where we had lunch at The Black Bull.

“Scottish cavery for lunch with Glengoyne scotch having just popped into the distillery, took the scenic route from Edinburgh via Kinghorn”. (7.10.12)

Here are the photos from Glasgow to Livingston, Edinburgh and Kinghorn.

Written by Wendy Perry, Innovator | Thinker | Speaker | Writer

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