Up until early June 2016 I had never been to Scotland. I know, a 30 year old UK resident never having been to Scotland, crazy right? I think there should be a law passed that demands all UK children visit Scotland, Wales and Ireland by the time they are 10, it just has to be done! I have still yet to visit Wales but it’s coming very soon!
So, what was my first encounter with Scotland like? We went to the Capital – Edinburgh, and even though we’d checked out the online weather forecast and it said it was to be sunny and hot for the 2 days we were there. I didn’t really believe it as I’ve heard a tale or two about the Scottish weather, so I wore layers just to be safe. How wrong I was! It was actually so hot that day that I got burnt.
So, to commemorate this beautiful weather and my first visit to Scotland. Here are some photographs of beautiful, sunny Edinburgh.
This building is called Tolbooth, an incredible (Steampunk style) building near the bottom of The Royal Mile which was originally used as a courthouse and jail, built in 1591. I was lucky enough to capture it on a wonderful sunny day and it looks so good against the blue sky! It is a building full of character that now houses a small museum.
Not quite what I expected from the city; vast, hilly views accompanied by a tranquil water feature. I loved this refreshing little area. I’d only been in Edinburgh 15 minutes here after a 5am start and 3 hour train journey, I was so tired but look how content and refreshed I look! Edinburgh will do that to you – particularly on a sunny day.
St Andrew’s Square where people come for a peaceful escape from the hustle bustle of the city. Here you will find the Melville Monument which commemorates Henry Dundas and the Lion of Scotland sculpture by Ronald Rae.
One of Edinburgh’s many graveyards which are quite a big personality Edinburgh what with its very haunted reputation – the city offers night time ghost tours. This one was so pleasant in the sunshine, a photographer’s haven!
Interesting tomb stones paired with gorgeous plants and flowers makes this one of many appealing graveyards in Edinburgh. Exploring a graveyard doesn’t have to be morbid, they are places for remembering and reflecting.
Such pretty flowers at Princes Street Gardens – Edinburgh’s popular city centre park.
The top of the Scott Monument. This is the largest monument in the world to commemorate a writer – Sir Walter Scott – who wrote the famous Scottish novel Waverley. This became the namesake of Edinburgh’s central train station.
The Royal symbol of Edinburgh – Edinburgh Castle. There it stands, day after day on it’s extinct volcanic rock looking magnificent and proud, as it looks down upon the city. It is such a strong and intriguing building – of which in Edinburgh there are so many. Some of my favourite architecture is here, the buildings are so gothic looking and memorable.
Phew! Me in the Castle grounds, suitably tired and burnt! What a fantastic experience though, I learnt so much about Edinburghs history and rich culture in just two days.
Princes Street Gardens just as we were about to get on the train home, sun gone in but the locals aren’t giving up!
Such an amazing city, I can’t recommend it enough. Full of life, vibrancy, gothic buildings, cool eateries, lovely people, cashmere, tartan and bagpipe players. I am keen to return.
We were so so lucky to have visited during a rare sunny spell, even though I’ve heard Edinburgh is just as fabulous in poorer weather, I was so happy to have come out with a picture book of memories full of lush greenery, beautiful flowers and epic buildings backed by blue, blue sky – It is something not many people get on their first time visiting this city.
Have you ever been lucky enough to experience Edinburgh in the blazing sunshine?
