Edinburgh is a delight. 

The architecture, the heritage and the history are rich and absorbing . 

Our hotel is central and we have a lovely view across to Calton Hill. 

The touristy shops are bright and colourful and we hear bagpipes often! Digby buys a bagpipe practice chanter, handmade - the most beautiful object. 

We find the pubs warm and welcoming, many with the most ornate interiors. 

We meet Ellie (Jane's daughter) and her fiancée John at the Dome - perhaps the most elegant and attractive restaurant we have ever been in! 

We enjoy time together - shades of Skye! 

We walk and walk. 

The old Calton burial grounds are fascinating and sadly, we miss the Queen at Edinburgh Castle!



Glasgow is interesting! 

While the architecture is equally impressive the atmosphere is darker . 

We see many homeless people and the grey skies, cold and drizzle does not help. 

But we are in a lovely area - Kelvin Grove - beside the Kelvin River and Botanical Gardens. Our unit, while old, is spacious with windows that look out onto winter trees just coming into leaf and with a resident squirrel! 

We don our wet-weather gear and walk to the Kelvin Grove Art Gallery. It is unusual with an eclectic mix and presentation of work and an obvious aim to 'bring art to the people' - overt didactic signs beside most works, numerous children's activities and a plethora of drink dispensing machines and coffee shops within the beautiful classical interior. We left feeling quite puzzled. 

We do enjoy time in the Botanical Gardens though!

Monday is filled with sunshine. We try the train and the underground - efficient and clean . 

We walk up to the Necropolis (a Victorian garden cemetery) - it is quite beautiful. We are early and explore the acres of amazing monuments uninterrupted. Quite special! 

The medieval Glasgow Cathedral beside it is equally impressive.

I shop in busy Buchanan Street and Digby visits the Glasgow School of Art and Mackintosh House.

The sun sets and our wonderful journey is at an end! What an extraordinary time we have had! We have loved every moment. 
 
  "Home James! And don't spare the horses!"