Big Sights

Guildford Arms

We ended the week with another day of touristing; went to a couple of the big sights. Fun and educational. Today's outings included a tour of Holyrood Palace. And, based on the price of the tickets, we are expecting a new wing of that palace to be built and named after us. Regardless, it is a must see; no trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit. It is the Queen's official residence in the Scottish capital. And it is best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots – she was married here and witnessed the brutal killing of her secretary in her private apartments. Bonus; the tour not only included handheld audio devices, but they displayed interesting narrated video clips as well.

More of a bargain, tickets were free, we headed directly across the street for a tour of the Scottish Parlament. Since the 1717 Treaty of Union, the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England have existed as "Great Britain." For the next 300 years Scotland was governed entirely by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Just 20 years ago, a new devolved Scottish Parliament was established, with tax-varying powers, in Edinburgh; power was transferred from Westminster to the new Parliament.

Since so much history in one day generates a thirst, we headed nearby to an old historical pub for refreshments and dinner. This place was built 125 years ago and exudes Victorian opulence. Great way to end the week.