In our last blog, Cathy and I talked about our time in Glasgow and the Scottish Highlands. This blog completes our Scotish tour taking us to Edinburgh and then to the seashore of Ayrshire south of Glasgow and some special time at Culzean Castle. And yes those are real palm trees in the gardens of Culzean Castle.
Edinburgh
Cathy and I spent several days in Edinburgh in the Haymarket neighbourhood. Of course the famous castle built on a Castle Rock (a volcanic plug from 350 million years ago) dominates the skyline. Edinburgh Castle was never taken by force over hundreds of years. We liked the busy street scene, however for a change of pace, we went to Dean Village and walked the trails around the mill ponds. It makes for a nice morning walk and we exited at the path to the Modern Art Museum – good art and a nice restaurant for lunch.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
We dropped by the Royal Yacht now retired and anchored in Edinburgh. Cathy has deep roots in the USA Navy, and once she shared a salute, I expected the ‘press gang’ would be on us. I like ice cream and so was happy to see a dedicated circuit in the electrical room for the yacht’s ice cream equipment.
Park Farmhouse B&B
Our next stop was near Maybole in Ayrshire about 50 kilometres south of Glasgow. The Park Farmhouse B&B is a 1889 stone house surrounded by green fields and a view of the Irish Sea. Highlights were the fireplace in our private drawing room, full Scotish breakfasts and some local lore from our hosts. Breakfast included haggis and black pudding – I ate both for the first time. Cathy had already tried these a few days earlier in Edinburgh, and as my food tester, she showed no ill effects.
Culzean Castle
President Eisenhower visited Culzean Castle often for extended visits. When the castle was transferred to the National Trust, there was a provision that the President would have exclusive use of a suite of rooms until his death. We stayed for one night in the Eisenhower Suites. The occasion was a family wedding and what an experience to dine and party into the evening in a real castle.
That is a wrap on our adventures in Scotland. Time to catch our train in Maybole and start the trek back home to Toronto.
Upcoming Blogs
Stay tuned for our next series where Cathy and I visit Tahiti and take the hybrid freighter / cruiser Aranui 5 to the Marqueses Islands.
