Hop-on-Hop-off bus and other highlights

As is our custom, we got on the Hop-on-Hop-off bus.  The ticket purchased allowed us to take 4 different routes around Edinburgh for two consecutive days.  Sunday morning, we chose the Green Bus and the main attraction on that route was Edinburgh Castle.

Many of Scotland's royalty lived here.

Margaret's chapel was the first building built.  It was here that Mary Queen on Scots gave birth to James VI, who became James I King of England.

The Crown Jewels, the mace and the Stone  of  Destiny (the English call it the Stone of Scone), are housed here ( No pictures allowed).
There is a cannon that is fired everyday at 1 o'clock (except Sunday--when we were there.).

This is a wonder of architecture and history and the pictures show it.

We had a late lunch, did a little shopping and headed for home after a long day.

Ask Pat what a Scotsman wears under his kilt!

The next day the highlight of the tour was the Royal Yacht Britannia.  It replaced the Victoria and Albert III in 1954 when it was commissioned.  It was decommissioned in 1997.  It is berthed at Leith for the public to tour.

Royal Yacht Britannia

This ship was amazing, as evidenced by the pictures included.  Events are still held on this magnificent vessel even today.  There are lots of Royal family pictures displayed on every level

Barbara and Pat at the Controls

A beautiful day for sailing!

The Queen's Bedroom

Prince Philip's Bedroom

The State Dining Room

The Living Room

                                                     

The Queens Launch

After the tour we found a nice restaurant and had a delicious lunch. of fish and chips.  We took the Red bus for a different route, and a different point of view.

Holyrood Palace, the personal home of the Stewart's and Mary Queen of Scots, was closed to the public due to an event, but we enjoyed a trip through the Queens Gallery to see the pictures inspired by Vermeer.