Paula & Michael's Honeymoon in Great Britain - Day 5

Our Honeymoon in Great Britain

Edinburgh Scotland: September 27, 2000

The background is Michael's Ross family tartan

Edinburg Castle in the center of downtown Edinburgh Mary Queen of Scots gave birth here to the future King James VI (James I of England) in 1566.

Gatehouse A Scotsman Keeping guard over the gatehouse entrance.

Royal Arms on the outside wall of the Great Hall The royal arms of thistles and roses symbolize the new English connection with the marriage of James IV and Margaret Tudor.

Inside the Great Hall The principal banqueting and reception room completed late in the reign of King James IV (1488-1513).

Scotland's National Memorial St. Mary's church stood on the site where this memorial is now built during the middle ages. The church was converted into a munitions house in 1540, then demolished in 1755 to make room for a barracks. Vacated by the Army in 1923 it was made into the National Shrine.

St. Margaret's Chapel The oldest structure surviving from the midieval castle, it was built by King David I and dedicated to his mother who died in the castle in 1093.

Mons Meg In 1457 King James II was given two giant siege guns called "bombards". It was built in Mons (Belgium today) and weighed over 6 tons.

Gun Stones to Mons Meg The gun stones weighed 330 pounds each. In 1558 Mons was fired to celebrate Mary Queen of Scots marriage. The stones were recovered 3.5 km (almost 2 miles) away.

Firth of Forth A view of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh castle.

Holyroodhouse Palace Today we were to visit the castle, make our way down the Royal Mile to end with visiting Holyroodhouse. Well the royal family also decided to visit so it was closed to visitors shortly before we arrived. While we were at the gate it was opened to allow someone entry so Michael at least got a picture.

Nelson Monument A view of Edinburgh and the castle from the Nelson Monument.