Dunfirmlan to Melrose, Scotland

 Wednesday, 2nd September, 1981                      overcast and cool

Up and off about 9:45 a.m. towards Edinburgh.  We drove to Dunfirmlane hoping to see some ancient castles and Robert the Bruce's burial place.  It used to be the Scot capital for six centuries but we couldn't park so we drove round the roundabout and off to Cuross - a lovely little village on the Firth of Forth - the tide was out again.  

This little town has quite a history.  The legend goes a princess was cast out and came to land here, the natives gave her succour and her son was born.  He became quite a figure in Scotland's history.  Established Dunfirmlane as capital.  Cuross traded only with the Scandinavians with their coal for many years.  The Dutch influence is still great, homes and furniture.  They have preserved the village as it used to be - cobbled streets and stone made homes abutting the road.  Public institutions are helping to preserve besides private individuals. S.R.C.C. have a base in one of the homes.  The shops sell modern where in ancient shops and homes are kept in ancient facade with a modern-day living.

We lunched there then moved on to Edinburgh - across Forth Bridge to city and out again to camping area. 

Forth Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland

We cleaned up and caught a bus into town - 20p adults; 8p children.  It was about a 20 minutes ride.  We were lucky enough to buy tickets to the Edinburgh Tattoo £4 .00 - couldn't believe our luck!  We walked around town, found a place to eat and as the Tattoo didn't commence till 9 p.m. we strolled around watching the world go by.  Down a side street we found a shop that sold hot potatoes with a choice of any salad or food in it.  John, Sean and Rae loved them.  We stood in the square near the art museum and watched and listened to buskers, artists doing pencil portraits or witnessed some of the youth of today make noise just for the sake of it.

Kids with skinned heads, or hair dyed orange, purple and green or dark plum.  Religious groups trying to deliver their message above all din.  Fascinating but soon had to join the crowd towards the Edinburgh castle.  Well what an experience. We strolled up about 8:10 p.m. joined the line 1 mile long and waited for another 40 minutes.  Then off the line moved.  At one stage we thought we would be crushed to death.  

It took about 10 minutes to be swept up around and along to the stadium built high above the castle.  We finally were in our seats south side Area C Row V.  We sat way up high above everyone.  A magnificent view of all before us.  The tattoo commenced with the pipe band playing music from other Commonwealth nations.  "Waltzing Matilda" brought a great clap from us and all around we had Aussies (sitting next to us from Newcastle) - above us and below.  What a lovely balmy night - didn't need our coats at all.  We had one and half hours of great entertainment.  Tears ran down my face when the pipes played way up on the top of the castle.  We had police bands, pipe bands, regimental bands and Parachute Regt.  The lone piper played "The mist covered the mountains" terrific!

Police dogs showed us their prowess, Canada was the country featured this year - a wonderful display of Canadiana.

On the way out we had to move with the crowd as we had a bus to catch.  We couldn't miss it because it was quite a way to walk.  Eventually we broke out of the sardine tin and caught a bus home - very late and a very tired.

Thursday, 3rd September, 1981

John left early to ring Bob re business.  We stirred our weary bodies towards the 10:30 bus.  I wasn't feeling too happy as this is the third anniversary of Viv’s untimely death and the day before we had had a letter from Tony and Billy telling us Margaret (my sister)  had had a coronary.  I felt so helpless, but the kids are good - keep me busy and on the go - no time for self-pity.  We had a lovely day in town.  Met John - he had spoken to Karen - all is well at home.  Margaret was improving so we headed to the castle to see it by day.  It is a military exercise and therefore in good condition.

We had a lunch up there then walked the Royal mile to "Hollyrood Castle". 

Hollyrood Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland

We were disappointed not to see inside but being very tired headed for the bus and home.

Edinburgh is two cities - the new, with new fine buildings and the old city behind the castle walls.  Shops thrive along cobbled streets.  Princes Street in the new part is said to be one of the prettiest streets and a showpiece in UK.  Certainly an exciting street.

Had some excitement early a.m. after an early night.  We all work to beep beep beep -a burglar alarm went off in car next to ours.  Apparently someone stole jeans and keys out of the tent and tried to break into the car.  The patrol car was there in minutes - comforting and made us aware there are mean people in the world besides so many good.

We did see childhood museum when walking the Royal mile - Canongate - from very early mediaeval years through to 1960.  Toys, food, clothes - very well done!  To see the craftsmanship of the dolls and toys was incredible.

Friday, 4th September, 1981                    cool and windy

Had breakfast and then a ride around unseen parts of the city - then headed for the Royal areas. 

Edinburgh, Scotland

We found a park near Waverley railway station whilst John went to ring Bob.  He had been derailed at Sydney so San had a chat to Karen - felt elated with contact from home.  Margaret still on the mend.  Whilst waiting we witnessed the pipers practising for their walk down Princes Street.  The festival goes for some weeks and every morning at 11 a.m. one of the pipe bands walked down Princes Street.  Everything stops to watch and listen. 

Princes Street is said to be the most beautiful and a showpiece in the UK.  It certainly is a beautiful street.

Princes Street, Edinburgh

Whilst in the city some expats came up and spoke to us - they are here for 12 months on a working holiday. 

On our way then to Dalkeith - Traquair House - a 10th century home that had housed 27 Kings and Queens of the UK.  

Traquair House, Edinburgh - Scotland's oldest inhabited house

Sir Walter Scott wrote “the gates wouldn't be opened till a Stuart sat on the Scottish throne”.  It is now a showplace.  Beautiful gardens, poplars, candle makers displayed their arts and wares.

The border river towns of River Tweed, Yarrow, Jed and Teviot are all pretty villages - all are textile industrial small towns set in valleys and hills.

At last we came to Peebles and then Melrose and as John was not well we pulled up for the evening and went for a stroll round town.  A Cistercian Abbey is the focal point of Melrose. 

Melrose Abbey

I should have said Robert the Bruce's heart is said to be buried here.  Another national trust well kept.  This town is Sir Walter Scott's home town.  Weather still holds - windy but fine.

Dunfirmline to Melrose