Edinburgh 2023

 Long live the No Plan Kids!

We were soon in Edinburgh but parked about 20 miles west of the city near the airport. Luckily that gave us great access to the tram (Trolley) system that goes directly from the airport thru the city center and out to Leith on the Forth River Estuary.

Once settled in the campground we headed into the city. Of course we were here this time last year too with the grandkids. https://banbrv.blogspot.com/2022/08/scotland.html

Last  year with the grand kids

We bought tickets for the “Hop on Hop off” busses and took the circular tour to figure out what we wanted to see while we were here.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Ships Bell

Pretty soon we decided to see the “Royal Yacht Britannia” which was retired from service and made into a tourist attraction. 

Holyrood House (Barb's Picture)

Barbara wanted to see “Holyrood House” which is the Royal Family’s home when they visit Edinburgh.

The worlds first jet airliner and British too.

Soon enough we had those taken care of plus a visit to the “National Aircraft Museum” in East Fortune. A visit to the Jim Clarke Museum was cancelled when we discovered it was closed on the day we wanted to visit (Jim Clarke was a famous Formula 1 Champion in the 1960’s).

Fabulous Edinburgh Castle

So most of this blog will be of the Edinburgh Tattoo which is held in the mighty castle that dominates the whole city.

I had been bragging about how I designed the camera and lighting galleries for the grandstands at the castle but I was dismayed to find out that they had scrapped mine in 2011 and built a new structure! Mine only lasted 40 years, how disappointing.

The grandstand I DIDN'T design!

Pictures tell a better story than I do so here are LOTS of pictures. The marching bands came from UK, USA, Norway, Switzerland and Jamaica plus dance troops from around Scotland.

Ever see a marching band from Switzerland?

With Alpen Horns??

The whole show lasted 90 minutes and was amazing, with light and sound effects and fireworks at the end. Royalty was present with the new Duke of Edinburgh in the Royal Box and taking the salute from the Royal Air Force Band Master.

The Duke of Edinburgh

We eventually got out at about 11.30pm then had to walk down the steep hill from the castle to Prince’s Street for the tram back. By the time we got to bed is was 1.30am. We were tired but entirely satisfied by the experience, so if you ever get the chance go. Be aware that you need to buy tickets a year in advance otherwise you wont get in.

Arizona represented in the light and firework show

Jamaican steel drum marching and dance troops