Edinburgh

2009.04.09

The debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh

The chairs are laid out in a non-confrontational semi-circular pattern and I rather liked the concentric shapes they create

St. Giles Cathedral

Greyfriars Bobby

I spent today sightseeing in Edinburgh before I flew home this evening. I must have walked miles during the course of the day, including the entire length of the Royal Mile and a large chunk of Princes Street. My first stop of the day was the Scottish Parliament Building at Holyrood where I went on a guided tour before taking some photos in the debating chamber.

After lunch I made my way along the Royal Mile towards the Castle, stopping off at St. Giles’ Cathedral. The Cathedral’s a lovely building and I could have spent ages there if I’d had my proper tripod. As it was I only had my little travel one so it rather limited my possibilities. I was particularly taken with the lights they have there – rather modern looking spaceship-like affairs which contrast very nicely with the medieval architecture – you can just see four of them in the photo I’ve posted here.

My other detour off the Royal Mile took me to Greyfriars Kirkyard (churchyard). This lovely churchyard is a haven of peace and tranquillity in the middle of bustling Edinburgh and is home to a good number of famous Edinburgh people. However, perhaps the most famous resident is a small dog called Bobby, fondly known as Greyfriars Bobby. He was a Skye terrier who belonged to an Edinburgh policeman, John Grey. After his master died in 1858 Bobby remained a faithful friend and stayed beside his grave for the next 14 years, leaving only for food, until his death in 1872. He was such a familiar and popular character that this statue of Bobby stands in the street outside the churchyard. Bobby’s gravestone is the first you see as you enter the churchyard and it’s evidently visited regularly as it was surrounded by a collection of toys and sticks left for Bobby by visitors. It’s a rather touching sight and I guess the gifts are a lot more appropriate for a dog than flowers would be! For more information about Bobby he has his own website: http://www.greyfriarsbobby.co.uk/home.html