Exploring Edinburgh (27 October)

Up early and still adjusting to the local time, I headed straight to the rooftop bar to capture a few shots of Edinburgh’s skyline. From that vantage point, Edinburgh Castle stood just up the hill, a constant reminder of the city’s rich history. Choosing this hotel was a no-brainer, given the rooftop bar and its close proximity to the castle. Our first stop after breakfast was Vodafone. While traveling in Australia, we bought local eSIMs for data, texting, and calling, which worked seamlessly and saved us a lot compared to Verizon’s costly $12/day plan. We’re hoping to replicate that success here and stay connected without breaking the bank as we explore Scotland.

The National Museum of Scotland

We eventually found our way to the National Museum of Scotland. As you enter, you’re immediately transported back to the time of the earliest Scots around 900 AD, winding your way through centuries of history that lead up to the 1800s. There was a wide variety of artifacts on display offering a glimpse into Scotland’s rich past. The wooden panels, in particular, stood out for their exquisite craftsmanship. As a woodworker I could appreciate the workmanship.

A few key notes on a few of the images:

The Maiden, used for beheading criminals, 1564-1710. It was acquired by the museum in 1797, at the time when in France the Revolution, with the use of the guillotine, was at its height.

The brass eagle lectern was made in England and is in the shape of an eagle perched on a globe. It has an inscription in Latin commemorating George Crichton, Bishop of Dunkeld. There are also engravings of his arms, and mitres and crosiers as symbols of his authority.

Bronze bell made by Gerard Koster of Amsterdam, 1663. The decoration includes the arms of Glasgow. The bell, a symbol of civic pride, was made for the Glasgow Tolbooth. In the Middle Ages public clocks were the main timekeepers, and the bell's function of striking the hours was important.

This mask was worn as a disguise by a leading Covenanter, Alexander Peden, during the time when he and other Covenanters lived in constant danger of arrest. This period became known as 'the killing times'. A leading figure in the repression of the Covenanters was John Graham of Claverhouse, who was seen as both a ruthless tyrant and a hero. He later led the forces of the exiled James VIl at the Battle of Killiecrankie. He was known as Bluidy Clavers by the Covenanters he sought to destroy - but as Bonnie Dundee by the Jacobite movement he helped to inspire.

I then made my way to the technology section, one of my favorites. Anytime you hang airplanes from the ceiling, you know it’s going to be a spectacular display. The Grand Gallery was bright and welcoming, designed to capture the curiosity of visitors of all ages. There were interactive exhibits tailored especially for children, making it a lively space filled with excitement and learning. The combination of impressive aircraft and hands-on activities made the experience both inspiring and fun. And I noted, I was moving from the darker days of the medieval through to the industrial age, and on into the brighter well-lit modern days, literally and figuratively.

My last stop was to find my way to the rooftop, a decision that rewarded me with spectacular views of the city’s skyline. From up there, I enjoyed the surrounding rooftops, each telling its own story. The vantage point also offered another perspective of the castle, allowing me to capture a few images that highlighted details often missed from the ground. It was a perfect blend of urban exploration and history, and the rooftop truly made the visit unforgettable.