A taste of Scotland
Edinburgh — single malt scotch, the Royals and great British grub
It’s usually not a good idea to drink Scotch before noon. But we’re in Edinburgh and the Whisky Master Class starts at 10 a.m. … so we’re happily committed.
The Scotch Whisky Experience is one of the main tourist draws in this historic city, especially since it’s located at the top of the Royal Mile, at the foot of Edinburgh Castle.
It includes a Disney-like ride in huge barrels through the distillation and maturation process, a visit to the biggest whisky collection in the world and a presentation by Max, our guide, on the varied and distinct aromas found in different Scotches, especially single malt.
At the end, of course, we had a chance to sample a wee dram or three of the complex elixir that made Scotland famous.
Edinburgh has been the Scottish capital since the 15th century. Its signature tourist area is the Royal Mile, a delightful collection of shops, restaurants, street performers and attractions bookended by Edinburgh Castle at the top and Holyrood Palace (official Scottish residence of the Royal Family) at the bottom.
Our first stop, after checking in to the Knight Residence (excellent, clean housekeeping apartments close to the Royal Mile) was the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
An audio guide is included with a paid entry and it’s valuable as you admire the lavish rooms used by Mary, Queen of Scots centuries ago and now by Queen Elizabeth II and her kin. Adjacent to the palace are the ruins of the Abbey, dating from 1128, and a wonderful, lush garden with walking paths.
Edinburgh Castle, at the opposite end of the Royal Mile and dominating the city’s skyline, is much more crowded than the Palace but a must-see attraction. The castle has been a fortified fixture on the rock since the 12th century.
Historians have identified at least 26 sieges in the current 1,100-year history of the castle. That history includes the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, St. Margaret’s Chapel, completed in 1153. Like historic forts around the world, there’s a daily firing, the One O’clock Gun, from a 25-pounder cannon.
The Gun is usually the signal for lunch and we were delighted by the number of places along the Royal Mile that offered both traditional fish & chips and haggis.