Before I got Covid, I was able to tour Edinburgh, for a day. A day in a big city is usually enough for me, though I have to admit I could have used more time in this splendid city. I had taken an early morning train from Northallerton (in the Yorkshire Dales) and arrived at the Waverly train station around 9 am. After finding a place to stow my luggage (not easy) for the day, I set out to tour the capitol of Scotland. Fortunately, Waverly Station was near the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile is the main thoroughfare of Old Town Edinburgh. At one end is Edinburgh Castle. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is at the other. I toured both, took a bus to get around.
Traditional "Scots" mile, 1.13 miles
Scottish bagpiper
I saw lots of "closes" along the Royal Mile. There are over 250 closes in Edinburgh. A close is a British and Scottish term for a short street or cul-de-sac that ends in a dead end. It often refers to a private, gated, or quiet residential street, and in Scotland, it can specifically describe a narrow, enclosed alley or entrance to a tenement. The term derives from the fact that many of these dead-end alleys were closed off at night. I'm sure each one has its history.
Writer's Court
Named after an apothecary
Historical marker
There is a 10-foot bronze statue of Adam Smith on the Royal Mile. Adam Smith is an 18th century Scottish economist and philosopher who is widely regarded as the "father of economics" or more specifically the "father of capitalism." He lived and died in Edinburgh. I bet he would be deeply frustrated by today's modern form of capitalism, with all its poverty and concentration of wealth. No doubt he's rolling over in his grave.
Statue to Adam Smith
I encountered several bagpipe players. The Great Highland Bagpipe is Scotland's national instrument and is recognized by its powerful sound, tartan-covered bag, and role in military and cultural traditions. Next time (has to be in August), I'd like to go to a performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which features lots of bagpipe music. I do like bagpipes and kilts.
Another bagpipe player