We’re off to Edinburgh today. We decided to take the train for the experience. Sitting together share a drink and watching the countryside roll by. Nice and simple, huh? Not so, as it turned out. I have booked the 11am train to Edinburgh some months ago, but a few days ago we were horrified to learn that the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) was having industrial action issues with train drivers threatening strikes. They cancelled our train!

They website and app said we could change the time of departure or get a refund. The only train available was the 3pm, which would get into Edinburgh about 7.30pm. Less than ideal, but at least we knew we would get there. Clive suggested we still get to Kings Cross early and see if we can get on an earlier train. LNER did announce they would put extra trains on for the weekend as the strike was averted at the last minute.

We got to Kings Cross about 9.00am and enquired at the LNER desk and the attendant said just get on the next train, our tickets would be good for any of the trains today. The next train was 10:00 so we waited outside for the platform to be announced. Once we got the go ahead we stormed the gates will a huge crowd. John stayed back with Dad, as Clive, Anthony and I raced forward to find seats to suit our party of five. The staff were all saying “all free seating today”. We did indeed find a group of four seats, with Clive a few rows back, and settled down. People were still streaming on the train and it wasn’t too long before the people that did book our seats came and asked us to vacate them. Arguments ensued and we could tell things were about to get ugly when a somewhat large guy started physically threatening another man near us. Anthony, John and I got out of our seats and looked for others that were spare. Nothing doing – I guess we’re standing. There was quite a few others standing too. Luckily Dad and Clive managed to hold on to their seats. Whether it was free or some kind person gave up their seat to Dad, I don’t know. But we were grateful.

Some people disembarked at Doncaster and a seat opened next to Clive and I grabbed it. On the next stop, York, Dad’s whole block of four seats became available so Anthony, John and I joined Dad. Clive held onto his seat. So finally, we got some relaxing and enjoyed the rest of the trip.

We crossed the river Tweed into Scotland. First time I’d been to the country of my birth in 54 years.

We arrived at Waverly station around 2.30pm and got the escalators up to Princes Street. The Royal Scots Club, was a 10 minute walk from the station and the streets were so busy it didn’t look like we were going to easily catch a taxi. So we decided to walk with our luggage. It turned out to be more than 10 minutes and much tougher walk because Hanover street was quite steep. Again Anthony had booked a a nearby hotel for himself. We eventually got there, unpacked and met up again down in the club lounge for our first Scottish beer. Scottish beer tasted pretty good, so we headed out the Royal Mile for some more. First stop was Deacon Brodies Tavern. My cousin Graeme, his partner Sarah and son Max met us there for a little catch up. Graeme stayed for a couple of pints. We took some time after to explore the famous Edinburgh Royal Mile. The laneway to the castle was blocked off due to the works associated with the Tattoo that had taken place the week before.

The next day was going to be a day of reminiscing for me. Leaving Scotland at the age of seven in 1970, I still remember snippets of Edinburgh. I wanted to visit those places again 54 years later. Clive and Anthony caught the hop-on hop-off tour, John went to see a Football match (Hearts v Dundee) and Dad joined me for a walk down memory lane.

Dad and I caught an Uber to Blackwood Crescent. We lived there in 1968 and wanted to see the street and see how well I remembered it. It was exactly how I remembered it! We were a little unsure what the house number was though. Dad thought it was number 20, with the yellow door (pictured below). We then retraced the route to my first school.

Left at the end of Blackwood Crescent, down a narrow laneway to Causeway Side. Left onto Sciennes House Pl, right onto Sciennes, then left onto Sciennes Rd (yes they all have the same name). Along Sciennes Rd until to get Sciennes Primary School. Again this was exactly as I remembered it.

We continued down to The Meadows, a large park. I remember walking here with my Mum. We took a seat and took in the view of Arthur’s Seat. Onward through the Meadows via Jawbone walk. I couldn’t remember that path, but Dad was disappointed to discover that the whale jawbone arch had been removed. The path took use to the other side of the Meadows and that left a short walk to Greyfriars Bobby. The memory of the statue of the little dog and his story have been with me for a long time since my aunty Jean pointed it out to my cousin, Steven and I on the bus all those years ago. Bobby stayed by his master’s grave long after he died. A monument to his loyalty is loved by many. There was a queue to take a photo with him. Anthony and Clive joined us and we had lunch at the Greyfriars Bobby Pub. Dad, Anthony and I had Haggis, Neeps and Tatties. Clive was having “none of this foreign muck”. Dad was mortified that they substituted his neeps (swede) with carrots. The Haggis and Tatties were good though. Anthony and I tried to console him by say they’ve just substituted one crappy vegetable with another crappy vegetable.

After lunch we caught an Uber to Princes St Gardens to take some photos of Edinburgh Castle. I don’t have clear memories of the gardens, but do remember it being more flowery. It was a nice stroll, but the day (and the stairs) was taking its toll on Dad and he wanted to go back to the hotel for a rest.

What a great day! Highlight of the trip so far. It was so special to share that experience with my Dad. I have to say I did get a bit emotional at times.

Anthony messaged me saying he was booked in the Mary King’s Close tour. I said I’d join him at the Royal Mile. The tour was great with a talented guide explaining the hidden streets and the characters under the Edinburgh City Chambers. There were no photo allowed unfortunately.

John, Dad and Clive joined us back at the Royal Mile for dinner a Bella Italia. Early to bed as we start the whisky tour to Islay early tomorrow.