Perth, Palace of Scone, Bannockburn, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh

Had a wee look at the abbey before we took off for Edinburgh. Stopped off at Perth to see the Palace of Scone (pronounced 'Scoon'). It was really interesting. Cost £5 to get in and the grounds were beautiful. The palace itself was set out so you wandered around and the information was fascinating. Learned all about the history of Scotland and their monarchs' problems - and there were a few of them.

The grounds had a fake of the Stone of Scone outside the chapel where the kings and queens were crowned. The real stone has been promised back to Scotland by John Major, but suspicions are high that this is due to the election year. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_of_Scone#Return_to_Scotland]

There were quite a few albino peacocks running around the grounds.

Weather was great too.

Drove through Bannockburn and on to Stirling Castle. Looked out from the top across to the Wallace Monument. I later learned that Mike was visiting Wallace Monument that day, looking back at us! Watched a loopy slide show on the history of Stirling.

Went on to Edinburgh and parked in Castle Tce. Wandered up Princes St to the i. Booked into a B&B in Portobello, not far from John & Vivienne's place.

Called Mike to let him know we were there, and he was in!! Expected him to be away til tomorrow visiting Loch Ness. So, I threw all my stuff in the car and went round.

John, Vivienne and wee Benjamin are very nice. They have a 3 bedroom house with a great nursery for Benjamin. Nuisance is a cute wee cat, but extremely shy. I think her rubbing up to me was a mistake.

Slept on a futon bed that is a couch during the day, in the lounge. Very comfortable.