Edinburgh via St Andrews

October 22, 2012

Today was another travel day.  We left Pitlochery after breakfast to head to Edinburgh, via St. Andrews.

We made it to Dunkeld to see the Cathedral.  We drove through the entire town of Dunkeld twice, which took 5 minutes total, and never saw the Cathedral.  We saw signs, but no Cathedral.  We think it may be hidden with Mt. Rushmore.  (See our previous blog post when we were in South Dakota in 2009).

On down the road to Perth to see the “Scone Palace.”  I asked bc, “what is the difference between a Palace and a Castle?”  He said “A Castle is built to be defended.”  The Scone Palace doesn’t have much to do with scones.  The area is known as the scone area.  Darn! 

Scone Palace was built in the 1770’s, as you are now well aware was after the 2^nd Jacobite uprising.  So the Earl of Mansfield didn’t need to build a home that would ward off marauding Brits, Jacobites, Picts or random Scottish Clans.  Once again, the 1^st Earl was “given” all the land by whichever King was in charge.  He built a beautiful Palace, later Earls were friends with Queen Victoria and her family and the whole royal bunch. 

While walking up to pay our 19 pounds we saw huge hairy cows.  We learned that they are Highland cows.  We visited with “George”.  He was born last April and likes attention. 

We also saw the replica of the “Stone of Scone”.  (Say this 3 times fast.)  This is a very uncomfortable stone bench upon which the Scottish Kings are crowned.  Lord knows why they don’t have fancy chairs like other Royalty!

  

Oh!  In the 1800s the 3^rd Earl found that the town of Scone was becoming too close to his front door.  So he decided to have every building torn down and moved down the road a ways.  Can you imagine?! 

  

While driving to Dundee we saw giant spools.  I suspect they were going to wherever the BBOY is. 

After going through Dundee we headed to St. Andrews’ Golf Course.  Not far from St. Andrews, we came upon St. Michael’s Golf Course.  It’s right next to the cemetery.  As you know, we have 2 sons, Michael and Andrew.  We stopped at St. Michaels Golf Course, and, well, sorry Mike.  You need to ask your brother for some advice on how to spruce up the place.  

Off we went to St. Andrews.  We had a nice lunch overlooking the old course.  There are 5 courses there!  We both enjoyed being there.  It is so impressive.  (Again, sorry Mike!) Here's my sweetie.  Life is good.  Very good. 

We then made the trek to Edinburgh.  Bc did a marvelous job of driving us through the big city with Annie Macallan’s help.  We are staying at Violet Bank House for 3 nights, and then we will go home. 

We are a little weary.  But we’ve had such a great time!  We are looking forward to visiting Edinburgh. 

Take care, bc and gc

p.s.  Regarding my beloved son’s golf courses.  Now while I know both my sons are very busy and don’t have all the time they might like to put into the game, I do think some attention to their respective courses might be necessary.  Now without mentioning any other names, let me say this.  St. Michael’s appears to be a modular building, though it is on a permanent foundation.  St Andrew’s is, well, you’ve seen it, quite stately.  St. Michael’s “club room” or otherwise recognizable as a coffee-type shop was half filled with 7 “gentlemen” who might, after a morning “warm up” (if you know what I mean), might stumble out for a quick 18 in the field.  St. Andrew’s restaurant, overlooking the coast, the St. Andrews Old Course Hotel, the courses and yes the member’s club, was shall we say somewhat more elegant. 

Here's St Andrews

Here's St. Michaels

So while both sons have wonderful intent, I shall be working with them to try and create a bit of parity in their golf styles.  Gents, I love you both and just couldn’t resist this little fun, It was just the luck of the draw on the course names so enjoy.  L, D