Scotland - 2026 - Day 3 (September 20)

Sunday wasn't an early start for the crew, which was helpful as the adults had some trouble sleeping the entire night.  AA was up for a good portion between 10:30pm and 3:30am but slept hard the other times.  We got up and had some coffee and tea and made our way to find somewhere to have brunch because B was "starving", and so was Lola.

We found a place that was a short walk from our Airbnb, and even shorter walk to the bus stop - S&B Brunch Bar, where S&B stood for Sips and Barks.  MBM and DD enjoyed their chai teas, AA had a coffee and Lola had some apple juice.  Everyone enjoyed their breakfast except T - he didn't understand that "Small Brekkie" stood for "small breakfast" and was disappointed when his plate arrived with eggs in addition to the haggis, bacon, toast and beans (DD had the same but enjoyed everything about his breakfast).  Lola enjoyed her meal which was the "Big Brekkie", the same as T but larger size (and minus the haggis which wasn't gluten free).  B had the Maple Bacon Croffle (a waffle made with croissant batter) and MBM had eggs benedict.  AA had the oddest meal - the "Shakshuka" plate which was a poached egg with roasted tomato and red pepper and sourdough toast.  It was very good and had some spice to it.

After breakfast, we made our way to the bus stop to get down to the "old town" and explore the Edinburgh castle area.  We were early for our castle reservation so we went to take some photos at the Scottish Monument and then wandered around the Royal Mile before going inside the castle walls at 12:30.

The castle was very interesting, dating back to the 1100's and built on top of an extinct volcano.  The view of the city was spectacular and the weather made for a great afternoon learning about the history of Scottish army, military prisons, the Scottish Royal family and seeing the Royal Jewels (crown, staph and sword).  Like usual, T really enjoyed all the military history.  B was a trooper and indulged everyone with going along with the plan because "museums aren't really her thing", even though she enjoys reading all the displays.

Oldest Surviving building in Edinburgh (St Margret's Chapel) built in 1130.

At around 3pm, after seeing all the buildings in the castle, the gang was hungry and it was time to find somewhere to have some food.  Lola found a pizza restuarant that was near the castle and had gluten free crusts and dairy free cheese, so we made our way there.  Along the way, we found the hostel that MBM stayed at around 20 years ago when she came to Scotland with one of her friends - the Castle Rock Hostel.  She was pretty excited to reminisce.

The food was pretty good at Mammas American Pizza restaurant, although B was upset she couldn't order the panzerotti like she wanted.  Instead, she had mac and cheese, and some of T's nachos. And some of Lola's GF and dairy free pepperoni pizza.  MBM and DD shared a pizza (the Meteor) and AA enjoyed his small "Hot One" pizza.  

After refuelling, we made our way to the Scottish Whiskey Experience tour which was quite interesting to learn about the different regions and flavours that each typically include in their whiskey.  The tour also allowed some of the adults to taste some whiskeys and for B to try the local "Irn Bru" - a local brewed caffeinated beverage.

T didn't like the smells.

We decided we are all too much the same height for a good "ride" review.

After the tour, the crew made their way to see the Greyfriars Bobby statue and monument at the nearby church, AA and MBM both remember seeing him when they were in Edinburgh previously (on separate trips). 

Next, it was time to eat supper.  Almost everyone was hungry, just AA wasn't super hungry but got a starter size of the Haggis, Neeps and Tatties.  Lola had steak and boiled potatoes, T had bangers and haggis and mash.  B and DD enjoyed their beef pot pies with mashed potatoes and (whole) carrots.

By the time everyone finished their meals, they were starting to hit their wall and it was time to find a bus to take us back "home".  The bus ride wasn't very long but gave everyone a nice break from walking.

Back at the house, the kids got ready for bed and fell asleep pretty quickly while the adults were winding down.  Tomorrow is a travel day where AA will have to learn how to drive in the UK - wish him luck!