In Edinburgh

Dave

If you get the chance when your in Auld Reekie, take your youngun to Casey's on St Mary's Road (in walking distance from the castle just off the Royal mile).

It is a sweety shop that feels, well IS, from a bygone era. It is NOT a new shop made to look olde worlde, it IS an old shop. It reminds me of when I was a kid. They make the sweets in the back, rock (check out the varieties!), fruit cremes, boiled sweets, chocolate and more. They had a shop on Easter Rd but I think has closed. I once spoke with Mr. Casey himself, who told me their policy was they only sold wholesale to other towns in Scotland but not in Edinburgh. He, unfortunately passed away a few years ago. He was in his 90's and still working! They always had time for a natter when you went in to the shop. I have heard that they may close the last shop. It is a shame because there aren't many long establised 'mom&pop' sort of businesses. There are small independents but not like Casey's. The owners must think I am nuts when we come in, since it is only in a very blue moon that we get through, that we tend to 'stock up'.  We had a sweety shop here that sold Casey's sweets, but they have been sold and the new owner buys from Makro and the 'big boys'. I think this sort of thing is what makes it hard for them to survive.

Happy munching!

Sounds like my kind of place Bob,we have a local sweet maker too,Teddy Grays,and I really like the taste of days gone by.



Dave

Hey Dave

I forgot to mention that if you have time and the weather allows it, you might like a hike up to Authur's Seat. You can see for miles. The views are outstanding. Its a bit of a hike to the top, but take a picnic and I think you will be very impressed. Chances are you will have the 'seat' to yourselves, I have only encountered one other couple up top.

Another place I always take visitors to is the Scott Monument. That the big gothic rocket looking thing on Princess Street.

There are so many things to do and see there that it'd be hard to list them all. I'm sure you'll find plenty to do and enjoy it. It is a fasinating city in terms of beauty, history (man's & geographically) and one of the most genuine friendly cities I have been.

Hope we haven't overloaded ya with information.

Here's a website that you might find useful!  http://www.explore-edinburgh.com/index.html

Arthur's seat and the Scott Monument are really impressive, but might be a stretch for someone w/walking difficulties.  The Scott Monument involves climbing over 200 stairs up a circular staircase which gets narrower as you get to the top.  I don't much care for the climb myself.  The view from the top is fantastic, though! 

Edinburgh is LOADED w/great museums....the museum on Chambers Steet is a definite must see.  My kids could spend days there and still not see everything they want to look at.  Admission is free, although some special exhibitions have an entrance fee and they are always happy to accept donations.  http://www.nms.ac.uk/royal/home/index.asp  They have a new, interactive area in the museum that my kids are dying to see!

The Camera Obscura is really interesting, but involves climbing a lot of stairs.  Not sure if they have a lift or not...might have to call ahead to find out.  It's great fun on a sunny day.l

Edinburgh zoo is another nice visit.  It is built on a hill, but they offer a ride to the top and you can walk back down instead of having to walk all the way up.

The Royal Yacht Brittania is docked in Leith.  There is a fairly steep admission charge, but I understand it is quite interesting.  (Haven't actually been myself, although I've spent plenty of time in the Ocean Terminal, the attached shopping centre!)

Meant to mention public transport....fan of the buses or not, they do run everywhere in Edinburgh and on a fairly frequent basis, which may come in handy as the city is built on a series of hills.  The Lothian buses are 'kneeling' buses...they can lower the buses to make it easier for people w/mobility issues to get on and off.  Price isn't too bad....an all day ticket for 2.30 last time I checked.  Depending on how long you're looking to be in Edinburgh, consider a travel card...you can buy one for a week and it is actually cheaper than paying for a day ticket each day.  Don't know if you're planning on bringing a car, but it can be difficult (and expensive) to find parking in the city centre.

 

No Bob,I need as much info as possible on any place I visit,been told to try Cullen Skink if I can get it,sounds revolting but supposed to be nice,I would also like to visit the grave/memorial of RLStevenson ,I believe its near Edinburgh.

Thanks closet,the climbing could well be a problem for the lad although he has a go at most things he tires very quickly,we will be driving up but would like to find a hotel or motel pretty central if possible then bus it everywhere.
Noting down all these ideas for future use.


Dave

When we were in Edinburgh, we really wanted to go here:

http://www.rosslynchapel.org.uk/

But it's a ways out, and the buses were not running there over Hogmanay.

When we were in Edinburgh, we really wanted to go here:

http://www.rosslynchapel.org.uk/

But it's a ways out, and the buses were not running there over Hogmanay.

Good point...there's a fair bit to see in the Lothians as well.  Don't restrict yourself to the city proper, although there's plenty to do in Edinburgh to keep you busy!

No Bob,I need as much info as possible on any place I visit,been told to try Cullen Skink if I can get it,sounds revolting but supposed to be nice,I would also like to visit the grave/memorial of RLStevenson ,I believe its near Edinburgh.

Thanks closet,the climbing could well be a problem for the lad although he has a go at most things he tires very quickly,we will be driving up but would like to find a hotel or motel pretty central if possible then bus it everywhere.
Noting down all these ideas for future use.

Dave

Dave

You must have loads to go on now. Check out those links and if ya got questions, post back, I'm sure you'll get an answer. Hippie was right about the hills. Aurthurs seat is a bit of a climb! You would probably find Scott Monument ok, you don't have to go right to the top in one go. My kids did not want to go up, but they did eventually and loved it. I thought RLS was buried somewhere in the Pacific area. I'll need to stay posted to see about his memorial.

Cullen Skink BEAUTIFUL, Who ever told you that told you right! If you like smoked fish and potato soup (thick almost mashed but still piecey) you will love it. It is traditionally made with smoked haddock and potatoes (I have seen some eating establishments adding bacon but that ain't Cullen Skink) but I have made it with other smoked fish and it was nice but it ain't Cullen Skink). Oh man I'm drooling now.

I know what's on for tea tomorrow night!! 

Cullen Skink BEAUTIFUL, Who ever told you that told you right! If you like smoked fish and potato soup (thick almost mashed but still piecey) you will love it. It is traditionally made with smoked haddock and potatoes (I have seen some eating establishments adding bacon but that ain't Cullen Skink) but I have made it with other smoked fish and it was nice but it ain't Cullen Skink). Oh man I'm drooling now.

Right on....yummy!!!!