We pulled into Edinburgh around 5pm. Once we were checked into the hotel Greg wanted to walk around the castle and Royal Mile. It was sprinkling and gross and honestly none of us really felt like going but there was the Loch Ness incident (or lack thereof) so we all obliged.

Our goal was to just check out the sights and find a place for dinner.

We stopped and listened to a street performer. They are just a little different here than in the states.

Another performer walked passed us on his way to set up.

The rain was coming down fairly steady so we decided to try and stop in a pub for dinner. It was just after 6pm. We were told that kids could not be in the pub after 7pm and they didn’t think there was time for us to eat. Onward we walked. The next place said we had to clear out by 8pm but they were on a long wait. Next up was a Mexican restaurant who said they could seat us outside (under cover). Despite Brooks’ complete disdain for Mexican we were going to eat there until we noticed the cash only sign. We didn’t think we had enough cash to cover dinner.

Onward we walked…the next place we didn’t even get in the door before they informed us kids weren’t allowed at that time. I have no idea how all the pubs could have different hours for when kids could be inside.

All starving and completely soaked we finally ended up near a TGIFridays. Definitely not in our top 5 choices but it hit the spot.

Logan enjoyed his steak so much he asked if we could go back the next day.

It’s been a long day….time to call it a night!

Greg’s status hasn’t done much for us so far on this trip since we have been flying Norwegian and staying in Airbnb’s. We finally are seeing some benefit now that we have moved to Hilton properties in Scotland. Well….Greg mostly is seeing the benefit.

We always have to get two rooms here due to the small size. Greg, Brooks and Maddie generally take the bigger room and Logan and I take the smaller room. The Edinburgh Doubletree stocked Greg’s fridge with all sorts of complementary goodies.

He also had a fancy coffee machine in his room.

All Logan and I got was a welcome letter and card and a basic coffee maker.

We needed to stop for gas on our way to Edinburgh. No one wanted a repeat of the Diesel incident of 2016 so I got out to double check Greg had picked the correct pump.

Thankfully he did and we were able to fill up and be on our way with no issues.

Which brings me to my next topic of road signs. I wish I had been able to get more examples of this but on the motorway where there is four lanes and the speed limit is 70mph there are random pedestrian crossing signs. There will be a bus stop every so often or just a gap in the guardrail along the highway. Oddly we never saw anyone crossing. I guess if they do cross this sign serves as a reminder to hold your kids hand. Just in case anyone would need to be reminded of that.

This was a common one to signify the road isn’t straight. For the record no road is straight here. They could have saved so much money by only notating when they road was straight.

I loved this sign in Aberdeen. We saw a couple of these along the way. I guess maybe there is a high concentration of elderly?

Unfortunately I missed the sign warning me of red squirrels (are they dangerous? Why the need for a warning), and of the random airplane sign posted on the motorway that warned there could be planes for the next 8 miles. (Why is that important on the roadway???) Also, they are very polite here to always give you plenty of warning before you come across a speed camera. Thank you Scotland!

The navigation took us down the narrowest road ever. It would be ok if it were a one way road…of course it’s not.

We found several cows near the fence and the kids wanted to get out of the car again to see if they could get them to come over. Much like the seals, they were interested in us but wouldn’t take grass or anything from us.

As we were leaving we met a train on the road. Awesome. Do you see how much of the road that small train takes up!?

We were all famished after exploring the castle. We had planned to possibly grab sandwiches from a Coop and just eat in the car but when we arrived at the castle we walked past a food truck that smelled so amazing I convinced the others to switch our plans.

Instead we had fish and chips and burgers and sat outside in the sun. It was way better than eating in the car!

Speaking of Dad selfies, I found these gems on my camera roll.

All around the castle were fields of what I think was wheat (not entirely sure.) Whatever it was, it was blowing in the wind in unison and was so pretty to watch. Despite it not being amber or in American I would like to think this is what is being referred to in “Amber waves of grain.”

Next stop (I think) is Edinburgh!

Our final stop on our way to Edinburgh is Dunnottar Castle. It’s perched on top of a hillside overlooking the sea. It’s placement reminds me so much of the Cliffs of Moher.

This Castle is an important part of Scotland’s history. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and King Charles II all lived in the Castle at some point in time.

It’s most famous for being the site where the Scottish Crown Jewels was saved from Oliver Cromwell’s army.

We started by hiking around the hilltop path before entering the castle itself.

The Castle was expansive and had numerous buildings.

The pics below are of the stables and where the blacksmith worked.

One of the kitchens as well as the view.

The grate where it’s believed Oliver Cromwell gained access.

One of the King’s had a pet lion. It apparently didn’t last long because it made a bunch of noise and kept the Queen up. You know what they say…If the Queen ain’t happy no one’s happy.

Another part of the Castle where another kitchen could be found.

Lots of other visitors here today!

We walked back through the park to return to the car. This time through we were basically the only people in the park. I’m not sure how that’s possible. It was a beautiful day.

Anyway, sometimes you just have to get the right angle to get the right picture. Know what I mean?? Especially when everyone is trying to capture the best flower pic.

I totally knew Greg was going to take this incredibly unflattering picture of me.

I was also not surprised when he mocked me while also exaggerating.

I think the effort might have paid off….

Greg got this adorable pic of Maddie

This path in the park was made from stones laid on their sides. So cool.

This bridge was constructed in the 13th century and spans the River Don. It’s constructed of sandstone and granite and was actually quite high.

It was hard to see the bridge without climbing down to the river bank to get a better view. Greg and the kids did that while I stood on top waiting patiently.

Maddie and Brooks spotted an otter swimming in the river but we weren’t able to capture a picture of it. We also saw a family of ducks swimming along.

Aberdeen sites complete. Time to head back to the car and start heading back to Edinburgh.

Our next intended Aberdeen target was the oldest bridge in Scotland. Since we had paid to park the car at the Church and it was walkable to the bridge we opted for that route. The walk to the bridge took us through Seaton Park which turned out to be a beautiful route.

I made the kids stop to get their pic taken next to the Scottish flag made from flowers. Of course not one of them were happy about it. Thankfully Greg lightened the mood by taking a “Dad selfie.” No, he’s not this bad but honestly not all that much better either. 🙂

We continued walking through the park and up through the University of Aberdeen until we saw the sign for the bridge.

Oh look, another marker with 1973 on it. It must be awesome!

The cottages near the bridge were all super cute.

Before leaving Aberdeen, it seemed as though we should at list hit a few local sights. A quick google/trip advisor site gave us some ideas around town as well as on the route to Edinburgh.

First stop was the St. Machar’s Cathedral. The first Church to be built on this site was by St. Machar in 540AD. The Church itself was surrounded by a cemetery with some of the oldest markers we have seen.

Pieces of this particular Church date back to the 14th century with the main parts being constructed in 1430. It was a mix of wood, granite and stone with beautiful stained glass windows.

So glad we made a stop here.