Lunch at the oldest pub in Scotland...allegedly!

 

After our walk around the three lochs on Monday we rewarded ourselves with lunch at the Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston village which dates from the 12th century. The original inn on the site is said to date from 1360, although the current building is much later. So the site claims to be that of the oldest pub in Scotland.

It is quite charming both inside and out and the food was tasty.

In 1580 King James the 6th presented the landlord with an embellished rams head, not sure if it is the one they have on the wall though.

Other claims to fame are that the queen popped in for a wee dram back in 2016... 

...it was also probably the local of  the Reverend Robert Walker who was immortalised in the painting by Sir Henry Raeburn ** 'Skating on Duddingston Loch' - an affectionate portrayal of mild eccentricity and serene contentment. There is of course a copy in the inn with the original being in the National Gallery of Scotland in the city. 

We also took a wee walk around the Kirk which dates from the 12th century as well as the gardens of the manse.

The gardens included 'Craig's garden' so we had to seek it out (below).

** You know I love a coincidence...on the night before we left for this visit we had dinner with some French friends who had done a Scottish road trip last year and loved their visit to Edinburgh. They enjoyed their visit to the National Gallery of Scotland and showed us a photo of their favourite painting there...can you guess what it was?

Three loch trail...

On Monday we were blessed with another pleasant day in Edinburgh and after dropping Ada off at school we took ourselves over to Holyrood Park which sits just beyond the palace.  

To get there we hopped on one of Lothian's popular and inexpensive buses and sat through its 49 stops and an unscheduled repair stop (more later) to reach the entrance by the city's Commonwealth Pool where we popped in for a coffee stop and a view for old times sake.

Have to say after a few upgrades it is looking remarkably fresh but Pauline doesn't recommend the scones! 

After entering the park we decided to go clockwise around the Queens Drive, in the shadow of Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat.

Then, rather than continue along the low path I made Pauline climb up the rocky path (much against her will) towards Arthur's Seat before turning off and heading down to St Margaret’s Loch which lies in the shadow of the ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel.

We then headed back uphill with some great views over the city.

 

This time diverting away from the summit to head down to the pretty Dunsapie Loch, on the other side of the hill.

From there we made our way to the many steps that take you down to Duddingston village, our destination for lunch and the last of our three lochs.

Duddingston Loch

The joy of 'school run'...

 

Pauline had the joy of Ada this morning for the 'school run' on her own as I stayed behind to do a bit of gardening but I had that pleasure yesterday when it wasso bright Ada had to wear shades!

A lovely first day in Edinburgh...

We arrived in Edinburgh yesterday to an empty house as Michael and Rose had taken Ada through to her cousin Mae's birthday party in East Kilbride. Knowing of this Pauline had suggested dropping off our suitcases and jumping back on the tram to its northern terminus of Newhaven. It proved to be an inspired choice for a number of reasons.

Newhaven is a former fishing village overlooking the Firth of Forth, the estuary of the river Forth which flows into the North Sea. It now forms part of the City of Edinburgh but retains much of its former charm.

On our walk from the terminus we got chatting to a lovely local lady who recommenced the family run 'Porto & Fi' for lunch.

It proved to be a good choice with a lovely meal and lovely views from our table.

Pauline quickly realised that the draw of the place was more than just its situation as 64 years ago (!) she first took her long bus journey across the length of the city (with one change) to attend  'Holy Cross' primary school just outside the village in the nearby well-heeled suburb of 'Trinity'. The old school is long gone but we had to take the walk up to the gates to bring back some memories.  

Afterwards we headed back down to the waterfront for a walk to the harbour.

On the way we stopped off at the 'Old Chain Pier' for a wee refreshment (also top pic.) and more great views.

We also got our bench for Sunday. 

First evening market at La Roche-Posay...

Caught up with John and Maureen at the first evening market of the season at La Roche-Posay last night where the entertainment was provided by this colourful bunch.

The plant that keeps on giving...

 

The geranium above was a gift from Jane and David years ago and has been wintered a number of times but each year it continues to bring us a great show of flowers.

Light change...

The late arrival of the sun at our picnic on Saturday meant that the drive back had a new glow to it.