June 15, 2024
For Dog Lovers: Oh, you’ve got to hear the story of Greyfriars Bobby. While the facts change slightly as the story is told, the heart of the story remains the same. Bobby was a dog in the 1850’s who belonged to a policeman, John Grey. When his master died of tuberculosis, the little Skye Terrier found himself without a home, so he made one for himself, on his master’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard, where he stayed for the next 14 years until his death. The curator took pity on him and fed him and the townspeople fell in love with this dog’s loyalty to his master. One of the rich ladies of the city had a memorial erected in his name with a double fountain: the upper one for humans and the lower one for animals.
When Bobby died he could not be buried in the Kirkyard so he was buried right beside the gate. This story of loyalty and love has touched many and his story continues to be told.
For Harry Potter Fans: Edinburgh has capitalized on the Harry Potter bandwagon. J.K. Rowling lived in Edinburgh, wrote some of the novels here, and found inspiration. There’s no shortage of places catering to tourists like this Elephant House, “The birthplace of Harry Potter.”
Want to send a message by Owl, a.k.a. Harry Potter style?
I did think it was cool to see this grave where she found the inspiration for Lord Voldemort’s real name. Can you find it?
For Literary Lovers: Three great Scottish writers are remembered in a variety of ways in Edinburgh: Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Sir Walter Scott. A Writers’ Museum is dedicated to them that contains items they used to create their masterpieces. Robert Burns was a prolific poet. Robert Louis Stevenson wrote such works as Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Fun fact: The last story was based on a real person, Deacon Brodie. Mmm, not something I would want to be known for.
Finally, the most well-known writer is Sir Walter Scott. Scott and Scotland were intertwined. The day after his death, someone wrote, “Scotland never owed so much to one man.” Why? Scott rekindled public interest in the history, culture, and language of Scotland. He is credited with inventing the historical novel with his most famous work being the Waverly novels. This is Scott’s boyhood chess board. Unfortunately he did not see the benefit of chess as expressed in the quote in this picture.
Only a month after his death, the people wanted a fitting tribute and eventually the Scott Memorial was constructed.
For Those Who Like Views: Early in the morning I went up Calton Hill and enjoyed the beautiful views of the city.
For Those Who Appreciate Iconic Streets: Victoria Street is the most photographed street in Edinburgh due to its bright colors. It was a breath of fresh air during a very overcast and drizzly day.
For Those Who Love to Have Fun: But my time in Edinburgh wasn’t all beautiful views and Presbyterian research. I had lots of fun at the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. Here are a few of the illusions for you.
I felt a little like John the Baptist!
For Whiskey Connoisseurs: What’s Scotland without Whiskey? Now it makes sense. It rains all the time in Scotland!
I went through the Whiskey Experience which was quite information and entertaining. The best part was looking at one of the largest collections of whiskey in the world.
I had no idea there was so much to whiskey. It is an art and a craft. I still prefer mine with some sour mix to it. These are the oldest bottles in the collection.
For You Foodies: All the walking around was making me hungry so I headed to the Saturday market. Boy, did I eat like a pig!
For James Bond Fans: Before leaving I felt fortunate to return to St. Giles to see “Bond by Candlelight” where three singers and a small orchestra played all the famous James Bond music. They ended with “Live and Let Die” and so do I.
The PCUSA Pilgrim Pastor 
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