West Wemyss Harbour

A bright warm start to the day in Edinburgh. But what happened in the night Marge? The person in the van behind us decided to run their engine from one to one thirty. It's the middle of the night for God's sake. Why? What should we do Marge? Not sure, you've squeezed me in between two vans. Decision, lets ride it out. Fortunately, there was no reoccurrence during the night. What's wrong with some people? 

We packed up quickly having changed our plans. We were going to cycle to Edinburgh old town but weren't happy about leaving Marge with her neighbour. So, we found some free parking close to Holyrood House. After negotiating the chaos of Edinburgh city centre, we parked Marge in a leafy street where the coaches were also parked. On the way in we passed by the tropical palm house of the royal botanic garden. Marge's view was Arthurs Seat. Enjoy Marge.

We walked pass the Princes Street gardens, which were beautiful and up to the castle. Impressive. Fantastic views.

Then along the Royal Mile down to the Scottish parliament building and the Palace of Holyrood House, then back through one of Edinburgh's old graveyards dating back to the eighteenth century.

Everywhere we had walked there was something historical to look at. We loved Edinburgh.

Leaving the city, we did not turn right to head towards Northumbria but left to cross the Forth road bridge. Why leave Scotland, there's still a lot for us to see and we don't need to be home for another month. Yesterday we had video call from our grandson Elliot just to remind him who we were. He cuddled a very large Peppa pig balloon in front of the camera. In your face grandparents. Seems like we've been replaced by a very large fictional pink pig. 

Early evening, we arrived at West Wemyss harbour, Fife, on the east coast. It's a pretty working harbour with a small village nearby complete with community pub. There is a well mown grass area for about four vans. Donation in the box of five pounds to go towards the upkeep of the harbour. Out in the Firth of Forth we can see the twinkling of lights from at least eight tankers.

All is peaceful, and we hope it stays that way tonight.

Edinburgh

All quiet at the wheel this morning. The visitor centre didn't open until 9.45 am so it was nice for us, and the few other vans that had not left early, to enjoy the site before it switched on its commercial side. Segway's, boat trips, wheel trips, Zorb balls, wood fired pizzas, ice cream and coffee.

Leaving this all behind we jumped on our bicycles and cycled along the Forth & Clyde canal to see the Kelpies.

As we approached them, we were awestruck. Fantastic. We arrived around ten thirty before the crowds and it paid off. We were able to take some fantastic photographs without too many people being in them. The commercial machine however was already switched on and we rewarded our four-mile cycle ride with refreshments.

The thirty-metre-high horse sculptures captivated us. We were glad we'd put a visit to see them into the loose itinerary we made before we left home. 

We left the Kelpies just as the visitors began to arrive in large numbers. Another four miles cycle back to Marge, powered by coffee and cake alongside the canal made us think of cycling in France. The Falkirk Wheel money machine was in full swing when we returned. John's description of the wheel was, a large piece of machinery that throws narrow boats about. Using the facilities in the visitor centre Angela was amused to see a poster showing the evacuation plan for the wheel. Not much use outside the lady's toilet if you hadn't spent a penny before boarding it. In the time we spent at the wheel, nearly twenty-four hours, we only saw four narrow boats use it, the rest of the time it was in use for boat trips.

Before we packed up Marge, we watched the wheel turn with two boats on board. Up at the viewpoint we could see them enter the tunnel on union canal. The tunnel was lit in multi-colours, it was like being at a seventies disco. 

Late afternoon before we left Falkirk. Marge had to be held back a little. Maximum speed 45 mph. Sometimes she can be a little bit thirsty. We read this morning that fuel is to be rationed to a maximum of thirty pounds worth per vehicle. You just sneaked in under the radar Marge with your forty something worth. 

Tonight, we are staying in Edinburgh right next to Fettes College an independent co-educational day and boarding school. In fact, it is supposed to be the best boarding school in Scotland, which is why the fictional James Bond attended it in his life story. The police headquarters are just around the corner, so behave Marge. There are four vans including Marge. The one in front of us is from Belgium.

The area is very smart. Lovely wide roads lined with fantastic Georgian houses and of course as expected a Waitrose supermarket. We walked around the block after our evening meal, peering in to the lives of the owners of these beautiful homes.

From where Marge is parked, we can see Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano and Edinburgh castle all lit up. Cost of our overnight stay in Edinburgh, nil. And we have one of the best seats in the house. 

Tomorrow we will probably cycle in to the city and along the Royal Mile. Edinburgh castle to the palace of Holyrood along the streets of the old town. Doesn't that Krankie woman live here. No Marge Janette Krankie lives in Torquay. Nicola Sturgeon lives here though. 

Falkirk

We are now three weeks into our road trip. Where has the time gone to Marge? Keen to be away early this morning to take advantage of a fine warm day we packed Marge up hurriedly and headed in to the Trossachs. The roads were quiet, especially around the Dukes Pass. Look Marge they've resurfaced the road for you. They could have straightened out some of these bends. Enjoy it, it's probably the last time you'll pass over hills in Scotland. At our highest point we were 240 metres above sea level, which didn't seem that high to us after the last few weeks up in the mountains As the road dropped down a 10% descent in to Aberfoyle we felt Marge breath sigh of relief. All had gone well, except one tight spot when we met a very large motorhome. Marge soon saw it off. She wasn't budging, next to her was a stone wall and a big drop. If you think this is tight thought Marge, wait until you're a few miles up the road.

Leaving Marge parked by the Scottish Wool Centre watching over the mule sheep in their pens, we walked into the tiny town. It was evident that we are now at the back of the holiday season. So quiet. Before returning to Marge and her woolly friends we stopped off at the information office to collect some literature on Edinburgh. While we ate lunch, we could see the smaller hills of the Trossachs. Smaller but beautiful. 

On our approach to Stirling, we could see the Wallace Monument to the left and Stirling castle to the right. Marge was supposed to join the M9 at this point, but sensing a photograph or two was needed headed towards the city centre. Well, done Marge, not only photographs taken, but diesel tank filled up. Not wanting to be drawn in to the world of panic buying we knew we had no choice. The queue for fuel was backing up. We have a long way to travel yet, and on the approach to Stirling had noticed garages with little fuel. Right Marge, make it last. 

Our destination today was Falkirk. We have settled Marge right next to the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift which connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. Impressed Marge? The overnight parking fee here is fifteen pounds which is supposed to include all the usual services plus the use of the showers at the marina. A shortage of keys meant there were only two available and other van owners had them. Not good enough was John's reaction. After some discussion an agreement was made that as soon as one of the keys was returned in the morning it would be kept back for him. John mentioned to the staff his connection with the area and after a while his frustration calmed. We took a walk around the site, as we passed back through the shop area it was announced they now had a key especially for him! Twenty, yes twenty pounds refundable deposit paid and it was ours for our whole stay if we wanted. The words I'm half Scottish and my mother was born in a castle always work up here. The chance of a proper shower and a sink with hot water to wash our clothes was luxury. We were half way to a twin tub.

We explored the site as dusk and then night fell to take some more photographs of the many coloured lighting effects which randomly lit the structures.

Tomorrow we will cycle four miles along the towpath to see the thirty-metre-high horse head sculptures known as the Kelpies. This will be our second cycling trip since we've been away and we're really looking forward to it.