Last day in Scotland! Started off a bit late because of the night before. But first thing on the agenda was checking out a Michelin star restaurant called Noto. Details can be found here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2024/07/09/noto/

We then went to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s the main Palace used by Mary Queen of Scots, and had a lot of history. Could definitely relate it to the TV show Reign (I would say have the focus of the self guided audio tour was in her, and the others on Royalty I was unsure of). It also contained one of the original royal Abbeys, but it later had its roof collapsed due to poor maintenance.

After, walked the full Royal Mile. First tried going to St Giles Cathedral, but we were 5 minutes too late. Then ended up at the esplanade of Edinburgh castle. They had a concert going on (some group named JIS). You needed tix to enter it.

From there checked out the Grassmarket area, where in the old days they used it for cattle selling, but also for beheading (those that martyred for Protestants).

After, headed for dinner at Ondine. The review can be found here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2024/07/10/ondine/

For our last stop, we got cocktails at the oldest cocktail bar in Edinburgh called Dragonfly. Here is the review:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2024/07/10/dragonfly/

FYI it was fairly rainy this day, so glad I bought an umbrella. Also my Arteryx jacket held up to keep me warm (but wished it was water proof. Also need to get waterproof shoes).

And that’s about it for Scotland! Next day we burred to EDI (but nothing of special note).

For next time in Edinburgh, definitely need to book tickets in advance for the Edinburgh Castle tour. Also want to check out the other Michelin star restaurant, Kitchin.