Manchester/Scotland 2025 - Isle of Skye Tour to Callendar

 

Our last leg of the trip was joining a 3D2N tour with Timberbush to Isle of Skye. And I guess I was most excited about this trip cause I was finally going to see the real beauty of Scotland! I don't even know why I decided on this tour, as I normally don't join tours. I don't even know anything about Isle of Skye when I booked the tour! It was just something I've perhaps heard off in my subconscious mind. Another theory could also be, I thought it was the island that Luke Skywalker was stuck on in Rogue One..... 

So on the day of the tour, we got up early, and took a Uber to Castle Terrace where the tour company would meet us. An Uber! I was surprised that my account was still active! And it was surprisingly quite affordable and helped solved the issue of how to transport our luggage with us going up and down the roads of Edinburgh! At Castle Terrace, we were met with our guide Jada, and off we went when everyone was there. Day 1 was only going to be driving all the way to Isle of Skye! Lovely gloomy weather to set out! It was slightly drizzling when we set off. 

It was our first time leaving Edinburgh. It was exciting! To see the country side!

We drove passed a few famous landmark along the way. I think above here is Stirling Castle. I read it's one of the best castle in Scotland. Yet somehow, nothing seems to draw me to visit it (yet). 

We also drove passed the Kelpies, two horse metallic sculpture we saw by the highways. It was also a famous sight, but it was way out of Edinburgh and also never drew my attention to spend time visiting it. I think I would only go out of my way to see natural sights, or maybe something of special interest to me. But again, it was a bonus that I managed to see this on my 1st day with the tour! Also a special mention, there are no tolls to use the highway in Scotland, isn't that something? 

We were all given a map of the Highlands by our guide. As the ride was going to be long, we were told to study it and let the guide know which point of interest we would like to visit. I was shocked. I thought this tour was going to follow the itinerary specified? But since I was already on the bus, no refund for me now! We will just make do. Hopefully those in the group also wanted to see the same thing as me. Hopefully....

The first town we pulled into for a toilet stop was Callendar. I remember the name cause it sounded so much like 'calendar'. And this was a small town before we cross over to the official "Highlands' of Scotland. They made it sound like the Highlands was a different country than Scotland. Or at least, that was how I felt. Above was a hotel found in the town as we made our way to the toilet.

We got some time to wander around the town area too, which was really just one street. I saw this cute show above. Rob Roy was a famous character in Scotland. But all I saw was Rob Anybody, which was a famous character from Terry Pratchett's Free Wee Men book. And really, the two have their similarity! If you know, you know.....

Me and my husband walked from the bus stop all the way to the church before turning back. It was just a short toilet break, so we didn't have the luxury to wander further. This was just the first taste of the country side of Scotland for us. 

We saw some shops selling sweets and ice cream too. But I guess it was still too early for desserts. We didn't even have time to go browse the shops! I think we were given maybe just 15 - 20 minutes. 

Saw this chair with their weird pricing outside a barber shop too. I think Scottish people have a weird sense of humour, or perhaps a better word with be 'good nature'? Some of my favourite comedian are Scottish! Hint, you can zoom in on the photo to read the hilarious menu and their pricing :P

Last souvenir shot of Callendar, the sign above by Oscar Wilde. It actually reminded me of a scene from Good Omen. Here, I found a clip of it to share :) In multiple language too! Ah! Don't you just love the internet!

Manchester/Scotland 2025 - Edinburgh Night View, Shops and Dinner

We'll be ending our first chapter of Edinburgh with some  night view photos. This was the last night we're here before we head to the Highlands the next morning. We will be back again in Edinburgh for one night after our local tour, but we decided to see the night view first. Above, Balmoral Hotel at night all lighted up.

We even walked all the way to the castle to see the night view. I said before that we were tired from all the day's walking, but I think we did went back to rest a bit at the hotel before deciding to come out again to see the night view. I mean, it was a must see, right? Especially when the weather was good!

View from Edinburgh Castle Square during the evening as the lights slowly started to come on.

Old streets of Edinburgh around the Royal Mile area. 

It was so quiet on a Sunday evening. Most of the shops were closed by now, so there were less people on the street. I wanted to see reflection on the streets, but perhaps that is best seen on rainy days?

The cross road that we always walk by when we head towards Royal Mile from our hotel. 

One of the hotel/inn we walked by during the day, but looked so different at night. There was the word "Lets Talk About Art, Maybe...." on the top of the building. What is trying to implicate? I did not visit any art museum on my first time in Scotland, not partake in any festival or performances except maybe some buskers on the streets. I do plan to visit one pub on my second trip for some local folk music, and maybe even a Whiskey Flight (Whiskey tasting) at a different pub. 

Another high end restaurant that some reviewer say is over hyped. But I do so love the name of the place - The Witchery. I would love to dine there, if only I was willing to part of an insane amount of money for a single meal. I just can't bring myself to do that! Dining out in Scotland is so expensive. Probably in the range of 20pounds and above per person for a simple lunch. This place would probably cost me 50pounds or more? 

Bars and pub along the road. I didn't went into any. I did stayed above a pub in Skye. To be more accurate it was a bed and breakfast hotel with a pub below. But we were too tired to go. Heck I was so tired that I didn't even went to view the Northern Lights when my app alerted me that there is a high chance I could see some..... It was too cold! And too late at night to get up and dress and go out again......I might or might not have regretted that..... Cause I think even if I went out, I wouldn't be able to see anything. But we will never know now, would we? I hope I have more will power when I'm staying in Orkney next, and that the condition would be right for me to see something!

Lovely sign outside a restaurant. 

Lovely green shop, but closed. It felt like a curiosity shop. Something that wows and enchant you when you stepped into the shop and get lost inside....

The Scotmans Lounge pub/restaurant.

Greyfriars Bobby Pub. Not exactly night view, but I think I've yet to post this pub on this site?

With so much pubs and restaurant and cafe around, we mainly ate out of M&S Food Hall. Above is what we might have bough and stock our hotel room with. It was a lot more affordable than having a sit down meal anywhere. With this knowledge, I am more comfortable now to go back again for my second trip. This time, I'll even be staying for 2 weeks!

Some hummus that was so good that these days I make my own hummus at home with lots of olive oil and cumin. I'm also in love with the Pasta Salad that features the Honey Roast Scottish Salmon. I might have ate that 3 times while I was in Edinburgh, sometimes daily :P  It was just so delicious and addictive. I'm actually looking forward to eating it again!

Signing off with some French cheese I found at M&S. I managed to find the same brand in Little Farm Singapore during Christmas of 2025 and my husband actually bought one set for me. Best Christmas present! I managed to make 4 cheese platter out of it, and it cost around 20sgd or 25sgd. Totally worth it!

Manchester/Scotland 2025 - Edinburgh Mary King's Close and Other Themed Places

The post is about other cool stuff that you could find in Edinburgh just by wandering around. First stop, the Real Mary King's Close. To be honest, it took me a while to realised what this was all about. At first I thought this was some kind of themed attraction, like a Harry Porter tour or something. Turns out, it's historical! Apparently Edinburgh today has a while Edinburgh of the past buried under it. They just kinda build everything on top of existing city. How mind-blowing is that? So here is also something I am ashamed to say I learnt after visiting this palace (note, I only visited their gift store), above the figurine is actually a doctor during the plague. The Dr is all covered up with a mask and everything to actually protect himself from the plague! Hahahaha, I thought it was a cult or something prior to learning about this :P  Kinda like the KKK :P

You are free to visit the gift store, which stocks a lot of cool stuff inside, and you could also read a little bit about the attraction. So the attraction is actually a one-hour guided walk down to the old city area. I am curious to go, and at first I was dead set of going on my second visit, but the problem is, it cost almost 50sgd for an hour in the dark empty road with an actor-guide telling you stories of the days in the close..... I just for some reason can't find myself parting with my money to visit this place. So for now as of writing, I've decided to visit the Surgeon Museum instead..... If I feel rich while in Edinburgh, I might give this a try.....

I guess this is the door that they lead you down to the old city? I read so many reviews that says that it's basically a tour of walking through one empty room after another while they tell you stories..... Of course to be fair, there are people who also enjoyed the tour. I think it's just a monopoly, to charge so much for a one-hour tour. It's almost like an entertaining experience instead of a historical one. But this was the only way to visit the underground city..... I guess? Well, apparently you could visit other part of the city that leads into the old city, but almost all requires a tour booking..... ask AI for more information.

Lovely painting on the walls of the gift shop/entrance. It looked something out of a story book.

Since we were already here, of course we have to get our photos taken with the plague doctor!

As you can see, the wife takes better more informative photos than the husband does. 

Now, let's move on to other interesting/weird places around Edinburgh. Have I mentioned the Elephant House that all Harry Porter fans seems to be crazy about? Well, good news, I heard the renovation after the fire has been completed and you could go sip your coffee at the original cafe now and get some inspiration for the next big hit!

We also stumbled upon The Ghost Bus Tour's double decker bus. It looked fun, yet cheesy at the same time. Just like the Mary King's Close, it looks more like entertainment and theatre than actual information tour. Maybe I'm just biased? If I have the money and the time, I guess I might try some of these tours? Sigh. Is money a problem?

I think we have mentioned the Frankenstein restaurant before? Here are more photos of it. And no, again, I did not go in. Just stood outside of it because.....

You could see a giant Frankenstein at the front door when they are kinda about to open for business!

And of course I've got to get my photo taken with Frankenstein. If you haven't read this classic, please do. And if you have read it, have you watched the play by Benedict Cumberbatch? It was absolutely lovely! I think I watched it during Covid when many companies and artist made their performances free to watch on YouTube or their own website. I watched so many OneOKRock concert during those days! There was one almost every week! Ahh.... Covid. I did kinda enjoyed it. 

The other book that I was considering to buying. It was found at the bookstore at John Knox's house. Maybe I'll go look for it again. I plan to get another book as a souvenir on my second trip to Scotland too. 

And the last location I wanted to mention is the Museum of Magic, Fortune-telling & Witchcraft. It cost 5pounds per entry to visit a small room of exhibit that consist of personal collection of items related to witchcraft. I heard it was quite interesting even though it was small. But while I was there, they had a private tour on so I was told to come back later. While browsing their gift shop, I felt that the items on sale were kinda cheesy, and there were no good books on the said subject. With just that evaluation, I decided not to visit the museum after all. Hmmm.... was it the right choice? Would I decide other wise if I was there again? 

And here I leave you with a quote from John Ruskin "There is no wealth but life.....". Go reflect!

Manchester/Scotland 2025 - Edinburgh Street Walk and School of Divinity

View of Edinburgh on any day, stairs and more stairs The other city that I've visited that looked like this was Dubrovnik Croatia, but I was only there for a short visit and didn't have to climb all those stairs! Above my husband about to make his way up to probably the Royal Miles. 

Above a lovely simple heart on the ground of Royal Mile near St Giles' called the Heart of Midlothian. You can read more about it here. People used to spit on it for good luck in the olden days! So thankful that spitting is no longer a thing here!

Red wall angel below someone's window, dated 1892. You could also try to read the text found on each side it. Let me know if you figure out what they mean. Man, I took so many photos of small details of the city of Edinburgh, it's just so many to see. I guess that this is what people who visit Georgetown Penang felt like when they see all the old buildings there, with they small details here and there. I once met a Canadian teacher who was solo visiting and she just spend days taking photos of all the details. Now I get it. 

I finally found the statue of Hume! I am a fan of his. 

 

There are also shops here that has the royal seal of approval. I believe these are shops that are allowed to supply their products to the royal family? I've known about them, but I think this is the first time I see a sign endorsing a shop here. 

On our way back this time, we saw the gates of the School of Divinity was opened, so this time, we actually walked inside to take a look around. I think the name of the school was what caught my attention. 

Sunsetting inside the school's courtyard. 

Here is a clearer photo of the courtyard. I love the two towers besides the stairs leading up to the two doors. The whole thing just looked so storybook-like! I think it's so cool to have a school like that. None of my school or university look like this. 

I am not sure if you can see the wordings on top of the light brown door/window? It says "Let There Be Light".  Absolutely divine!

There is also a statue of things guy at the courtyard. Damn, it's John Knox again. He is EVERYWHERE in Edinburgh!

Ok, signing off this post with another fairy tale of Edinburgh Castle and cherry blossom! 

I love you Edinburgh!