Holyrood, not to be confused with Holywood

Today was a very interesting day. Our hotel is the Hilton Carlton. It is halfway between the Edinburgh Castle and the Holyroodhouse on the Royal Mile. The Palace of Holyroodhouse commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace or Holyroodhouse, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. It is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh at the opposite end to Edinburgh Castle. It has served as the principal royal residence in Scotland since the 16th century. Queen Elizabeth spent one week in residence at Holyroodhouse at the beginning of each summer where she performed her official duties. On 11 September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral cortege drove from Balmoral Castle to Holyroodhouse with the coffin draped in the Royal Standard for Scotland. When Queen Elizabeth was in residence at Holyrood, the standard of the United Kingdom flew over the palace.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse as it stands today was designed by Sir William Bruce and built between 1671 and 1678. Mary, Queen of Scots, lived there from 1661 until her abdication in 1667. The 16th-century historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, are open to the public throughout the year except when members of the royal family are in residence. We really enjoyed touring the palace and this is another place you, as a visitor to Edinburgh, should plan to visit.

After this tour was completed, Linda and Amanda went to Dean Village, and Harry and I went to the Johnny Walker museum and spent the next two hours learning the history of Scotch whiskey. Then the ladies joined us on the Johnny Walker terrace for a great view of Edinburgh. We then went back to our hotel and listened to the Auburn – Missouri football game.

Tomorrow is moving day. We will pick up a rental car and drive to Northern England. More later….