Edinburgh – Saturday

Edinburgh

August 4-8, 2022

The Fringe, while interesting, was also crowded. We wanted to do something with fewer people around, and decided that a not-so-local Highland Games would be worth a visit. Paul, someone that Jennifer knew from Edinburgh, joined us and we all hopped on a train to North Berwick, a pleasant hour and a half trip along the coast. It was a beautiful day and relaxing to watch the countryside slide by the train’s windows.

The town of North Berwick

We are very close to St Andrews and its famous golf course – considered to be the oldest one

Golf, anyone?

Although we had come to North Berwick for the Highland Games, we were quite entertained by the town itself and its picturesque setting on the North Sea. The wind was brisk and there were scattered drops of rain, but nothing to dampen our enthusiasm as we explored the streets and strands.

Super Zoom alert! See the lighthouse on that rock (Bass Rock) in the distance?

Now you can!

Manmade tidal pool

A little bit of history

What’s left of the historic Kirk

Overlooking the tidal pool

Who’s being crabby now?

The shores of North Berwick

Stopping for an early – and “ok” – lunch a the North Berwick Fry

After lunch we started to actually look for the Highland Games area. We wandered along a pleasant road, up a hill and then began to see the evidence of festivities: flags, balloons, people in colorful outfits. We were there!

It was, by my own limited experience, a small gathering but still large enough to more than hold our attention. The games were taking place at one end of the field and bagpipers were competing at the other end. We watched competitors throw weights high into the air over a stick, sometimes with the weight returning frightfully close to the thrower’s head – or maybe it was just my perspective from the sidelines. The crowds were plentiful and enthusiastic for the competitions, and it was just as much fun to watch them as the main attractions.

I enjoy bagpipes and it was fun to watch the different bands march in and play their songs. Their every move and note was being judged throughout, and having competed in my high school marching band, I knew what that was like. It was much more fun to watch them than be one of them!

Judging from the sidelines

Trophies for the winners wait for the final call

We made another lap of the fairgrounds, this time stopping to buy a couple of shirts and to pose for photos with some of the raptors that were there as part of a fund-raiser.

On the train ride in, I noticed a very distinctive hill in the distance. It looked more like a pimple, with its perfectly rounded and even sides. This same hill (the “North Berwick Law”) was easily seen from the fairgrounds and I considered suggesting that we take a hike up to the top. But time didn’t really allow, so I satisfied myself with taking some photos to see “what I couldn’t see”.

North Berwick Law

Super Zooming to see what’s at the top of the hill

We were “gamed out” and headed back to the train for the return trip to Edinburgh. It was late afternoon and Jennifer asked if we could go to The Captains Bar. She was continuing her quest to find local musicians, and she had read that this place was known for welcoming random people to come in and play alone – or along with others – at the back of the bar. Jennifer was in her element! There were other people to listen to and she joined in on a few songs. It was interesting to see this new side of my sister!

The “loaner guitar” for visitors

A wild visitor appears!

Very short video of her playing and singing.

As a cherry on the top of an excellent day, as we returned to our AirBnB and passed by the King’s Theatre, Dan noticed a very distinctive figure by the Stage Exit doors: Sir Ian McKellen!

Who else can wear a hat like that and make it look so good?

Yep, that’s him!

I was really tempted to cross the street and tell him how much I enjoy his work, but I also didn’t want to interrupt him and be one of “those people”. Surely the guy appreciates having some private time? Maybe someday he’ll read my website and know how close I was to approaching him to say how much of a fan I am. Until then, he’ll just have to get by without this knowledge.

Sunday