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Stonemason, Rosslyn Chapel
Stonemason, Rosslyn Chapel, Scotland
 
There is a  saying that England is constructed with bricks as Scotland is constructed of stone.
 
As most tourists will know, Scotland is liberally endowed with stone resources which have been utilised to build castles, cathedrals, churches, houses, walls and more. Aberdeen is called the ‘granite city’ because most of the buildings are built from local granite whilst, on the other hand, Glasgow is largely built of softer sandstone. All around the countryside and Highlands can be seen stone walls (field boundaries) made from local stone and which last hundreds of years.
 
Stonemasonry is a skill still in demand today especially for reconstruction and conservation work. The images and video  shown here were taken at historic, Rosslyn Chapel which dates from the 15th century the interior of which is a stunning display of the medieval stonemasons’ skill.
 
It is believed that Freemasonry grew out of early associations of stonemasons. The ‘Freemasons’ were outsiders not directly involved in stonemasonry work
 
Stonemason, Rosslyn Chapel

Stonemason, Rosslyn Chapel, Scotland

 
It is pleasing that traditional stonemasonry skills are on view at visitor attractions like Rosslyn.
Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg

Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg, Scotland

This morning, our tour styarted with first call at Dalhousie Castle which is connected with Clan Ramsay. Here we had some refreshments and explored the sumptuous building which is now a high end hotel.

Next to the famous Rosslyn Chapel where we were able to hear by a local expert guide. The Chapel dates from the 15th century, took 40 years to complete and has recently achieved fame through connection with the Da Vinci Code.

 

Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin

Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, Scotland

Next to Glenkinchie Distillery where we joined in a tour of the distillery to learn about the complicated malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation and maturation processes. Photos not permitted inside the distillery.

Tour of Glenkinchie Distillery

Tour of Glenkinchie Distillery, Scotland

 

Scotch Whisky at Glenkinchie Distillery

Scotch Whisky at Glenkinchie Distillery, Scotland

Next we stopped for a late lunch at Lauder in the Scottish Borders.

Eagle Hotel, Lauder

Eagle Hotel, Lauder, Scottish Borders

After lunch we drove to nearby Melrose Abbey, which is a magnificent ruin dating back to the 12th century. Here is buried the heart of King Robert the Bruce who lived during the 14th century.

Melrose Abbey, Borders

Melrose Abbey, Borders, Scotland

Final stop was nearby Jedburgh Abbey. Unfortunately, we arrive too late to visit but were able to take photos from the perimeter.

Jedburgh Abbey,Jedburgh

Jedburgh Abbey,Jedburgh, Scottish Borders

 

We continued south to England and reached our destination on Tynemouth about 7.15pm in readiness for tomorrow’s tour of Hadrian’s Wall.

This morning we departed our Falkirk lodgings and then drove into the town to view the former home of the Group’s relative who emigrated tio Canada.

Family House, Falkirk

Family House, Falkirk, Scotland

Next to  Glenkinchie Distillery. Here we enjoyed an exclusive tour learning about the malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation and maturation processes of whisky making.

Glenkinchie Distillery, Pencaitland

Glenkinchie Distillery, Pencaitland, Scotland

 

Tasting at Glenkinchie Distillery

Tasting at Glenkinchie Distillery, Scotland

 

Next we had a light lunch at Roslin and then joined the 2.00pm tour of Rosslyn Chapel which dates from the 15th century and found recent fame in the Da Vinci Code.

Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin

Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, Scotland

Next we drove to Edinburgh, checked into our hotel for the night and then walked up to High Street to visit Edinburgh Castle. Our timing was good as the crowds were leaving as we were going in which aided our enjoyment. At the castle we had a good vantage point of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. We visited all key aspects of the Castle including Mons Meg cannon, St Margaret’s Chapel, National War Memorial and Crown Jewels.

Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile

Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Scotland

 

Next we returned to our hotel in time for dinner. Later we returned to the Castle to  see the Military Tattoo.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scotland

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scotland

 Edinburgh Militarty Tattoo

Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scotland