Jul 14

Up at 7:00 am so we would be able to make it downtown early today. Everyone had a quick breakfast (cereal) and packed a lunch. Then we caught the city bus downtown where we got off at the sightseeing bus stop where we were first in line to catch the first sightseeing bus up to the Royal Mile.

The first stop on the Royal Mile was only a really short walk to our first attraction of the day, The Scotch Whiskey Experience. There was an educational “ride” through the downstairs of the building where we all learned about the process of making Scotch Whiskey. Upstairs we all sat down for a tasting session where we learned more about the various flavours and aromas of the different regions of Scotland that define the single malt whiskeys. Of course the Scouts were restricted to Iron Brew, the national favourite non-alcoholic drink, more popular than Coca Cola. The Adults had a sip of one of 4 whiskeys they wanted to taste, making their choice based on the aromas compared from the 4 regions.

After the whiskey tour we all went up the short walk to the castle and once inside we split up into small groups again to tour the various buildings and museums there.

After exploring the castle we all met up at the gate and again decided to split up into small groups to walk the Royal Mile and do some shopping. There were plenty of little shops filled with Scotland and Edinburgh souvenirs, which many of the Scouts took advantage of.

We all met on the Royal Mile at 3:30 at Mary Kings Close where we had previously booked a tour. It was really interesting and lots of fun for the leaders and Scouts.

After the tour we walked the relatively short 15 minutes to the Bella Italia restaurant but our group was too large for them without a reservation, so we walked across the street to Pizza Hut! Of course the Scouts didn't mind the repeat.

After dinner we caught the bus back to the Scout hall and again the Scouts picked up their swimming gear and took the bus to the pool. Again a couple leaders went to top up the breakfast and lunch supplies and a couple leaders stayed back at the hall.