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Friday, June 30, 2006

It was pouring rain today, so we went to Stirling to Argyll’s Lodging
(which we skipped over the first time through town).  This 17th century townhouse was originally the home of the Earl of Stirling, then later the Earl of Argyll.  I’m so glad that
we went back to see it as it was one of my favorites so far this trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After we finished here, the weather looked like it was breaking so we headed to Dollar to see Castle Campbell.  The rain actually picked up and a tree had fallen across the road to the castle, so we ate our lunch while they cleared it.
Again, even though the rain was fairly heavy, I’m glad that we decided to go anyway.  The castle was attacked and abandoned in 1654, but is still in good shape.  The original tower is still fully intact!

The two Historic Scotland guides on site were the best we’ve had anywhere.  Both were interested in the site and were enthusiastic to discuss the site or anything else.  This may have been the best day of sites so far even though the rain was heavy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We then pressed on to Edinburgh where we booked a B&B in the city centre.  There was a  very tense atmosphere for the drive.  We missed our road at Edinburgh, then missed the other turn which would have fixed the problem.  So we had to wind through the city — very, very tense times.
We arrived safely (if damp), and the house was beautiful.  It’s called The Town House and is on Gilmore Place.  From there, we walked to a restaurant named, Papilio, an amazing Italian restaurant.  The wait staff was perfect and the food was amazing – especially the chocolate gateaux!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scotland Itinerary – Day 9

Argyll’s Lodging, Stirling
Castle Campbell, Dollar
Spend the night in Edinburgh

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