A cold day in January.....

During the cold grey days of winter this small group of daffodils, always the first to bloom in a warm and sheltered corner of the garden, add a much welcomed splash of sunshine
and remind me that spring will soon come again.

So instead of gloomy Normandy today let's go back for another visit to Edinburgh and take a stroll around the historic Palace of Holyrood, HRH Queen Elizabeth's Royal Residence there.

The Palace of Holyrood is steeped in history, from the moment you go through the huge wooden doors you can feel the ghosts of Scottish Kings and Queens surround you.

Click here to meet them all...................................

The ruined cloisters of Holyrood Abbey

An Augustinian monastery was first settled on the site in 1128 by King David 1. Other buildings, including these now ruined cloisters, were added over the next century and a royal residence was also maintained here.

Perhaps the most famous (infamous?) resident of all was Mary, Queen of Scots who left the French court to come and live here in 1561.

As we toured the Royal Apartments I could hardly believe at one point that I was actually standing in the very room where Mary's jealous second husband Lord Darnley and his friends brutally murdered her secretary, David Rizzio.

Sadly, photography inside Holyrood House is not permitted so I urge you to visit it for yourself if you ever have the opportunity.

The inner court yard.

After touring the Palace and gardens we sat for a while listening to a lone piper playing the bagpipes somewhere in the distance beneath Arthur's Seat, a perfect way to end our tour.

Our visit to Edinburgh coincided with the 2014 Ryder Cup Golf Tournament which was being promoted all over the City.

We stayed at the Glasshouse, one of Marriott's Autograph Collection of boutique hotels, there were quite a few golfing enthusiasts staying there too.

We were lucky enough to be upgraded to the Macallan Suite and really enjoyed the access to the rooftop garden which this gave us.

A beautiful tranquil oasis  in the middle of Scotland's Capital City.

I wonder have you ever been to Edinburgh?

What was your favourite thing to do there?

Linking to Sunlit Sunday with Karen @ My Little Home and Garden
and
Mosaic Monday with Judith @ Lavender Cottage.

The Royal Yacht Britannia

One of the highlights of our recent visit to Edinburgh was a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia.

The British Royal Family's floating residence for over 40 years
she is now berthed at Leith and has been voted Britain's number 1, 5 star, visitor attraction.

We traveled the short distance to the port of Leith from St. Andrew Square in the centre of  Edinburgh on a classic open top tour bus.  

The ships's bell; the yachtsmen's (yotties) quarters;  selection of Britannia's silverware collection; a State Banquet place setting
the Officer's Mess; colourful flags; Racing Yacht Bloodhound; State Banquet tablescape
the Bridge; the Engine room; Britannia's crest; all ashore!

Celebrating her 60th birthday this year Britannia truly ruled the waves

 carrying the Royals over one million miles around the world.

The perfect venue for hosting State visits, family vacations and even a Royal Honeymoon.

I'm sure you know which one I'm talking about.

HM The Queen's bedroom suite

Sir Hugh Casson designed Britannia's interiors and when visiting the state rooms you are instantly taken back to the 1950's. 

Tasteful and elegant, the interior design has hardly changed since then. 

Artful floral arrangement; the Royal sitting room; HM's private office

Racing Yacht Bloodhound.
Restored to it's former glory it is berthed alongside Britannia in Leith.

HRH Prince Charles & Lady Diana Spencer's Honeymoon Suite 

did you spot the photograph on the bedside table?

Click on the link to learn more about Britannia