Last Day in Edinburgh

Our train back to York didn't leave until 3:30 so everyone had a free day to spend as they liked: The students climbed Arthur's Seat - an 822-foot volcanic 'mountain' at the Holyrood Palace end of the Royal Mile.  They loved it and said that, though very windy at the top, the views were amazing.

This is a view of Arthur's Seat (the peak behind the ridge) from Calton Hill - the smaller climb John and I decided to do. Below are more views of and from Calton Hill:

Since our hike was shorter, we also spent some time exploring the New Town area, including the pedestrian Rose Street. This area of the city was built during a time of unification between Scotland and England, so there were attempts to acknowledge this through the street names, Rose being the symbol of England and the thistle being the symbol of Scotland (Thistle Street was two blocks away).



Each intersection of Rose Street has a different stone rose decoration.






Thistle Street didn't have any street decorations, but we saw ample examples of thistle decorations throughout the city.

I have more, but I think you get the picture.  There were also a few kilt sightings:

A great trip, with great weather. Britain went back on standard time while we were in Edinburgh, so it now is dark by 5 p.m. so I'm walking home from school in the dark. (John always comes to pick me up.)