Edinburgh Tours & History

10/05/2024

Another fantastic post from the Old Edinburgh Club

06/05/2024

My lovely city is packed with centuries of at times brutal, at times inspirational history.

Many of the very places where such greats as Sir James Young Simpson's home and where the awful destruction this excellent post refers to, can be seen on tours.

Today (6 May) in 1544, a letter sent to Lord Russel, Lord Privy Seal of England, the writer stated that "It was determined … utterly to ruin and destroy Edinburgh with fire. This we did not fully achieve … However we set fire to three or four parts of the town." :-(

And in 1870, Sir James Young Simpson, who pioneered the use of chloroform in childbirth, died in Edinburgh. :-(

Also in 1941, a 1,000-pound bomb was dropped on Milton Crescent and 100 incendiaries at Jewel Cottages; four were killed and two injured. :-(

17/04/2024

Between tours, I write articles, mainly history focussed, for your enjoyment. I would greatly appreciate your vote as to which type of articles you would most enjoy.

Please tell me by submitting your vote today!

https://buymeacoffee.com/fraserpaterson/which-articles-scotland-would-you-most-enjoy

05/04/2024

Discover how tartan was used for wartime recruitment and even in slavery!

In part two of my Tartan Tales mini series on usage of the tartan textile in power.

Enjoy the read!




LINK IN FIRST COMMENT

15/02/2024

From Jacobites to military regiments, to politics. Discover how tartan has been used in a variety of ways over the centuries.

Enjoy part one of 'Tartan Tales - Power' NOW!



LINK IN FIRST COMMENT

09/02/2024

When travelling south from Inverness you will quickly see signage for Culloden Moor, where that infamous battle took place that ended the last and most famous Jacobite rebellion of all in 1746.

Perhaps this lovely Highland cow was thinking of what might have been when I met him there.

02/02/2024

I am aware that I may be annoying people by posting my weekly blogs each week. Not MY intention.

Plus, I learned in a Business Gateway webinar on Wednesday evening that reels area must. Enlightener stated, "you will grow your following exponentially - needed to achieve good monetization for my blogging - if you post reels three times a week for three months."

Taking that advice, you will find my baptismal Facebook reel posted today!

Have a look and tell me your thoughts, either on my latest piece, about - Clan Routes and Tartan Development - in comments below.

Enjoy the read!





https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fraserpaterson/tartan-tales-series-clanship

02/02/2024

Sometiemes in Highland tours - although it really is pot luck - when travelling wit a group along the Laggan Road, near Creag Meagaidh nature reserve, Highland cows can be greatly enjoyed by customers.

These calves sadly gradually lost interest when their mother disappeared.

31/01/2024

The Best Bars and Restaurants in Edinburgh 2024

Enjoy the read!

https://edinburghtoursandhistory.com/the-best-bars-and-restaurants-in-edinburgh-2024/

Makars Mash Bar - Edinburgh

26/01/2024

I love stopping with customers at Taste Perthshire, for customers to enjoy a fantastic Highland cow experience. I get the food, they get to say hello with a special tempter!

24/01/2024

As I am sure many of you will know, tomorrow is Burns Night. An evening when, aroud the world, the works of our great national bard (poet) are celebrated.

Here's a special Wednesday question for you.

Which address, written by Rabbie Burns, do we read before enjoying our national dish?

Link in first comment.

Enjoy the read, and the rest of your day!

23/01/2024

I hope you enjoy this first piece in a new series, Tartan Tales.

Tartan has been used as a means of diplomacy, including by monarchs.

It has also been used for identity, not least by our very own national football team!

Link in first comment

Enjoy the read!

20/01/2024

My latest piece introduces you to tartan.

Enjoy the article, enjoy your day 😃

Link in first comment

19/01/2024

I tried tempting my new found friend near Swanston Brasserie to come and say hello by sticking my arm out. Highland cows have a temendous sense of smell.

After Thelma ventured from the bottom of her enclosure, she stopped to consider her options.

After being sure I had no food, Thelma took a slurp of water and went back to the bottom of her patch

15/01/2024

This month's focus will be all things tartan. Research material largely gathered.

Do you know which VERY famous Scot has a special night this month?

Pray do tell by commenting below.

Watch out for the first blog in my tartan series later this week!

Link to where you will find all sorts of fascinating articles, wharever your taste, in first comment below.

12/01/2024

As you may know, Sunday is Greyfriars Bobby Day!

Take your mind away from the grizzly news. Lift your mood and enjoy this read. A unique celebration of one of the world's most famous and loved animals.

Link in first comment

10/01/2024

Which is your favourite Castle; Stirling or Edinburgh?

State your preference in comments below

03/01/2024

Which do you prefer; castles or lochs?

Please state your preference in comments below

27/12/2023

Who is your favourite; King Robert the Bruce or William Wallace?

State your preference in comments below.

20/12/2023

I am writing a number of blog posts, focussed on the tales of Scotland and more this winter.
The latest post takes you on a fascinating journey of filming locations used in and around Edinburgh, for time travelling TV drama Outlander, of which series seven is presently available on Lionsgate +

To read more of this and other blogs I have, click the link in the first comment.

13/12/2023

Purchasing cards, buying the necessary stamps and sending Christmas cards can cost over £100 and prove very time consuming.

We're going electronic next year with Festive Letters instead.

In this regard, what has been/will be your Christmas strategy this year?

29/11/2023

I visited Real Foods earlier today to take advantage of their first hour of trading 10% discount. Disappointed nothimg for carnivores, so shopping list only partially fulfilled.

Then, Coffee Saints now to enjoy my meat based breakfast, before...
.. I collected my reading glasses from Boots. Yippee 😃 I shall be able to read the latest Discover magazine from the National Library of Scotland now!

My business supports the Grassmarket Community Project, of which Coffee Saints is part, so I bought a number of their £5 vouchers to provide food for those less fortunate.

28/11/2023

National Library of Scotland webinar on utilisation of e-resources for women's lives and
writing just completed.

Great inspiration for a wealth of material for blogging material for my own Edinburgh Tours and History website, plus my Buy Me a Coffee and soon to be Patreon blogs.

We looked at a letter written in Paris referencing the French Revolution, dated May 1791, by a Mary Berry.

'"It's obviously not the baker", stated the presenter.

Perhaps not 😅

16/11/2023

Port of Leith Distillery continued;

I asked the most helpful bartender which of their own whiskies she could recommend that would marry best with their ice cream.

I also receive an ice cream recommendation! best enjoyed with it's bourbon vanilla ice cream, the lovely, most informative bar tender advised me.

Said bartender's whisky recommendation did not light my fire.

He sherry recommendation lit my fuse of curiousity. This Distillery's own Pedro Jimenez.

She advised me that it is slightly lighter than whisky, has a syrup and raisin taste, plus bursts with flavour.

Sold.

I like drinking the sherry from the glass also!

A shop visit beckons....

16/11/2023

Trialling Port of Leith Distillery for potential business purpose.

Food expensive, although superb quality.

Service excellent.

Views world class.

Will try their ice cream... or more specifically their whisky, of which I shall have a little poured on!.... Plus, I want to see whether they can offer whisky advice.

08/08/2023

A lovely relaxing view at the nearby Hirsel Estate if you are travelling through/have accommodation in Coldstream.

Now, here's a challenge for you. Which military regiment is Coldstream best known for, please?

05/08/2023

Guess where my office window was earlier this week.

Clue - is NOT in Scotland!

01/08/2023

Hello Everyone

I hope this finds you well.

This is our wee pals at where sometimes stop on their day trips from Edinburgh

I think our friend with the horns would benefit from a different coloured coat of hair.

What colour do you think would suit best, please?