Rascal scooter race

In driving wind and rain at Hampton Court Palace, Nan wins by a nose

Nan and Stu in the UK

Mom and Stu came out for two weeks towards the and of January. The highlight of the trip was taking The Caledonian express sleeper train from St. Pancras up to Glasgow. One day dawdling about the city, going into souvenir shops getting T-shirts for the kids, some Ness items for Mo, some scotch for me and Stu.

At night we had a real Burns supper experience. Dressed in full regale we all went to the Arisaig restaurant. Poems and songs and piping of the haggis it was amazing.

The next day we took a train out to Ayr and then drove down to Alloway where we visited to the birthplace of Robbie. I participated in the world championship Haggis throwing competition, 500 gram division. 90 feet not too bad.

Got back to London and did the requisite tour of Hampton Court, Palace, Cheshire Cheese, along with many a pub. But really it was all about the puzzles and games, food and drink around the table.

Hogmanay in Edinburgh

Had and amazing time at new years in Edinburgh.  We flew up for a few days and stayed nice AirBnB a short bus ride from city centre.  First day we were there, we just walked around the royal mile, stopped in a few of our favourite pubs, took some pics outside the castle.

Got out to watch the beginning of the processional.  The parade starts out at the Castle and snakes it's way through the city with a hundred thousand followers.

The torchlit procession was just amazing to witness.  It went on and on for over an hour.

Of course, got ourselves a wee dram to keep warm...

The next day we just walked around some more, visiting stores and Grassmarket, got some amazing views below the castle again, Holyrood Palace, and Church of St Cuthbert, a christian place of worship since the 12 century.

Now, New Years Eve, we went to the Ceildh.  Basically a celtic square dance great fun.  Unfortunately, I had the bright idea of a deep fried sausage to go along with my Haggis Burger and Fish n Chips.  Made jumping and turning a bit uncomfortable.

Still the fireworks were great, the dance was fun, and although the worlds largest rendition of Auld Lang Syne had some technical difficulties, was still and amazing experience 

Next day, we had a bit of the hair of dog, heard from Dad and RJ on how their New Years went (ugh) and headed home.