This museum explores the relationship of Scotland
and her people and war from the Napoleonic Wars to the D Day landings.
Galleries include one depicting the influence of war on the history of Scotland,
one about the Scottish military life, one showing weapons, equipment, and
uniforms of the Scottish soldier, one displaying the Scottish soldier himself,
one discussing the effects of war on the civilian population, and one showing
battle through the eyes of the Scottish soldier.
St. Giles’ Cathedral
St. Giles’ is known
as the High Kirk of Edinburgh. It is Presbyterianism's Mother Church and
contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's chivalric company
of knights headed by the Queen. Inside the church, near the entrance, is
a life-size statue of John Knox, minister from 1559 to 1572; from here he
preached his uncompromising Calvinist message and launched the Scottish
Reformation.
Holyrood Palace
Holyrood Palace
was built as a monastery in 1128. It was transformed into a Palace in
1498. Mary Queen of Scots lived here
during her turbulent reign. It is now the official residence of the Queen when
she is in Edinburgh and is used for
ceremonies and state occasions. When the Queen is not in residence, several
parts of the Palace are open to guided tours.
Visiting Edinburgh
Edinburgh is
serviced by a good airport, but is also accessible by bus or rail from other
parts of Great Britain.
Buses are the only means of mass transit within the city.