FINDING THE HOLY GRAIL!!!

Rosslyn and the Holy Grail 08/03/2019

Dedicated in 1450 as the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, William St Clair founded the chapel for his family with a staff of a provost, six prebendaries and two choristers. Collegiate chapels like this were intended to pray for the soul of the founder and to spread intellectual and spiritual knowledge. Rosslyn’s extraordinary architecture and carvings have also inspired generations and meant its fame has endured over the centuries.

Rosslyn Chapel where services continue to be held here weekly. The Chapel has also been a popular destination for visitors for generations. By the late 18th-century, it was starting to appear on itineraries and its profile greatly increased after the publication of Dan Brown’s novel, The Da Vinci Code, in 2003, and the subsequent film. Rosslyn Chapel Trust was established in 1995 to care for the Chapel and oversee its conservation and public access.

‘When I decided to write The Da Vinci Code, I knew that its finale would have to take place at the most mysterious and magical chapel on earth — Rosslyn.’ 

Dan Brown

From Edinburgh one simply takes the #37 bus to Roslyn (Yes Spelled Differently) and it is then a short walk to the Chapel. I have also seen it spelled Roslin. 

From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Chapel. We were early and walked about the perimeter, taking photos and enjoying the countryside. 

I must say this is a beautiful chapel and has a most interesting history. As was explained to us the real “Miracle of Rosslyn Chapel was the movie The DaVinci Code”. This brought about a great increase in the number of visitors which has allowed for much needed restoration and upkeep. 

The interpretive talk was EXCELLENT!!! It presented a 20 min overview of the history and highlights of the chapel. Do not miss this. 

We also met the true keeper of the chapel, William the Cat. He has been a fixture of the Rosslyn Chapel since he was a kitten 14 years ago. 

We took the #37 back to Edinburgh and stopped at local pie shop, called the pie maker. We had three nicely made pies, a birdie, a traditional, and a haggis pie. All were great and cost was but £5.20. A very very filling lunch. 

Streets and Tea in Roslin, I found Rosslyn spelled three different ways 

Sustained, we are now heading out for the afternoon. 

We walked back to Waverley Station via a short cut route which will be better for our return rail journey. 

At Waverley Station we activated our Bus Card and boarded the blue route bus with the Royal Yacht Britannia as our intended afternoon activity.  

We have access to three different Hop on Hop Off Bus companies with our pass. We chose the Blue Bus as it is the only one that goes to the Britannia. 

These buses offer an excellent narration and one realizes the significant influence the Scots have had on our society, be it medicine, literature, science, or inventions. 

Britannia was launched from the John Brown & Company shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, on 16 April, 1953. For over 44 years the Royal Yacht served the Royal Family, traveling more than a million nautical miles to become one of the most famous ships in the world. To Her Majesty The Queen, Britannia provided the perfect Royal residence for glittering state visits, official receptions, Royal honeymoons and relaxing family holidays. For Great Britain, she was a majestic symbol of the Commonwealth and a proud ambassador generating billions of pounds in trade deals. For the Royal Family and 220 dedicated crew of Royal Yachtsmen, she was home.

This is rated as one of the top sights to see in Scotland and I must agree. The access control is well regulated so as not to overwhelm the flow of ones visit. 

So that is how they are pressed!

The tour is self guided with a hand set with 28 listening points along a well planned route.  I did get a chuckle at one point where the narration stated the Queen did not want the yacht to be pretentious and have the feel of a country home. This statement came after visiting an expansive dining room where it was explained how the service items were placed with the assistance of a ruler. 

When we finished, we boarded the bus and returned to Waverley, where we boarded the red HOHO bus. As most attractions were now closed we just did a grand circle tour learning more about famous Scotsmen. These included Walter Scott, Livingston, Bell, Lister, Sean Connery, and many many more. 

At the Market Street stop we got off to make our way back to OINK. We knew we would be traveling up hill and noticed some steps named the News Steps. Up we went, and arrived at the top out of breath. 

Back at Oink (OINK is mentioned in the previous blog entry) Lynn got a Piglet and I got and Oink ( the middle size). Sage and Onion, apples and haggis were the toppings today. I could only eat about 1/2 of mine so I have a nice snack for later this evening. 

Back to the hotel and we went to the hotel bar for a drink and write this entry. 

We will see what tomorrow brings. Probably the Castle and Greyfriars Bobby. One has to love a great dog story.