It has been a full day here in Edinburgh! My steps register at 13, 184! Way over my normal average.

The day began with a trip to the Mansfield Traquair Center - a former catholic apostolic church ( not Roman Catholic). They commissioned the artist Phoebe Anna Traquair to paint biblical themed murals in the church. See the video and photos below. Phoebe was a versatile artist who worked in oil paint on dry plaster, enameling and embroidery.

Then on to the Botanical Gardens for some time in nature. The botanical gardens are in the heart of Edinburgh and a fascinating and active environmental showcase. Followed by a walk thru St. Giles Cathedral ( over 900 years old), a check in with the John Knox statue ( considered the founder of Presbyterianism) and the Thistle Chapel for the Order of the Thistle ( Scottish equivalent to English Order of the Garter).

Then a trek to the National Gallery to see more artistic works by Phoebe, including her large embroideries of The Progress of the Soul ( so much theological messages in these)! And then dinner wherever we wanted. My choice was the Sheep Heid Inn which was established in 1360!

Tomorrow we cross the Firth of Forth for a day in the west side of Fife in Culross ( a 17th century village often used in filming and like for the Outlander series and Dunfermline, the old capital city of Scotland long ago. They are both places on the ancient pilgrimage path to St. Andrew's.

Pastor’s Carolyn’s first hand report! https://youtu.be/TteB6VDb1Pc?is=UvBTnwETHEBuo9Op