Heids!

I never appreciated how much Stirling is built on a hill until we'd walked up and down it half a dozen times in a weekend. They should build a funicular railway or, at least, a big escalator up to the castle for us unfit types.

We'd popped in to do a bit of clothes shopping (I get dragged in twice a year at most, if I can help it, to get kitted out and today was the day) but popped up the hill first to see the newly opened Royal Palace. But, as it was going to cost us the best part of £50 to get in just then, despite us being members (because it was an 'event' weekend even members had to pay), we tramped all the way back down the hill to shop first. They told us if we came back after 3pm we could use our membership to get free access.

So we slogged it all the way back up the hill again later and fought through the crowds to see the new attractions. And very impressive they are too. The Palace is an absolute riot of colour and there's a huge amount of work been put in by some very talented and dedicated craftspeople to recreate what the original palace must've looked like. I was particularly amazed to find out that 15th century castles smelled of finest emulsion. You just can't get that from a book.

The whole castle was really busy with lots of entertainment laid on and a good mix of tourists and characters dressed in medieval outfits mingling with the crowds, including a young Mary Queen of Scots (that's her in the red and white dress). They were happy to stop and pose for pictures too and headed off with a 'thank you m'lord' when you did.

If today is anything to go on, Stirling Castle's going to be a very busy place this summer.

Some more pics from today