A grand day out and the scold’s bridle

With my brother and his wife we walked into town on an exceptional January day. I’m used to crisp clear sunny days in January but usually with frost on the ground. Today there was a mild still air and some warmth in the constant sunshine. Everything sparkled including all the gold flèches on the crown of St Giles.

We had some shopping to do but also visited John Knox’s House on the Royal Mile as well. Despite living in Edinburgh for decades I’d never been round it. Fascinating to discover it really should be called James Mossman’s House. To understand, please visit the oldest medieval building in Edinburgh.

In one of the displays was a device used to punish those who had committed “gossip, slander or verbal abuse”. The scold’s bridle. See extra. The device when fitted made talking limited. Indeed eating was difficult since any movement of the mouth could cause a severe piercing of the tongue. It made me wonder what the effect would be on trolling if a modern digital equivalent were developed.

On up the Royal Mile past the City Chambers where the light on the statue of Alexander the Great was striking. See other extra.

Round by Parliament Square where we found the plaque in the car park where John Knox is reported to be buried and then on to the excellent National Museum of Scotland, Disappointed to discover that just after 1pm they had run out of soup in the main cafe but found the alternative cafe had some left.

On the hour the amazing if somewhat grotesque Millennium Clock activated for its 4 minute display. The main blip is of part of the intricate workings.

A walk back through the Grange district followed by joining the Kilbrandon lecture by zoom. This gave a searing condemnation of the use of remand for children and young people and how we draw into systems vulnerable young people and how that process can make things worse for them,

Out for a meal and then home to out the feet up! Phew.