This is no ordinary scone...

Did something today that I haven't done before in all my time in Edinburgh... no, not climb the Scott Monument or go to the Royal Highland Show - done them!

We went for a poke around the Royal Yacht Britannia. And very interesting it was too. You got a guided tour on the headphone thingies, and so there were lots of interesting little bits of information. At times, my republican tendencies flared up, especially when hearing about the protocol - the sailors had to wash the decks every morning in silence, before the Royals arose, and only hand gestures were used (I can imagine a few!) and if they encountered a Royal Personage, they were to stand at attention until this Royal Personage had passed by. Ridiculous!

But it was really interesting, because you get to see in the sailors' quarters (cramped) and the officers quarters (not quite so cramped, but pretty tight). Mind you, Queenie's rooms were not exactly spacious either. I picked up a few tips too. I may change my cushions to a more royal arrangement...

The engine room was amazing - all glowing and brassy and pipes and dials and not a spot of dust or grime anywhere. It took us a couple of hours to get around. Well worth it.

We had to have a Royal Scone, of course. I noted there was no 'Gumboot' tea, so had to make do with some posh stuff.

While over in the wilds of North Edinburgh, we got some smoke pellets for the chimney chappie on Friday. This had been the main reason for the journey, but the Royal Scone was just a bonus.

On the way back there were traffic snarl ups every way we went. Miles long. People getting ratty and doing u-turns and going up other roads which were equally as stationary. Turns out there was a garden party at the Palace, and one or other Royal Personage was hobnobbing with the hoi polloi.

Doing something Very Exciting tomorrow. Another first.