"Such dusky grandeur clothed the height,
Where the huge castle holds it state,
And all the steep slope down,
Whose ridgy back heaves to the sky,
Piled deep and massy, close and high,
Mine own romantic town!"

''Marmion' - Sir Walter Scott

Edinburgh's Christmas may well have arrived but Autumn hasn't quite left us yet. I was taken by surprise to see this corner of West Princes Street Gardens looking as autumnal as it is, in stark contrast to the 'winter wonderland' of the East side.

This morning, thanks to Historic Scotland's St. Andrew's weekend giveaway, I was able to make it into the castle for the first time since moving here. The Royal Apartments and Great Hall were particular highlights for me; some very pretty spaces. Sadly, the weather wasn't playing game for getting photos of the city from the viewpoint that Castle Hill offers!

A wee wander through Princes Street, study-lunch with Anna, gym class, groceries and before I know it another Saturday is nearly over!