Kingdom of Scotland

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After the first full day in Edinburgh, it was absolutely clear that in the heats and minds of its citizens, Scotland is a kingdom on to itself.

After touring Edinburgh Castle, viewing the Stone of Scone, which was only returned to Scotland a little over 10 years ago by Queen Elizabeth.  The stone of scone was the traditional seat on which all Scottish Kings were coronated upon, until Edward I (Longshanks) conquered Scotland and stole the stone in 1296.  It was used in every coronation of a British Monarch since then, only after the Stuart Kings and Queen Mary were coronated as monarchs of both Scotland and England did scottish rulers use the stone.  The stone is still to be used in any future coronations in Westminster Abbey in England.

Edinburgh Castle
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One unexpected highlight was the Scottish Parliament Building.  After devolution and reinstatement of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 after a nearly 300 year absence due to the Act of Union in 1707.  The building is thoroughly modern in an ancient European city and stands out as a building for the people.  Compared to Edinburgh Castle, which served as a military bastion to control the city or Holyrood Palace to demonstrate the wealth and power of the monarchy; The Scottish Parliament building communicates the exact opposite.