Borders Railway

After many years of campaigning and hard work, the Borders railway line has reopened from Edinburgh to Tweedbank, reversing Dr Beeching's closure of the line in the 60's.

Work began on the 31 mile route in 2010 and opened for the first public train journey last month.

A4 class steam loco Union of South Africa has been creating a lot of interest in the railway and providing a welcome influx of visitors to the area. The steam tours are due to stop on 18th October.

Hopefully a deal can be reached to resume steam on the line next year.

Edinburgh at Night

After walking around the Royal Mile all afternoon enjoying the atmosphere of the Fringe, we decided to head for Calton Hill to look down on the city as day turned to night.

The city has a very different feel after dark and from my viewpoint I could see along Princes Street and across to the castle.

The evening finished with a fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle as part of the Tattoo presentation.

Princes Street and Balmoral Hotel's clock tower

Edinburgh Castle

Fireworks display

Fireworks

Edinburgh Fringe 2015

Hailed as the biggest arts festival in the world, Edinburgh Fringe provides entertainment from music and dance to drama and comedy.

By day the performers gather on the Royal Mile handing out fliers and puting on short previews of their act.

The public gather round the makeshift stages and enjoy the colourful entertainment.

With people coming from all corners of the world to take part and also to spectate, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to come in August.

A man in his underpants juggling machettes
while balancing on top of a latter

Performers from 'The Korean Beautiful Performance' parade along the Royal Mile

'Fourth Monkey' actress handing out fliers

'Swingerella' possibly looking for a handsome prince

Music and dance from 'Split Second'

Hats with sunflowers

Girl playing her violin

'Afropella Night' a cappella singers from Ghana

Asian dancer

Dramatic poses underneath Adam Smith's statue

Cast member from 'Distinguished Gentlemen'

A tribute to 'The Blues Brothers'

'Hansel &Gretel' actress

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Every August Edinburgh plays host to the largest Arts festival in the world.

Acrobats, singers, actors and human statues all competed for the public's attention along a pedestrian only part of the Royal Mile. The public were only too happy to take in the colourful entertainment.

The performers were all happy to pose for photographers and hand out fliers for their theatre performances.

Edinburgh Castle

Mention Edinburgh and the first thing you think of is the Castle.

Standing high in the middle of the city, Edinburgh Castle has dominated the skyline for centuries. The castle played a major role in the wars of Independence and has been a military base since the 17th century.

Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's leading tourist destination and is part of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.

A view of the castle from Princes Street Gardens

Edinburgh Castle esplanade

Saint Margaret's Chapel is the oldest surviving part of the castle

Foog's Gate

Statue of soldier and his horse

Scottish National War Memorial

The One o'clock Gun has been sounding out since 1861

Statue of an officer on horseback

The Esplanade is turned into an arena for the Military Tattoo

Day Trip

I have a very enjoyable change of scenery today, visiting a place I have not been for several years.

I had forgotten what a busy and vibrant place it was, especially at this time of year.

Just off the bus and I could see a ferris wheel and feel the buzz going around

Market stalls were set up and entertainers kept their audiences entertained.

The castle is visited by thousands from around the world every day.

The view from the castle extends over the town to the sea beyond.

I have not mentioned where I am, but I'm sure most people will recognise it.