A Photo from my Hometown 03: Dr. Neils Secret Garden

My hometown neighbourhood, Duddingston, is a former village suburb dating back to the 11th century. It has since been swallowed up by the expansion of Edinburgh and it lays on the edge of Holyrood Park, a 700-hundred-acre playground which features a dormant volcano and natural lochs. I feel so lucky to come from such a green place and yet remain so close to Edinburgh’s heart. It’s very much off the beaten path as far as tourism is concerned and it boasts several attractions such as The Sheep’s Heid, Scotland’s oldest pub which is often frequented by Royals. Bonnie Prince Charlie notably held his war council in the house next door to my own before the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745. The village is also well known as the setting of Henry Raeburn's painting ‘The Skating Minister’ from the 1790s.

This photo was taken during the summer of 2017. It reminds me and Victoria very much of Monet's gardens in Giverny. It truly is an oasis away from the bustling sounds of a European capital, and is perfect for a moment to take in the beauty of Scotland.

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