We began our day in the most elegant way—tea and shortbread at Scone Palace. This isn’t just any grand home; it’s one of Scotland’s most historic sites. For centuries, Scone was the crowning place of Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. The famous Stone of Destiny once rested here, playing a central role in coronation ceremonies.
After tea, we were treated to a tour of the palace itself. Walking through its stately rooms, filled with antiques and portraits, gave us a glimpse into both royal history and the lives of the Earls of Mansfield, who still call the palace home today. The gardens and grounds were equally beautiful—peaceful, yet carrying centuries of stories within them.
From there, we made our way to St. Andrews, the Home of Golf. Our golf lesson was equal parts humbling and inspiring—it turns out swinging like a pro isn’t as easy as it looks! Still, to be learning the sport in the very place where it began over 600 years ago was something truly special.
Afterward, we wandered into town, exploring the ruins of St. Andrews Castle and the remains of St. Andrews Cathedral. The castle, once home to powerful bishops, still carries an air of authority despite its crumbled walls. The cathedral, once the largest church in Scotland, is breathtaking even in ruins—a reminder of how central this town once was to Scottish faith and politics.
As we drove through the quaint village of Cupar, I caught sight of sheep grazing in a green pasture with a modern windmill standing tall behind them. For a moment, I worried for their health—after all, windmills supposedly cause cancer. 😉 The sheep, of course, were blissfully unconcerned, happily munching away. In truth, wind energy has become a vital part of Scotland’s landscape, a modern chapter blending into the timeless countryside.
This evening we wrapped up our day with the Spirit of Scotland dinner show. We were treated to the ceremonial presentation of the haggis, carried in proudly to the sound of the bagpipes. The dish was addressed in the traditional way with Robert Burns’ famous poem “Address to a Haggis”, before being theatrically sliced open with a dirk (a Scottish dagger). Even if haggis itself isn’t everyone’s favorite, the pageantry around its presentation is such a lively and heartfelt celebration of Scottish culture. Afterward, we enjoyed spirited Scottish dancing and music, which kept the energy high all night.
✨ Did you know? The “Stone of Destiny” that once sat at Scone Palace was taken to Westminster Abbey in 1296 by Edward I, as a symbol of English dominance. In 1996, it was finally returned to Scotland, where it now rests in Edinburgh Castle—though it will still travel south for the next coronation.
Cleared For Take-Off! 