44 Scotland Street

The series of books written by Alexander McCall Smith under the title of 44 Scotland Street revolves around the tenants of this fictitious address of a real street in New Town in Edinburgh. The main characters include a very insightful and smart young boy called Bertie, his awful mother and others such as the intellectual Domenica Macdonald. 

Scotland Street was a pleasant stroll from our apartment, which took us past shops, art galleries and cafes inhabited by the prototypes of the characters portrayed in McCall Smith’s very readable series. This is so obviously his turf and his people and he portrays their everyday struggles and dilemmas with such charm, compassion and insight that you feel that know them and would recognise them should they pass you on the street. 

I was so happy to visit.

Here I am at the corner of Scotland Street.

 And if you close your eyes there is No. 44 just to the left.

 And below is the view along Scotland Street, 

from the entrance to No. 44.

On the (rail) road to Scotland

Train travel is by far my favourite way to travel. I don't know why it's not more popular.

I particularly enjoy being able to read, look out the window at the scenery AND drink coffee. 

Bliss.

This is us heading to Scotland from London, having spent overnight in a Hotel near Heathrow. We decided not to hire a car and drive like we have before (over about five days). And I'm glad we did. We were able to relax and enjoy the changes in scenery, and arrive in Edinburgh with enough time to enjoy exploring our truly delightful apartment (thank you Morag!) before heading out for food.