Edinburgh Castle Party

Another fine day in conference land, marred somewhat by the onset of rain. This was particularly unwelcome since tonight is the conference party at Edinburgh Castle, and we had intended to get everyone to walk there. Instead, we laid on a couple of extra buses so that a good portion of the lightweights, natives of hot weather climates and unfit could get deposited directly on the esplanade.

The party was excellent. Sky had brought the Iron Throne to the castle, along with a couple of White Walkers. There was food and drink, bagpipes, a ceilidh (courtesy Tom Grassie and the Little Biggar Band) and also sword and axe fights in the Great Hall with The Clan. I'm told there was also a dressing up booth and photo shoot, but never actually found it.

If all these activities weren't enough, all the exhibits also remained open, so we got to walk around the Crown Jewels and the dungeons with no jostling or crowds. And even the low cloud, smirr and wind didn't dampen spirits too much - "very Scottish" remarked our guests.

The head counters said that 360 folk turned up, including Megan, Owen, Nick, Alexis, Cheryl & Malc - it was good to get a few locals in as well as the techn-folk. Megan had to leave earlyish, because she has an exam tomorrow, but I went out for an after party at Biddy Mulligans and the Brew Dog, ending up in my room with Matt, Steve and a bottle of whisky. It's going to be grim at 6:45 when the alarm goes off.