Edinburgh Doors Open Day

We are so lucky to live in such an architecturally and culturally rich city as Edinburgh and today's Doors Open Day was the perfect opportunity to appreciate some of that heritage.

First stop was at Edinburgh Photographic Society, where else you may ask, in Great King Street. An amazing building bought by the Society in 1954 and maintained through members' subscriptions and generous donations. Enthusastic and welcoming staff showed us round one of whom - this will give you a laugh - exclaimed that I looked like What's-her-name Knightley. Those of you who know me will all agree that I do indeed have a remarkable likeness to Keira, given that one of my arms is about the same BMI as her whole being.

Anyway, on then to Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh on Queen Street. After looking round these extravagantly sumptuous surroundings, no need to wonder any more whence all our tax contributions disappear to.

Fuelled by coffee and cake, we then went to The Danish Cultural Institute on Doune Terrace. All wooden floors, white walls and calm, as you would expect. A very relaxed, look round at your leisure atmosphere and welcoming invitation to anyone who wishes to come back.

Last stop of the day was, to my mind, the best - B+B Edinburgh in Rothesay Terrace. This was originally built for John Ritchie Findlay, the editor of The Scotsman newspaper, in 1883. An awesome building that is now run as an hotel. This shot of Dean Village is taken from the balcony off the breakfast room. If only I'd brought my pj's and toothbrush with me...