Linlithgow Palace, Scotland

One of the principal residences of the Scottish monarchs in the 15th and 16th centuries. James V, and Mary Queen of Scots were born here.

Several stories high, you can access many rooms, spiral stairs, corridors, halls, and the top of one of the high towers. A grand view today, in the distance, the three bridges over the Forth.

Extra shots of the view, and also the King's Fountain, commissioned by James V in 1537. It is the oldest fountain in the U.K. Restored in 2005, quite magnificent.

We also enjoyed the 2.3 mile walk around the Loch, followed by dinner, and a catch up on Far East travels at The Greenhouse.