Perth: The Scone Palace, St. John's Kirk and the Black Watch Museum

We ran into the First Saturday Street Market in Perth.  It was an added bonus to our day, especially since there was an abundance of samples!

This Scotch egg is very common.  It is a semi-hard boiled egg surrounded by sausage. 

 We tried the haggis eggs, and I must admit, with the correct mind set, they were just fine.  Tastes just like sausage.

When we arrived at St. John's Kirk (church), they were preparing for a recital, but they let us look around even though it was not open to the public.  The Kirk was consecrated by Bishop David de Bernham in 1242, but there was a building on this site before that.  They take pride in the fact that this is still a working church and not just an ancient monument.  This is the oldest church in Perth and yet another church where John Knox preached (1559).

Front of St. John' Kirk

Archway entrance through the castle wall at Scone (scoon) Palace.  

This is the site where Robert I  was crowned King of Scotland in 1306.

The palace

Moot Hill is the site of the crowning of Scottish kings.  It was also the site that held the Stone of Scone before it was stolen and taken to Westminster Abbey.

The Murray Star Maze was a highlight of the day for the boys.

The Black Watch Castle and Museum is the home of Scotland's premier and oldest Highland regiment.  

The Balhousie Castle is a petite castle (I never thought those two words could go together!).  It sits on a very peaceful part of Perth, close to the center of town.  It originated in the 12th century, but the castle, in it's current form, dates to the 1860's.

Josh is ready for action.

The Black Watch have served in almost every corner of the globe, sometimes in battle wearing kilts as pictured throughout the museum.

Interesting cathedral that we passed on the way back to the train station.

Just in case Tommy needs to rent a kilt, we know where to go!

Here's the boys after walking through 6+ miles of Perth - still smiling, though their hair and eyebrows look a little out of place.

Beautiful way to end a fantastic day - downtown St. Andrews at sunset.