We had another incredibly kind wedding present from some of our friends — a helicopter tour of Edinburgh!
In fact, the voucher enabled us to choose from a list of about 20 different UK cities. But let’s be honest — who wouldn’t want to see Edinburgh from the sky? It’s definitely the prettiest city in the UK. Plus, it was definitely the easiest one to get to, making it a lovely day out rather than a weekend spent mostly on the motorway.
The helicopter tour took off from Craigie’s Farm, situated on a back road somewhere between Edinburgh Airport and Dalmeny. We could actually see the airport from the launch point.
An intense squall delayed things a bit. The weather was just passing through as we arrived at the check-in desk, and we had to wait nervously for an hour or so before getting the all clear to go up into the sky.
I was a little bit worried because I’d never been in a helicopter before. But I was reassured when one of the fellow passengers asked if the wind would affect things. The staff member said the wind would have no effect. The helicopter they normally use was being serviced, and the one we would be in was more powerful and very expensive. Nice.
Alex was much more relaxed.
As we took off, one of the first things we saw were the Forth bridges.
The tram depot and big roundabout at Edinburgh Gateway.
Looking out from the south west of the city towards the Pentlands.
Over Morningside, looking for our home!
Arthur’s Seat
Leith Docks
Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile
The Scottish Parliament
Calton Hill
Bristo Square (during the Fringe!).
George Square
Edinburgh Castle (with a cameo appearance from Argyle House, my workplace).
Murrayfield
Tynecastle
Cramond Island
The bridges again
In total, the flight lasted about 15 minutes. A true whistle-stop tour of Edinburgh.
We landed again, and I was very impressed that the helicopter stayed up in the air considering how bendy the rotors had become.
Of course, we bought the souvenir photo.
Adjacent to the helicopter landing site was the pick your own fruit!
We bought loads of strawberries, raspberries and blackberries — and spent the rest of the week eating them all.