Cam's Journal Entrees Day 11: Murrayfield, Castles, and One Last Climb

Our final day in Edinburgh was a memorable one, full of rich history, breathtaking views, and a little uphill work to earn them. We started the day with a tour of Scottish Gas Murrayfield, the home of the Scottish national rugby team. We were able to walk down to the pitch, explore the locker rooms, and visit the press area. It was fascinating to learn about the longstanding traditions tied to the stadium and the legendary “Voice of Rugby,” Bill McLaren.

One of the most unique things we learned was about a woman who climbs a ladder to the top of the stadium roof before each match. She was fully dressed in a traditional Scottish kilt to play the national anthem on bagpipes. It was a fun and unexpected detail that really shows how proud the culture is of its traditions.

The McLaren exhibit also caught my attention. His handwritten call sheets were so detailed and compact that a magnifying glass was placed next to them in the display. It made me appreciate how much prep goes into calling a match, especially in an era without digital tools.

Later in the day, we had free time to explore. My friends and I returned to Edinburgh Castle for a closer look and decided to hike up Compton Hill. The climb was no joke, but once we reached the top, the view of the city was stunning. It was the perfect way to close out our trip.

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