Wednesday, June 3. Today was our last day at the college. We had a speaker from Edinburgh University, Paddy Bort. He spoke about Scotland's government and politics. There was quite a bit going on in the world of UK politics during our trip so it was interesting to hear from someone who has knowledge on the topic. I also had the opportunity to meet the Principal of Stevenson College, Brian Lister. Everyone at Stevenson has been extremely helpful and very gracious hosts.

After our lecture at the college we headed back to to the city for a few tours. The first tour we attended was the Whiskey Heritage Centre. It is located at the top of the Royal Mile, another hike up the Mound. The students weren't too happy about that. First thing in the whisky tour is a ride in a barrel to see the actual process of how whisky is made. After the ride, they provide information on the different areas of Scotland where whisky is made. This is where you have the chance to sample whisky. It must be an acquired taste! In addition to the tour and tasting you have the opportunity to see the world's largest collection of Scoth Whiskies. Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection is huge!! The pictures don't do it justice.

We had a little time before our next tour so I tried to squeeze in some shopping and lunch. On a mission to find Luke a Scotland "football strip" (soccer uniform). The afternoon tour was The Real Mary King's Close. A close in Edinburgh is a little narrow street between streets. Mary King's Close is said to be one of Scotland's most haunted areas. Situated just off Edinburgh's Royal Mile, Mary King's Close is a real step back in time. The close, or street, has a dark history, and since it reopened, it has become a major tourist attraction. It is a draw not only for ghost hunters, but also for anyone wishing to view a real 17th century street. We had a great tour guide who lead us through the dark tunnels and gave us history on how the close functioned in the 17th century. It was a little creepy and scary to think that is how people lived.

After leaving the Mary King Close tour, I received a text from Heather Sutherland that they have located a soccer uniform on Lotian Road, so I headed right over to Football Nacion and picked it up. Luke is going to love it.

Tonight we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. It was a group dinner for all the students and Heather Sutherland joined us.