Day 5 | Edinburgh Gluten Free & Over 60 – The Queen’s Yacht Britannia & Acts of Kindness in Scotland

Our final full day in Edinburgh was a mix of royal history, solo exploring, and quiet moments of kindness that truly captured the heart of Scotland.

The Great Gluten-Free Breakfast Search

Breakfast in Scotland was one of the toughest meals for me as a gluten-free traveler. It actually took four bakeriesbefore I finally found a place that could serve something safe! Most mornings I made do with just a coffee, but this time I struck gold at Embo.

They were kind enough to prepare eggs and bacon — no gluten-free toast, as they had run out — but it was perfect. After several mornings of light starts, I was just grateful to have something warm and filling.

Meanwhile, poor Tammy was still under the weather with what we nicknamed the “Scottish cooties.” So, I set off solo to explore for the day.

A Photographer’s Dream Stop – WEX Photo Video

Before heading to my main destination, I made a quick stop at WEX Photo Video in Edinburgh. As a photographer, this was such a treat! I picked up a new camera clip for my belt and extra SD cards for my GoPro.

Since injuring my shoulder last year, carrying heavy camera gear all day has been tough. Attaching my camera to my hips has made a huge difference — it’s much easier on the shoulders and keeps everything within reach for those spontaneous shots.

Moments of Kindness in the City

On my walk toward the Royal Yacht Britannia, I must have looked a little lost (which, to be honest, I was!). A lovely local woman stopped, smiled, and said, “You look a bit lost — can I help you?” She kindly pointed me in the right direction and even made sure I knew which tram to take.

That small act of kindness perfectly captured the warmth and helpfulness of the Scottish people. Every interaction I had in Edinburgh reflected that same genuine spirit.

Later that evening, while Tammy and I were searching for somewhere to have dinner, we witnessed another touching moment. A local gentleman stopped to talk with a homeless man sitting on the street. He knelt down, had a kind conversation, and then offered him some money. Watching that exchange of compassion reminded me once again of the kind hearts and humanity of the Scottish people.

Travel isn’t just about the landmarks and the photos — it’s about the moments of connection and empathy that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Touring The Queen’s Yacht Britannia

Next on my list was the Royal Yacht Britannia, one of my favorite experiences of the trip. I braved the Edinburgh tram for the first time on my own — and it was easier than expected!

The tour is self-guided with an audio handset, which I loved because it let me explore at my own pace. I lingered over the details, imagining what life was like aboard the Queen’s beloved yacht.

What struck me most was seeing the photo of Queen Elizabeth II wiping away tears during the ship’s retirement ceremony. She was always so composed and dignified — this rare glimpse of emotion was touching and deeply human.

After exploring, I stopped in the Royal Deck Tea Room for lunch — a simple ham sandwich on gluten-free breadwith tea. It wasn’t fancy, but it hit the spot, and I even took a to-go box for Tammy.

Palace of Holyroodhouse & Arthur’s Seat

Once Tammy felt well enough, we made our way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the royal family’s official residence in Scotland. Unfortunately, we arrived too late for a full tour, but we admired the view through the gates — still majestic even from outside.

We also drove by Arthur’s Seat, hoping to hike it, but between Tammy recovering and a recent fire that had affected the area, we decided to just enjoy the view instead.

🍽️ Dinner Misadventures & Lessons Learned

By the time we were ready for dinner, we realized we hadn’t planned ahead — and in Edinburgh, that can be tricky! Many restaurants were booked, and a few didn’t offer gluten-free options.

We finally found a table at Landy’s, where I ordered a non-fried fish and chips-style meal. It wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but after a long day, it was a welcome meal and a reminder that a little preplanning goes a long way when traveling with dietary restrictions.

Reflections on Our Edinburgh Adventure

Even with the challenges — from finding gluten-free meals to last-minute dinner scrambles — our last day in Edinburgh was filled with grace, history, and kindness.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was fascinating and beautifully preserved, but what I’ll remember most are the people — the woman who helped me find my way and the man who showed compassion to another.

Scotland truly stole my heart. 💙

Captured with my GoPro
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Watch all the adventures: 🔗 Edinburgh Gluten Free & Over 60 Playlist
Read the full travel story with photos, check out other blog posts on my website.