Yes Hamish it was nice to see that the "building site" around St Giles had finally been finished - they were still at it on my October visit.

Have never attempted to get into Deacon Brodie's, as you say it's always rather crowded!

The Braveheart chap wasn't there on the Monday, maybe he has a day off then or was elsewhere. I bought a couple of fridge magnets with him on from one of the shops too. Interestingly he told me he is a cousin of the Princess of Denmark! I would take that to be Crown Princess Mary who is an Australian of Scottish descent if it's true.