Craigentinny Marbles

I'm pretty certain these have been blipped before, and that may be where I read about them first. The 'marbles' name came about in reference to the friezes on this tomb bearing a resemblance to the Elgin Marbles (sort of). The tomb is to William Henry Miller, and it's immense. However, the strangest thing is its modern day lcoation, somewhat changed from the 1860s when it was built, sitting in amongst a bungalow esate and sidling up to a bowling green car park.

A slightly more famous person is buried in nearby Piershill Cemetery. Not that many people have heard of the Great Lafayette. There's been a bit of coverage lately as we're coming up to the centenary of his death next year, and Festival Theatre is planning something. The reason for that is that he died in a theatre on the same site when a fire broke out and he was amongst a number who perished. Lafayette was a contemporary and friend of Houdini (and as famous at the time); an illusionist of immense fame. When in Edinburgh his small dog, Beauty, died. Lafayette was determined that Beauty was buried in a 'normal' cemetery, and after much searching about Piershill agreed to bury the dog, with one condition. When Lafayette died he must be interred with the dog.

I'm sure they weren't expecting that to happen just a few days later. Lafayette's life, and death, are an astounding read. And given his fame in his day it's surprising his grave isn't subject to people visiting to see it all the time.

It really does pay to find out about your nearby interests - these both being within a mile or so of the house.

Mind you, we got out of the city as well - heading into East Lothian and up into the hills for some snow, and some amazing displays from a group of Lapwings. The calls sounded like something out of a sci-fi movie, and the acrobatic displays were a tumbling extravaganza.

But the BIG news of the day... Remember this blip? Well it paid off, the blue tits started nesting today. But for some reason the video won't upload to YouTube. Grrrr!