Fire and brimstone accompanied by thunderous claps marked the end of the Edinburgh International Festival, the very end of August and probably the end of summer. It was a dramatic statement in smoke and light, tumbling over the ancient volcanic rocks of Edinburgh Castle, while a symphony orchestra played its heart out, striving to be heard over the running ribbon of bangs from the fireworks. If you’re going to do an ending, this is certainly one way to make it memorable, stunning the audience with awesome brilliance for all the senses.
There was something utterly timeless about this rather dramatic ending. All that smoke and gunpowder stirring long slumbering memories of battles, sieges and warfare fought along these ramparts in centuries past. The noise was certain to have woken all the sleepy ghosts of Edinburghs turbulent past, along with all of her current guests and residents. Visible from all seven of Edinburghs hills, this light and sound spectacular has become a traditional marker of these endings, a reminder that all good things will end. The drama and colour of Edinburghs August will give way to more subtle and subdued streets, filled with earnest students returning to their books and coffee.
Yet among the turmoil and change of beginnings and endings, some things will endure. Solid as stone and just as certain, Edinburgh Castle watches over her city, through each season and collection of visitors and residents. As summer ends and begins her slide towards autumns fruits, remember to look for the solid unchanging ground which holds our worlds stable, from the inside and out….. find your enduring patient Castle Rock, and let the fireworks dazzle then fade. Let the change roll around you and through, and yet you endure, as the breath rolls in and out of your body.
breathofgreenair 
Brilliant blog capturing the essence of Edinburgh. I lived just over the Firth of Forth for a few years and this blog just brought back the magic of the castle on the hill above the city. Thank you. Following you for more, Stephen.
Many thanks…although most of my posts now are from further north in the Highlands!!
I love the Highlands also.
Wonderful..we can embark onwards together on the Highland advemture😆💞
Must have been a sight to behold.
Wow – a glorious ending to the festival! We enjoyed the days we had too. Thank you for the joyful visit.
It’s always a dramatic ending to the festival….and suddenly the streets become quieter 🙂
It’s like coming home from a busy vacation – everything settles and you feel…good about the quietness.
We loved your visit too 🙂
♥
summer going out with a big bang….and letting the changes occur while remaining steady as a rock. Beautiful metaphors, again.
Thank you 🙂 You always notice the message, it’s great to hear!
Fantastic images and poetic thoughts to go with them. Now onto the next season…
Yes, onto the next season….with its mist and mellow fruitfulness!! My apple trees are groaning under the weight of their harvest this year.
You will be busy, lots of apple pies!!!
Yes…but the pie filling will have to wait till my little travels are over 🙂
Where are you going? Hope you take lots of photos to share…
oh I’m just up north in Plockton again 🙂
Hope you get some fine weather
Breathtaking images, great writing to go with ’em. Thanks for the “pictures”.
Always my pleasure to share 🙂
Amazing captures! Especially the first one, Wow!!
Thanks Amy….I loved that first one too 🙂
They certainly know how to do a ‘closing’ with a flair. 🙂
Indeed 🙂
What a glorious night that must have been!
It was stunning and very moving Gilly 🙂
Oh, lovely Edinburgh……
Poetry as always, Seonaid. I feel I know you better after visiting your beloved hometown. Thank you for sharing your interpretations.
That’s such a nice a nice thought Sharon, and I know exactly what you mean….knowing the place a person comes from enforces about their basic inner world 🙂
Oh here are your dramatic and gorgeous fireworks that I love. You even show the castle. What’s funny, is that here in Washington State there is a town called Castle Rock. I’m so excited to see your works as you do such an excellent job! Thanks!
Thank you Gwynn, and imagine that….another Castle Rock…it’s just such a good name isn’t it? Conjuring up all sorts of images and romantic notions 🙂 I always love to read your generous comments.