Borders - Edinburgh - Samye Ling

The day started cold and rainy. The kind of day everyone has in mind when they think of Scotland. Fourteen of us stayed to take part in the Edinburgh Easter Festival and a group of core runners went on to continue the relay to the Scottish Borders. The World Harmony Run was one of 29 groups represented in the Parade.

35,000 people lined up along the Mound and Princes street to watch us pass with our World Harmony Torch and flags. People clapped us, cheered us on, and the announcer gave a special note of welcome to us.

For the two hour period round the parade, the rain stopped and the temperature was nice. It was quite a thrill representing the Run in front of so many people. People seemed to know all about the Run immediately when they saw the torch and the flag with the logo. After being feted by the citizens of the capital, we mingled with the crowd, took photos of some of the youngsters with the Harmony Torch.

We then made our way to the Borders to catch up with our core runners, and it has to be said that the female part of the team certainly made up most of the running today! The group then entered Samye Ling Buddhist monastery together ( samyeling.org ). We were welcomed by the people there. Around 200 people had come to the monastery for a 9-day festival. We were shown the main temple, the shrines, stupas and were invited to join in a service. People took the time to draw in the special atmosphere of this lovely place, and repaired to the Tibetan Cafe to recount the day's various adventures. Another fine day a rainy Scotland.

Distance: 50km

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