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Odds n' Ends..! |
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The Lothians are known as the Soul of Scotland. The rich countryside, and scenic coastline is bordered by the
Firth of Forth in the north, and the unspoiled Pentland Hills in the south. This region is rich in culture
and history, and is definitely worth a visit!
There are many historic towns such as Linlithgow, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, James V and favourite
residence of all the Stuart Kings. Linlithgow Palace also housed Oliver Cromwell, Bonnie Prince Charlie and,
after Culloden, the Duke of Cumberland. Nearby Haddington has been a Royal Burgh since the time of King
David I. There are also traditional Scottish seaside resorts like North Berwick and Dunbar and fascinating
villages like Athelstaneford (where the Scots adopted the Saltire as their flag after it was seen in the
sky during a 9th century battle) and Newtongrange, home of the Scottish Mining Museum.
There are grand historic houses, castles and churches nearly everywhere you look. Tantallon Castle, 12th
century romantic Dirleton Castle and Lennoxlove House are all in East Lothian within a few miles of
each other. Tantallon is set on the edge of the cliffs, looking out to the Bass Rock and was a
stronghold of the Douglas family. It has earthwork defences and a massive 50ft high 14th century
curtain wall with towers.
In Midlothian the 15th century Rosslyn Chapel houses the finest stone carvings in Scotland. In West Lothian
there's Hopetoun House which was designed by the famous Adam family of architects and the 17th century
House of the Binns with its beautiful plaster ceilings and furnishings.
Other attractions include the Museum of Flight, John Muir House (birthplace of the founder of the US
conservation movement) and Glenkinkie Whisky Distillery (the only remaining malt whisky distillery
close to Edinburgh).
The Lothians are also about open space, clean air and outdoor activities. Golfers can pick up a golf pass making
it inexpensive to enjoy a round on 22 courses in the area. There are well marked country parks and nature
paths for walkers. Cyclists will enjoy the quiet country lanes and ornithologists will be in bird heaven,
Bass Rock is an impressive off-shore island and home to the third largest gannetry in the world.
Edinburgh and the Lothians are linked by modern roads and fast, efficient rail and bus services,
making it easy to combine tranquil rural life with the life of the city.
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