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Surrounding Scotland’s vibrant and historic capital city are a mix of commercial and low lying rural areas of mid Lothian west Lothian and east Lothian and together they make up the region of Edinburgh & the Lothians. Historically this region formed some of Scotland’s prime real estate, the Scottish aristocracy living within the protection of the mighty Edinburgh Castle. Today Edinburgh’s influence over the surrounding Lothians has granted them a ‘Greater Edinburgh’ like status, though the Lothians sounds much more romantic! The Lothians include some interesting features and sights of their own such as Rosslyn Chapel, one of Europe’s most outstanding small gothic cathedrals famed for its connections with the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail (especially to readers of Dan Browne). In this area you’ll also find the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots at Linlithgow Palace and a number of Castle ruins. But for most people the main draw to this part of Scotland and indeed to Scotland itself is Edinburgh. As Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh is a city, rich in culture, historic interest and intrigue. The city is built on seven hills of which the most dominant is Castle Rock on which Edinburgh Castle is perched overseeing the town in all directions. Edinburgh Old Town and New Town are both World Heritage Sites and contains some of the most stunningly beautiful architecture from the 15th, 17th and 18th Centuries to be found in all of Great Britain. Apart from Edinburgh Castle another imposing features on the skyline is Carlton Hill on which are built the Nelson Monument, the Burns Monument and the National Monument. But towering above all is Arthur’s Seat a 251-metre hill, which rewards the hardy walker with stunning views across Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth and across the Lothians. |
