Edinburgh and Lothians Guide

Edinburgh is the historic and culture capital of Scotland. This more than 1000 year old city has been the centre of the country for years. The Royal Mile in the old town still holds much of its medieval feel, at the top of it is Edinburgh Castle. This imposing castle sits on top of a volcanic rock and can be seen virtually through-out the city. Walking thoughout the old town and its narrow closes (alleyways) you can imagine how it was during the medieval ages. In the centre of the Royal Mile is the heart of Midlothian which here many people were hung in the dark ages, it is ritual to spit in the heart as you walk by. Sitting in the same square is the Tron Kirk and St.Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh's religious focal points for about 900 years. A short walk a way from high street is Greyfriar's Graveyard, home to Bobby, a dog that capture the heart's of the children of Edinburgh, the story has been re-created by Disney in a few films. The Graveyard also has a much darker history before Bobby, used as a prison for the Covenanters, and synonymously visited by body snatchers (grave robbers). At the bottom of the mile is Holyrood Palace, used as the Royal Residence since the 15th century. Other interesting things to see in the old town are, the Whisky Heritage Museum, Edinburgh Woollen Mills, John Knox House, Camera Obscura and the Edinburgh Vaults.

Adjacent is Edinburgh's New Town and it's famous Princes Street which is the high end shopping centre of the city. Sitting across the road on the gardens side is the Sir Walter Scot monument, otherwise known as the Gothic Rocket, 287 steps up a the narrow spiral staircase is a great panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. Behind Princes Street is Rose street; a pedestrian street lined with pubs and restaurants from start to end. The tourism office is located at Waverly Centre where you can obtain information on sights of Edinburgh and Scotland, Playhouse shows, Edinburgh Festivals and more.

Midlothian surrounds Edinburgh, home to the Pentlands Hills with great views of the city. A great location for hiking, biking, and other nature activities. But a must see is the Rosslyn Chapel, included in the Dan Brown novel and movie with Tom Hanks "Da Vinci Code". Rosslyn Chapel is an important landmark of Scottish History, the surrounding hills have indured many battles including a famous battle where William Wallace led 8,000 Scots to defeat the 30,000 strong English army. The beauty of the building has been written about from such great Scottish poets as Robert Burns and William Wordsworth.

East Lothian is a nice side trip from the city; quaint towns, unspoiled beaches and rolling hills. Home to some of Scotland's best and oldest golf courses such as Dunbar, North Berwick, Musselburgh, Gullane and The Open Championship course at Muirfield (22 golf courses in total). Sights in East Lothian include Tantallon Castle, Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery, Dirleonton Castle, North Berwick Sea Bird Centre to the Bass Rock, Belhaven Brewery (oldest beer in Scotland) and the Museum of Flight; home of the Concord. Haddington is also a nice town to visit.

West Lothian, once known as Linlithgow, is on the route from Edinburgh to Glasgow, while it is not particularly marked as a tourist destination there are a few interesting places to stop and visit enroute. Linlithgow Palace - Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, Hopetoun House stately mansion with a park overlooking the River Forth, Cairnpapple prehistoric burial site, and Blackness Castle are a few sights worth visiting.
The Lothians have for a long time in history been the glue that holds Scotland together. Home of the Kings and Queens of Scotland, and its land has been the scene of many of battles for Scotland's fight for independence. Be sure to contact one of our tour specialist to customize a tour here.