East Lothian
East
Lothian is full of charming towns and villages inviting you
to browse in art galleries, museums and gift shops while you
can also discover much of Scotland's history in the region's
castles, churches and country houses. Visit North Berwick, a
smart seaside resort with attractive beaches, a picture postcard
harbour and the award-winning Scottish Seabird Centre.
Local Places of Interest and Activities
Tantallon
Castle — A formidable stronghold set atop cliffs
on the Firth of Forth, Tantallon Castle was the seat of the
Douglas Earls of Angus, one of the most powerful baronial families
in Scotland.
In the late 14th century, they built a great stone curtain across
a rocky promontory overlooking the Bass Rock. Its lofty towers
and halls provided an imposing residence befitting a feudal
lord and his household and suitably strong defences. Tantallon
served as a noble fortification for more than three centuries
and endured frequent sieges. During Cromwell's invasion in 1651
it suffered heavy damage and its days as one of the country's
mightiest castles came to a close.
Glenkinchie
Distillery — A visit to Glenkinchie, home of
Edinburgh Malt involves a pleasant into the rolling farmland
of East Lothian. Here you can see the distillers at work employing
the excellent Scottish barley and pure clear water from the
nearby Lammermuir Hills in the making of a capital malt in every
respect. An exhibition of malt whisky is housed in the listed
red brick buildings and the dram in the distillery bar usually
satisfies any further thirst for knowledge.
Lennoxlove
— dating from the 14th Century, is the home of the Duke
of Hamilton, Scotland's premier Duke, and is situated in 600
acres just 25 minutes drive south east of Edinburgh. Originally
built in the 14th century for the Maitlands of Lethington, the
house was named Lennoxlove after Frances Teresa Stewart, Duchess
of Richmond and Lennox, a renowned beauty and favourite of Charles
II. Lennoxlove was acquired by the 14th Duke of Hamilton in
1946 and remains a splendid setting for the famous Hamilton
Palace collection of furniture and paintings as well as mementoes
of Mary Queen of Scots. Only open on certain days of the week
for public viewing.
Scottish
Seabird Centre (North Berwick) — An award winning
wildlife visitor centre and one of Scotland's five star attractions.
From its stunning location overlooking the sea and islands of
the Forth, visitors enjoy a close encounter with nature to remember.
The ultimate in remote viewing, cameras on the islands beam
back live panoramas and close-ups onto giant screens of such
good quality that visitors can even read the rings on individual
birds' feet. New this year are boat safaris to the islands,
with experienced guides on board.
John
Muir House (Dunbar) — John Muir's life and work
has inspired people all over the world. Now the Dunbar birthplace
of the pioneering conservationist has been transformed into
a new visitor attraction. The stunning interpretative centre
highlights the work and achievements of this remarkable man.
Born in Dunbar in 1838, John Muir emigrated with his parents
to the United States where he campaigned for the preservation
of natural environments through his work as an environmentalist,
geologist and botanist.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s
capital city is famous for it’s history, architecture,
festivals, friendly people, and city walking. The city is divided
between the Old Town and the New Town. The Old Town is where
you will find the vast amount of ancient buildings whilst the
New Town is more a celebration of business, order and classical
Georgian architecture. This is the terrain of the shops, offices
and banks as well as many bars and cafes. The dock area of Leith
to the north of the city centre is also an upcoming area that
has seen much development in recent years. A great way to get
a good feel for the city is to take one of the Open Top Bus
City Tours. The majority of these tours leave from Waverley
Station and allow you to hop on and off as you wish at each
stop.
Local Places of Interest and Activities
Edinburgh
Castle - Edinburgh Castle has stood guard high over
the city since 1085. One of the city's most distinctive and
most visited landmarks, Edinburgh castle is perched high up
in the city centre on the craggy remains of an extinct volcano.
It was also the site of an Iron Age fort. Among its attractions
are the Great Hall, a great siege gun, Mons Meg, and the tiny
room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI of Scotland
and I of England.
Holyrood
Palace - Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace
of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is The Queen's official residence
in Scotland. Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, the Palace
of Holyroodhouse is closely associated with Scotland's turbulent
past, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here between
1561 and 1567.
Royal
Yacht Britannia – Located in Leith. For over
forty years Britannia served the Royal Family, travelling over
one million miles. They offer a self led audio tour of four
decks of the ship and a visitor centre.
Royal
Mile – The walk takes you in a straight line
from Edinburgh Castle all the way down the hill to the Palace
of Holyroodhouse, passing the major sights of St Giles Kirk
and Parliament House, and on to Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park.
The main street, is crowded with 'lands' (or tenements) many
storeys high, and punctuated by tiny cobbled 'closes' or alleys
off to each side.
Shopping
– Edinburgh has a wide variety of shopping from the largers
stores along Princes St where best buys are Scottish crystal,
tartans, woolens, antiques and the omnipresent shortbread biscuits.
This historic street is worth a visit. The Old Town provides
a huge variety of shops catering for every taste. from whisky
to the occult and from Highland Dress to Playing Cards. There
are Galleries, Antique Shops, Crafts, Jewelry, Textiles, Cameras
and Electrical Goods. You will find hostelries whose history
goes back for centuries next door to the most cosmopolitan of
restaurants. Whatever your taste, you will find somewhere to
enjoy eating and drinking in the Old Town. And it isn't all
in the Royal Mile, for some of the most intriguing shops, the
most enjoyable food and drink, you must explore the Grassmarket
and the Bridges and look down the interesting side streets and
closes.
Edinburgh
Crystal Visitor Centre – Just 30 minutes from
the city centre. Learn the history of glass-making and see examples
of exquisite pieces made by Edinburgh Crystal over the last
130 years. See the glass blowers take molten glass from the
furnace and breathe life into it. Watch a master cutter transform
a plain crystal glass into a beautiful piece of intricately
cut crystal. Try cutting a glass yourself to really appreciate
why it takes seven years of training to become one of our master
cutters. The Retail Outlet stocks the world's largest selection
of Edinburgh Crystal. In the ground floor shop you will find
every item of Edinburgh Crystal currently made for sale. You
can also purchase "one-off" pieces of crystal such
as vases and bowls created by our cutters and engravers.
Edinburgh
Military Tattoo – Takes place each year during
the festival in August. The show contains performances by Massed
Military Bands and the world-famous Massed Pipes & Drums,
Massed Highland Dancers, the haunting sound of the Lone Piper,
and acts from across the globe, including India, South Africa,
New Zealand and the Far East played in the unique setting of
historic Edinburgh Castle.
National
Museum of Scotland - The museum of Scotland, completed
in November 1998, is a fine example of traditional and modern
architecture working in harmony. Inside the displays are fascinating
and beautifully presented, with interactivity and evocative
exhibits (oldest locomotive engine, Roman treasure, a Viking
skeleton, and more) adding to the experience.
Royal
Botanic Garden Edinburgh – This verdant oasis
in Edinburgh's New Town area and Scotland's answer to Kew gardens
is not only a place to learn about exotic flora, but its lush
surroundings make it the perfect place to wile away a sunny
afternoon.
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