111 Places in the Lothians and Falkirk That You Shouldn't Miss
GUIDE
This unique guide explores the broad arc of terrain that flanks the city of Edinburgh – the three old counties of East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian, plus the district of Falkirk, ancient hub of Central Scotland. It’s a rolling landscape dotted with multifarious sites of every era, concealed amidst its characterful towns, picturesque waterways, urban sprawl and quiet green spaces. Brooding castles, palatial mansions, poignant monuments and sacred ancient landmarks stand cheek-by-jowl with stark relics of industrial heritage and world-beating wonders of modern engineering. You can trace the proud vestiges of Rome’s final frontier, marvel at the fruitiness of a giant Georgian folly, walk into the secret birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and roam the coast that inspired an early environmental pioneer.
Myth mingles with reality in the hidden histories of this realm. You’ll encounter royal A-listers Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, plus a king from Arthurian legend, to say nothing of industrious goblins, enigmatic crusaders, tragic witches, elusive extra-terrestrials and a curious character covered in prickly plants.
Join Gillian Tait as she reveals 111 destinations with a difference around this diverse and fascinating region.
Gillian Tait
Gillian Tait was born in Edinburgh and grew up in other parts of Scotland. She studied art history and painting conservation at the universities of Edinburgh and London respectively, and worked in the museum sector for many years before reinventing herself as a researcher, editor, writer and photographer. She is the author and photographer of 111 Places in Edinburgh That You Shouldn’t Miss and 111 Places in Fife That You Shouldn’t Miss, and also contributed to 111 Places in Glasgow That You Shouldn’t Miss as photographer and editor. She lives in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.