50 Gems of Lothian: The History & Heritage of the Most Iconic Places

Lothian lies along the south side of the broad estuary of the Forth. Its strategic location and political and economic importance, with Edinburgh at its centre, has made the county witness to some of the most significant events in Scottish history. This is reflected in the remarkable wealth of architectural heritage spanning thousands of years. Castles, royal palaces, churches and industrial buildings of national importance abound in the county. 50 Gems of Lothian explores the places that make the county special and tell the fascinating story of its rich and varied past.Author Jack Gillon seeks out some of the favourite landmarks, lesser-known locations and hidden treasures of the region. He takes the reader from Edinburgh, with its castle, the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyrood House, to East Lothian’s historic Tantallon and Hailes Castles, quaint villages and the natural beauty of the area’s fine beaches.Among the gems of Midlothian are the glorious fifteenth-century Rosslyn Chapel, which was the setting for the finale of The Da Vinci Code and described by its author Dan Brown as ‘the most mysterious and magical chapel on earth’. The author also explores the highlights of West Lothian including the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Linlithgow Palace (birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots) and the impressive Hopetoun House, near Queensferry. All of these and more await the reader. 50 Gems of Lothian will appeal to residents as well as visitors to the area.