Midlothian

Historic County in

Scotland

Midlothian

Midlothian is a historic county located in the southeastern part of Scotland. It is bordered by the City of Edinburgh to the north, East Lothian to the east, the Scottish Borders to the south, and West Lothian to the west. The county covers an area of approximately 350 square miles (900 square kilometers) and has a population of around 90,000 people.

Midlothian is known for its rich history and heritage, with numerous historical landmarks and attractions. One of the most notable sites is Rosslyn Chapel, a stunning 15th-century chapel renowned for its intricate carvings and connections to the Knights Templar. The county also boasts several castles, including Craigmillar Castle and Crichton Castle, which offer visitors a glimpse into Scotland's medieval past.

In addition to its historical significance, Midlothian is home to beautiful natural landscapes. The Pentland Hills Regional Park, located in the southern part of the county, offers stunning views, hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as cycling and horse riding. The county is also intersected by the River Esk, which provides picturesque scenery and fishing opportunities.

Midlothian's economy is diverse, with a mix of industries including agriculture, tourism, retail, and manufacturing. The county is home to several major retail centers, such as Straiton Retail Park and Dalkeith town center, offering a range of shopping and dining options.

Overall, Midlothian is a picturesque and historically significant county in Scotland, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and economic opportunities.

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Midlothian Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.8778/-3.148 or Grid Reference NT2865. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View over Lasswade

Richard Webb

Road to Kings Acre golf courses

Richard Webb

Eskdale Drive

A wet morning in Bonnyrigg.

Richard Webb

Lasswade Old Kirkyard

The first recorded church on this site was dedicated in 1240, and the churchyard is the burial place of many worthy citizens. Subsequently an Adam church was built on the site in 1793, demolished in 1959.

M J Richardson

Lasswade Cemetery

M J Richardson

Mining Surveyors

This gravestone in Lasswade Old Kirkyard is apparently unique in Scotland, and shows two men surveying. One holds the plumb line, the other has the level on his shoulder and between them an early clinometer. The stone was erected in 1767 by John Ross, overseer of Melville coalworks in memory of his wife Marion McKenzie.

M J Richardson

Lasswade Cemetery

Richard Webb

Viaduct, Esk Valley Railway

A viaduct over the North Esk. The railway ran to Polton from Bonnyrigg and served paper mills.

Richard Webb

Footpath near Lasswade

The Roslin to Lasswade footpath

Tom Richardson

Footpath to Roslin

The start of the footpath on School Brae Lasswade

Tom Richardson

Lasswade Old Kirkyard

kim traynor

Lasswade Old Kirkyard

kim traynor

Mining Surveyors carving, Lasswade Old Kirkyard

Apparently unique in Scotland, this headstone was erected in 1767 by John Ross, overseer at Melville coalworks, for his wife Marion McKenzie. It shows a surveyor holding a plumb line while another supports the level on his shoulder with a clinometer between them for measuring inclines.

kim traynor

Gardener Stone carving, Lasswade Old Kirkyard

Although flaking stone makes it difficult to establish when the headstone was erected, it can clearly be read that William Willson died a nonagenerian, aged 92. His first wife, whose maiden name appears to be Colwell, died in 1737 and his second wife, Agnes Nisbet, in 1767. The emblems of a gardener's spade and rake can be made out just below the figure.

kim traynor

Drummond Aisle, Lasswade Old Kirkyard

The burial place of the renowned poet and scholar William Drummond of Hawthornden (1585-1649) who lived nearby. He gifted his library to the "Tounis College" in Edinburgh (the later University), thus helping it develop its own collection. Link

The aisle originally opened into the old church. When this was demolished, the aisle was restored in 1893 and received a new gate with a portrait plaque and the stone cross from the mediaeval church above. A further restoration was carried out in 1993.

kim traynor

Drummond Aisle interior, Lasswade Old Kirkyard

The burial aisle contains the effigy of a knight in full armour who is believed to have fought at the Battle of Roslin in 1303 during the Wars of Independence /Link

. He has been moved here from the aisle that was built for Robert Preston of Valleyfield (1757-1848) on the south side of the old church.

kim traynor