Bilston

Settlement in Midlothian

Scotland

Bilston

Junction of A703 with A701 Credit: Anthony Parkes

Bilston is a small village located in Midlothian, Scotland. Situated approximately 10 miles southeast of Edinburgh, it falls within the Edinburgh City Region. With a population of around 1,500 people, it offers a peaceful and close-knit community atmosphere.

The village boasts a rich history, dating back to the 12th century when it was a rural settlement with farming as its main activity. Over the years, Bilston has seen significant changes, evolving into a residential area while still retaining its countryside charm. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills and open spaces, offering picturesque views and opportunities for outdoor activities.

In terms of amenities, Bilston offers a range of services to cater to residents' needs. It has a primary school, providing education for local children, along with a community center that hosts various events and activities. Additionally, there are several small businesses, including shops, cafes, and local tradespeople, ensuring convenient access to essential goods and services.

For those seeking recreational opportunities, Bilston benefits from its proximity to the Pentland Hills Regional Park. This vast natural area offers a multitude of walking and cycling trails, as well as opportunities for wildlife spotting and nature appreciation. Furthermore, the village is well-connected to Edinburgh and other nearby towns, providing easy access to cultural and entertainment venues, shopping centers, and employment opportunities.

Overall, Bilston presents a harmonious blend of rural tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an attractive place to reside for those seeking a quieter lifestyle within reach of city amenities.

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Bilston Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.870973/-3.1788996 or Grid Reference NT2664. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Junction of A703 with A701

Anthony Parkes

Roslin Memorial

War memorial in Roslin village

Graeme Smith

Poppy fields

Field of poppies growing near Roslyn Chapel. Pentland Hills in the background.

Dennis simpson

Entrance and Car Park IKEA

Tom Richardson

Roslin Poppies

A poppy field by Roslin village.

Andrew Wood

The Original

The Original Rosslyn Hotel in Roslin.

Andrew Wood

The A701 at Straiton

Viewed from the pedestrian access to the new retail park, with the original roadside buildings in the background.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Bronzed Beech, Bush

Small branch low down on a beech tree in the Bush Estate, catches the suns rays in a gap through the dense overhead canopy. Almost looks like a fill in flash has been used, but this was exactly what caught my eye on stroll through the Bush Estate.

Adam Ward

Sainsbury's at Straiton retail park

One of several large stores in the area, including IKEA and a recently-opened Asda.

Jim Barton

Car park, Straiton retail park

Part of the retail park on the S side of Edinburgh close to the City By-Pass.

Jim Barton

Retail perspective, Straiton

The units at the far end of this block are being modernised.

Jim Barton

Old railway cutting in Loanhead

Seen from the exit of the short tunnel shown in NT2865 : Old railway tunnel under Loanhead. For a reciprocal view, see NT2865 : The Tyne Esk Trail goes under Loanhead.

Jim Barton

Approaching Bilston Viaduct

The viaduct carried the railways to the coal mines not far to the south and was the longest span of the latticework type bridge in Scotland, according to the plaque shown in NT2864 : Bilston Viaduct plaque. It was refurbished in 1999 as part of the Tyne Esk Trail path and cycleway.

Jim Barton

Decorative plaque, Bilston Viaduct

A cast plaque with names of former stations on the Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin railway that served the coal and limestone industries in the 19th and 20th centuries. The plaque, at the N end of the bridge, is mounted on one of the original bearings that were replaced when the bridge was refurbished in 1999.

Jim Barton

Bridge bearing and plaque, Bilston Viaduct

One of the original bridge bearings that allowed the metal lattice structure to move by about 60mm (2.5 inches) due to thermal expansion between summer and winter. The flat base has rollers to accommodate fore-and-aft movement, while the central hinge pin allows for slight flexure of the structure. The bearings were replaced in 1999 when the bridge was refurbished for the Tyne and Esk path and cycleway. See NT2864 : Bilston Viaduct plaque for the text of the information plaque.

Jim Barton

Bilston Viaduct from the north

This impressive latticework structure spans the deep wooded ravine of Bilston Burn and was built to link up with the coalfields around Bilston and Roslin.

Jim Barton

Bilston Viaduct from the south

The bridge originally carried a branch of the Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin Railway, but is now used as a path and cycleway after being refurbished in 1999.

Jim Barton

Sheep grazing near Bilston

A rural scene not far from land reclaimed from disused coal mine workings. In the background is the ridge of Turnhouse, Carnethy, Scald Law and South Black Hill.

Jim Barton

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Bilston is located at Grid Ref: NT2664 (Lat: 55.870973, Lng: -3.1788996)

Unitary Authority: Midlothian

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders