Excursions
For a Half Day
Rosslyn Chapel: Rosslyn Chapel (tel: (0131) 440 2159; fax: (0131) 440 1979; e-mail: rosslynch@aol.com; website: www.rosslynchapel.org.uk ), in Roslin, is one of the most fascinating churches in Britain. It has strong links with the Knights Templar, a medieval religious order who travelled to the Holy Land and believed to have brought back many treasures – some of which it is claimed are buried at Rosslyn. The chapel is full of rich carvings, including many ancient pagan symbols known as ‘green men’. It is situated approximately a 45-minute drive from the city centre – sign posted from the A701 to Penicuik. Bus 15A or First Bus 62 from central Edinburgh stops near the chapel. After visiting the chapel, the nearby Rosslyn Glen is a good place for a stroll. The chapel is open Monday to Saturday 1000-1700 and Sunday 1200-1645. Admission costs 4 (concessions are available).
For a Whole Day
Scottish Seabird Centre: The Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick (tel: (01620) 890202; fax: (01620) 890 222; e-mail: info@seabird.org; website: www.seabird.org ) gives visitors a unique opportunity to view the birdlife of the Firth of Forth. High-tech cameras, controlled by the visitor, allow close-up views of gannets on the Bass Rock (the world’s largest single rock gannetry) and nesting puffins on the island of Fidra. In winter, when many birds have migrated to warmer climes, visitors can watch breeding colonies of seals instead. The pleasant seaside town of North Berwick is also well worth exploring and is easily reached by train from Edinburgh – the centre is a 10-minute walk from the train station. First Edinburgh (tel: (0131) 663 9233) buses 124 and X5 also travel from Edinburgh to North Berwick. The centre is open daily 1000-1800 in the summer and 1000-1600 in the winter. Admission costs 4.95 (concessions are available).
Traquair House: The home of the Maxwell-Stuarts, Traquair House (tel: (01896) 830 323; fax: (01896) 830 639; e-mail: enquiries@traquair.co.uk; website: www.traquair.co.uk ), is the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, dating back to the 10th century. It is a fascinating place to visit, as the family was strongly involved with the Jacobite movement and there is a good collection of Jacobite memorabilia. The house also has its own brewery and grounds, which are rather lovely. Located a mile south of Innerleithen, Traquair House is on the A703 then the A703 in the direction of Peebles. By public transport, First Edinburgh (tel: (08708) 727271) bus 62 runs to Innerleithen, from where it is a short taxi ride. The house is open daily from mid April to the end of October – the grounds are open 1030-1730 (1600 Oct), while the house is open 1230-1730 (opening earlier at 1030 from June to the end of August). Admission to the house and grounds costs 5.60 (concessions are available) and to the grounds only costs 2.50.
Glasgow: This other famous Scottish city is less than one hour away by train. The Glasgow Tourist Information Centre, 11 George Square (tel: (0141) 204 4480; fax: (0141) 566 4073; e-mail: enquiries@seeglasgow.com; website: www.seeglasgow.com ) is open daily and provides information (see the Columbus Glasgow City Guide for more information).
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Excursions