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’S COASTS AND WATERS 2020 , The , , Forth Valley & The

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Lying right on the , Edinburgh is a coastal city. to make time to stop off to see The Kelpies, two giant Venture beyond the city centre to explore the Port of equine sculptures which dominate the landscape. with its excellent bars and restaurants, or enjoy the beaches The Forth Rail Bridge, designated as a UNESCO World in areas such as or Portobello. Heritage Site is an awe-inspiring example of Victorian It’s a city in which it’s easy to get close to nature, especially engineering. Stop off in the charming coastal town along the famous , or the small lochs of to admire the view of it, plus adjacent to the famous Arthur’s Seat. the Forth Rail Bridge and the impressive Queensferry Crossing covering the expanse of the Firth of Forth. Just a few minutes from Edinburgh, East was the childhood home of celebrated naturalist and father of the Visit the city of Stirling to trace the path of the River National Parks, John Muir. The area has beautiful beaches Forth from one of the city’s highest points such as Stirling and abundant wildlife - seabirds, seals, dolphins, and even Castle or the . Further north, you will find the the occasional minke whale or basking shark can be spotted. Lake of – the only ‘lake’ in Scotland, since all other similar waterways in Scotland are known as ‘lochs’. In , hear the gentle babbling sounds of the River Esk as you wander through the enchanting Roslin Glen, near The Scottish Borders have a number of fascinating Rosslyn Chapel. You can board a barge at the Canal Centre at coastal nature reserves, where visitors can enjoy the Linlithgow, , and sail out along the , unspoiled natural environment as well as spotting the constructed over 200 years ago. When linked with the Forth rich and varied wildlife attracted to these areas. The and Clyde Canal, this provided the opportunity for the people region also has numerous sparkling rivers which offer of the time to traverse right across Scotland by barge. unlimited opportunities to enjoy pursuits such as wildlife watching, cycling, walking and exploring the history of Today the impressive and unique Wheel – the world’s the surrounding areas. first revolving boat lift – carries boats between the two canals, using less power than it takes to boil a kettle of water! Be sure

For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected] edinburgh 1 2 3 4 5

Water of Leith – The Water of Leith is Duddingston – At the foot of Forth Bridges – The three Forth Royal Yacht Britannia – Although she The Scotch Whisky Experience – one of Edinburgh’s hidden treasures. Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano in Bridges are an impressive sight as was a famous site across the globe as Scotland’s ‘Water of Life’ is It flows for 24 miles from its source in the heart of Edinburgh, lies Holyrood they span the Firth of Forth, she carried the British Royal Family celebrated at the Scotch Whisky the , winding its way Park, in the midst of which you will providing transport links between on a series of visits across the globe, Experience, right next to Edinburgh through the heart of some of the city’s find Duddingston Loch, a fresh water Edinburgh and . The magnificent the maritime origins of the Royal Castle. Step into a whisky barrel and most fascinating neighbourhoods, loch rich in birdlife. It is the only railway bridge was built between Yacht Britannia are firmly rooted in set off on a journey of discovery on ending at the Firth of Forth in Leith. natural loch in Edinburgh, and the 1883 and 1890, and is a UNESCO Scotland. The yacht was built in the rich history of whisky making The Water of Leith Visitor Centre largest in Holyrood Park. This area World Heritage Site. Set sail with on the and now traditions in Scotland. Choose from outlines the history of this unique shows visitors a different side of the Forth Boat Tours to view the bridges lies at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh a variety of fascinating tasting landmark. city. from the Firth itself. where visitors can see both the crew sessions, and marvel at the world’s quarters and Royal apartments. largest whisky collection. the lothians 1 2 3 4 5

North Berwick / Bass Rock – The John Muir Birthplace – John Muir, Linlithgow Palace – The magnificent Union Canal cruises – Created in Preston Mill and Doocot lovely town of North the world famous conservationist, is ruin of the grand Royal Palace is 1822, the Union Canal runs between Step back in time and immerse Berwick lies just 30 minutes drive known as the Father of the National steeped in history with both James Edinburgh and Falkirk and a great yourself in the peaceful surroundings from Edinburgh yet is a wildlife Parks movement. Visit his birthplace V and Mary Queen of Scots being way to experience it is by setting sail of this picturesque 16th Century haven. Off the coast is the famous in the East Lothian town of Dunbar born here. Set in its own park with on a canal trip. You can charter a water mill in an idyllic setting. See Bass Rock, the world’s largest where you can learn about his early an extensive loch, the area is ideal barge and crew with Reunion at and hear the mill mechanisms in Northern Gannet colony. Call in at life and see how the beauty of this for a walk with views up to the Ratho or cruise to the Avon Viaduct action and learn about the millers the Scottish Seabird Centre to find area inspired his fierce love of the palace. from the Linlithgow Canal Centre. who worked here. Keep an eye out out more about the area's abundant natural environment. for otters, kingfishers and herons on wildlife and take a boat trip out to the walk beside the river. spot seasonal wildlife including seals, puffins and more. stirling & Forth Valley 1 2 3 4 5

Falkirk Wheel – Take a ride on the The Kelpies – The Kelpies are two Mill Glen – This impressive and – The picturesque – Running through the world’s first revolving boat lift which impressive 30-metre-high horse beautiful glen near Tillicoultry in Lake of Menteith near Stirling is charming town of Dunblane is the transports you between the Union head sculptures which form the is partially Scotland’s only lake. Allan Water, which is spanned by a and the Forth & Clyde Canals. This centrepiece of The Helix Park near wooded and a popular walking Priory is found on an island in the 16th century single arch bridge and engineering wonder has become Falkirk. A kelpie is a shape-changing destination. The path opens out to a lake, which dates from 1238 and offers a number of enjoyable one of Scotland’s most celebrated aquatic spirit of Scottish legend – deep valley with a series of beautiful once served as a refuge for Mary riverside walks. It also has an and iconic landmarks. You’ll enjoy this inspired these true feats of waterfalls. Several adventure Queen of Scots as an infant, and impressive cathedral and a clutch of amazing views across the Forth engineering created to a design by companies offer visitors the Robert the Bruce. The area also has 17th century buildings including Valley on your trip. sculptor Andy Scott. Step inside for a opportunity to explore the glen and a range of picnic spots and a Scotland’s oldest library housing a guided tour. go canyoning through the gorge. network of walking routes. first edition of Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake. scottish borders 1 2 3 4 5

Mellerstain House – Considered one St Mary’s Loch – St Mary's Loch is a River Tweed – The River Tweed is St Abb’s Head National Nature Tweedsmuir – The area around the of Britain's finest stately homes, popular beauty spot which lies in internationally renowned and many Reserve – This coastal haven near village of Tweedsmuir is a popular Mellerstain dates from the 18th the beautiful Yarrow Valley. It’s the hotels and operators along its banks Eyemouth attracts birdwatchers, location for those who want to century, and has a superb collection largest natural loch in the Scottish can offer group experiences on and nature lovers and walkers, keen to escape the rigours of everyday life of fine art, period furniture and Borders, and as well as stunning around the river. The river links spot thousands of seabirds and be and enjoy some walking, biking and china. One of its most unusual views, it also boasts a rich history. historic Scottish Borders towns awed by the dramatic cliffs wildlife watching. Robert Burns features is the ornamental lake The adjacent Ettrick Forest is said to which lie along the 95-mile long overlooking crystal-clear waters. You stayed at the Crook Inn, a 17th which visitors can walk around, be where Sir William Wallace Tweed Cycle Way, such as , can learn more about the wildlife, century drover inn, and there are admiring stunning views of the (Braveheart) would rally his allies and the likes of Melrose and Kelso, geology and history of St Abb’s Head giant stones which are believed to Cheviot Hills. prior to raids on nearby English both of which have impressive at the Nature Centre. mark the site of a Druid or Pictish settlements. abbeys. site.

Please note some attractions have seasonal opening hours. Please check opening times with the attraction.

For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected]