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Home , Falkirk (council area), Lake of Menteith, Leaderfoot Viaduct, Stirling (council area)

SCOTLAND’S COASTS AND WATERS 2020

Queenferry Crossing, and

Linlithgow Palace and , West

Doune Castle and near

Leaderfoot Viaduct and ,

EDINBURGH, THE LOTHIANS, STIRLING, FORTH VALLEY AND THE SCOTTISH BORDERS

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

For more ideas, contacts and suggested itineraries visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email us at [email protected] EDINBURGH, THE LOTHIANS, STIRLING, FORTH VALLEY & THE SCOTTISH BORDERS

EDINBURGH

WATER OF LEITH DUDDINGSTON LOCH CRAMOND / RIVER ALMOND ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE The Water of Leith is one of Edinburgh’s At the foot of Arthur’s Seat, the extinct Cramond is a one of Edinburgh’s best kept Although she was a famous sight as she Scotland’s ‘Water of Life’ is celebrated at hidden treasures. It flows for 24 miles from volcano in the heart of Edinburgh, lies secrets and is a popular haunt with locals carried the British Royal Family on a series the Scotch Whisky Experience, right next its source in the Pentland Hills, winding Holyrood Park, in the midst of which you at weekends. It retains the character of its of visits across the globe, the maritime to Edinburgh Castle. Step into a whisky its way through the heart of some of the will find Duddingston Loch, a fresh water history as a fishing village, complete with origins of the Royal Yacht Britannia are barrel and set off on a journey of discovery city’s most fascinating neighbourhoods. loch rich in birdlife. It is the only natural a quaint row of whitewashed houses. It firmly rooted in Scotland. The Yacht was through the rich history of whisky making The Water of Leith Visitor Centre loch in Edinburgh, and the largest in also has a small sandy beach, lovely walks built in on the and traditions in Scotland. Choose from a outlines the history of this Holyrood Park. This area shows visitors a along the banks of the River Almond and now lies at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh variety of fascinating tasting sessions, unique landmark. different aspect of the city. wonderful views across the Firth of Forth. where visitors can explore both the crew and marvel at the world’s largest quarters and Royal apartments. whisky collection.

THE LOTHIANS

NORTH BERWICK / BASS ROCK JOHN MUIR BIRTHPLACE FORTH BRIDGES UNION CANAL CRUISES PRESTON MILL & PHANTASSIE DOOCOT The lovely town of North John Muir, the world famous The three Forth Bridges are an impressive Created in 1822, the Union Canal runs Step back in time and immerse yourself Berwick lies just 30 minutes drive from conservationist, is known as the Father sight as they span the Firth of Forth, between Edinburgh and Falkirk. A great in the peaceful surroundings of this Edinburgh and is a wildlife haven. Off the of the National Parks movement. Visit providing transport links between The way to experience it is by setting sail on picturesque 16th Century water mill in coast is the famous Bass Rock, the world’s his birthplace in the East Lothian town Lothians and Fife. The magnificent a canal trip. You can charter a barge and an idyllic setting. See and hear the mill largest Northern Gannet colony. Call in at of Dunbar where you can learn about his railway bridge was built between 1883 crew with Reunion at Ratho or cruise to mechanisms in action and learn about the the Scottish Seabird Centre to find out early life and see how the beauty of this and 1890, and is a UNESCO World Heritage the Avon Viaduct from the Linlithgow millers who worked here. Keep an eye out more about the area's abundant wildlife area inspired his fierce love of the Site. A number of companies offer cruises, Canal Centre for otters, kingfishers and herons on the and take a boat trip out to spot seasonal natural environment. enabling you to see the Bridges from the walk beside the river. wildlife including seals, puffins and more. Firth itself.

STIRLING & FORTH VALLEY

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

SCOTTISH BORDERS

MELLERSTAIN HOUSE ST MARY’S LOCH RIVER TWEED EYEMOUTH AND ST ABBS TWEEDSMUIR Considered one of Britain's finest stately St Mary's Loch is a popular beauty spot The River Tweed is Internationally The historic 13th century fishing port of The area around the village of Tweedsmuir homes, Mellerstain dates from the 18th which lies in the picturesque Yarrow renowned and many hotels and Eyemouth boasts a natural harbour with is a popular location for those who want Century, and has a superb collection Valley. It’s the largest natural loch in the operators along its banks can offer group fine coastal scenery, and still has an active to escape the rigours of everyday life and of fine art, period furniture and china. Scottish Borders, and as well as stunning experiences on and around the river. In fleet today. Don’t miss a visit to Gunsgreen enjoy some walking, biking and wildlife One of its most unusual features is the views, it also boasts a rich history. The addition, the 95-mile Tweed Cycle Way House, an 18th century mansion housing watching. Robert Burns stayed at the ornamental lake which visitors can walk adjacent Ettrick Forest is said to be where has the river as its main linking theme, a museum telling the intriguing story of Crook Inn, a 17th century drover inn, and around, admiring stunning views of the Sir William Wallace (Braveheart) would running through the heart of the Scottish local smugglers. Nearby St Abbs attracts there are giant stones which are believed Cheviot Hills. rally his allies prior to raids on nearby Borders with historic towns such as birdwatchers, nature lovers and walkers, to mark the site of a Druid or Pictish site. English settlements , Melrose and Kelso and their keen to spot thousands of seabirds and impressive ruined abbeys. explore the area’s dramatic cliffs.

For more ideas, contacts and suggested itineraries visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email us at [email protected]