West Lothian

With Edinburgh cementing its position as a world-class tourist destination, it is easy to forget that there is more to  the Lothians than the Scottish capital. West Lothian, however, boasts a range of great attractions that are all within easy reach.

South Queensferry

Even on Edinburgh’s city boundaries (and until recently part of West Lothian) the picturesque burgh of South Queensferry is a real gem. It has a majestic trio of world famous bridges – The Forth Bridge, The Forth Road Bridge and the new Queensferry Crossing. It also boasts three stately homes and a cobbled High Street brimming with gift shops and cafes. Great walks and boat trips that open up the Firth of Forth make a visit here even more compelling. Orocco Pier is one of our favourite hotel/restaurants outside the city centre.

Linlithgow

Spreading out into West Lothian proper the shining star is Linlithgow. The birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots breathes history through every one of its cobbled pores. The highlights include Linlithgow Palace, a romantic part ruin that takes you back through the centuries as you ramble around it. St. Michael’s Church, meanwhile, impresses with its distinctive modern aluminium tower.

Almond Valley Heritage Centre

A brilliant family attraction further to the south in Livingston is the Almond Valley Heritage Centre. For kids the farm is brilliant with all manner of animals for them to learn about first hand. You can also get around the site by a tractor pulled trailer or on the narrow gauge railway that the young ones love!

The exhibit on the old shale oil industry is fascinating. It illuminates the life of one of Scotland’s real unsung heroes, James Paraffin Young. The world’s first oil magnate pioneered the shale oil production that has left ‘bings’ dotted over West Lothian.