Midlothian ~ Scotland

Midlothian is a traditional Scottish county that is situated due south of Edinburgh that is not only the nation's capital city but is also Midlothian's county town. Because of this proximity, the area is also sometimes referred to as Edinburghshire. There is firm evidence from archaeology in the region that it was widely settled by both Bronze Age and Iron Age tribes. There is also evidence that during the Roman occupation of Britain in the 1st century A.D. the area that now forms Midlothian was an important Celtic settlement. It was during that period that the Northumbrian war Chief Edwin invaded and took control of the region. He protected his possessions by the construction of a fortification know as Din Eidin on an area of land that is believed to be the original site of Edinburgh and for which the city is named. Over the next one and a half millennia, the region remained the jewel in the Kingdom of Scotland. A succession of Scottish rulers and aristocracy settled the area, engaging in the extensive building of their impressive castles and homes as well as the magnificent Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Abbey. In the 14th century, King Robert the Bruce made his capital at Edinburgh and held his Parliament at Holyrood which maintains its premier position of importance in the traditions and history of Scotland to this day.

The county has seen a turbulent past. English and Scottish armies have fought backwards and forwards over its land for generations. The English held the territory for many years and twice destroyed the capital in the 16th century. It was the focus of the Jacobite rebellion early in the 18th century and has never truly been tamed by the English 'invaders' despite the great affection and loyalty shown by the population to the monarchy since Queen Victoria demonstrated her undoubted love for all things Scottish.

Geography

Midlothian covers an area of around 140 square miles and shares county borders with West Lothian, Lanarkshire, Peebles, Berwickshire and East Lothian. The county lies only around 30 miles north of the border with England in the valley formed by the Pentland and Moorfoot ranges of hills. The major rivers are the North Esk and South Esk that empty into the Firth of Forth to the east of the county. It has a diverse landscape, varying from rich agricultural land to steep hillsides fit only for walking and grazing. The county boasts some splendid lochs that are famed for their wetland wildfowl and has a number of outstanding natural conservation areas that are deemed to be of international importance.

Industry

The county's prosperity depends heavily on its agriculture with around 80 per cent of its area being given over to farming. Some heavy and light industry bases exist in Edinburgh itself which also maintains a thriving service industry. There is no doubt however that the area relies heavily on tourism and plays host to hundreds of thousands of visitors who are annually attracted to the region by its wealth of Scottish heritage and culture, together with the breathtaking beauty of the Caledonian countryside.

Cities, towns and villages within Midlothian