Disability Statement

Winner

Rosslyn Battlesite

*** 700th Anniversary February 23rd 2003 ***

Visiting the site of this historic battle is a must for any visitor to the Midlothian area. The Battle of Rosslyn,8,000 Scots defeated 30,000 English in 3 battles in the same day. Sir Symon Fraser, Sinclair of Rosslyn and the Red Comyn are the commanders on the Scots side. Sir William Wallace ( he of Braveheart fame), was asked to be the commander but declined. Robert the Bruce at this time was in Ireland. Hence the battle is not well known in Scottish history - history is written by the winners and the Comyns were rivals for The Bruce claim on the Scottish throne.

It has been argued that without this win at the battle of Rosslyn, Scotland's wars of independance would not have continued.

Rosslyn Chapel

Your Gems hosts recommend that you ensure that enchanting rosslyn is on your must visit list.

The unsolved riddles of Rosslyn will fascinate you. Its a beautiful place - it has a pleasant tea & cakes room.

Enigmatic ROSSLYN CHAPEL www.rosslynchapel.org.uk was founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair, third St. Clair Prince of Orkney. 'This gothic building, I believe, may be pronounced unique, and I am confident it will be found curious, elaborate and singularly interesting, impossible to designate by any given or familiar term' wrote Britton on his Architectural Antiquities of Britain (1812), adding that its 'variety and eccentricity are not to be defined by any words of common acceptation.'

Rosslyn Chapel has associations with the Knights Templar. The invention of modern banking is attributed to the Templar knights and claims have been made that the vast lost treasures of the Knights Templar are buried at Roslin. Other enigmas at Rosslyn Chapel relate to the "apprentice’s pillar" , how it can be that carvings of american vegetables at Rosslyn can predate the "discovery" of America by 150 years , whether carvings on the roof are indeed an ancient form of Music Score.

Of course Rosslyn Chapel is by the Rosslyn battlesite ( 1303AD) where the Red Comyn with William Wallace led the Scots to a famous and astonishing victory. It is argued that without victory at Rosslyn, there would be no Scotland.

Further info: www.rosslynchapel.org.uk

Soutra Aisle - the finest view in Southern Scotland

Your Gems of Midlothian hosts suggest that you include a Drive to Soutra summit ( well signposted off A68 trunk Road - South of Dalkeith and Fala village, Midlothian) on your must see list.

..You can see 60 peaks clearly from the Soutra Aisle. - the Pentlands, Ochils, Sidlaws, Lomonds and the majestic sweep of the Firth of Forth. The views are breathtaking. Dress sensibly...high as it is, when the wind blaaws...it will certainly take your breath away.

Soutra Medieval Augustinian Hospital was certainly established by the 12th century. In 1164 AD King Malcolm IV " confirmed the foundation charter". It was a refuge for travellers, pilgrims, the aged and the needy, midway between Edinburgh and the Border Abbeys on the Via Regia ( royal road). In the 12th century it would have been funded by income from estates covering 20 sqare miles.

Soutra Medieval hospital has been the site of unique " archaeo-medical investigation" ( 1986-now) .....exploring actual medical practice in Southern Scotland, through the distinctive waste produced. Augustinian medicine was mainstream and well funded. The research analysed waste from mud on the site, compared it with meidieval medicine recipes.....and was able to draw conclusions about medical pratices and patient outcomes. Perhaps this research will show us old and forgotten medical practices which can still apply today.

Soutra Hospital declined following a scandal in 1460 when a renegade Master, Stephen Fleming, was deposed after many offences were reported to Papal authorities. The Scottish Crown then confiscated most of Soutra's estates and re-assigned them to the new "Trinity College Hospital" ( now beneath Waverley Train station - Princes Street, Edinburgh). At the stroke of a Royal signature Soutra was impoverished. Thus a hospital of international status was reduced to local significance. Soutra hospital struggled on until around 1650.

Soutra's loss of course laid the foundations for Edinburgh to become a medical center of international renown. As Soutra shrank, buildings were removed and the site converted to farmland - leaving only Soutra Asle. An aisle is a family burial vault. The aisle at Soutra has a lintel dated 1688, and inscribed to the Pringle family ( now of Torwoodlee by Galashiels)

You can drive to Soutra Ailse at Soutra summit. It can offer you one of those special lifetime gem momemts.....you will not forget the views. On a sunny windless day - a wonderful place for a picnic.

[ Research by Dr. Brian Moffat, Director of Soutra Investigations in co-operation with the Fala. Soutra & District Historical & Heritage Society - Sharp, 5 Fala Villaage, Midlothian EH37 5SY TEL; 01875 833 2248 .....the Society offers guided tours by prior arrangement and can offer more information about the research at Soutra ]

Newbattle Abbey

Founded by David I in 1140 for the Cistercian order of monks. The monks seem to have been the earliest coalminers in Scotland, digging out the 'black stanis' from the 13th century onward. As a result of successive raids by English armies, including that of Richard II in 1385, the Abbey was virtually destroyed by the time of the Reformation, when it passed into the hands of its commendator or abbot, Mark Ker. Work started on the present building about 1580, but he area of the crypt was probably completed in the 14th century. Many fine features include some beautiful Italian plaster ceilings of the 17th or 18th century. The grounds are also of great interest and include two very large stone sundials dating from 1635.

Marie de Soucie, Queen of Scots, died in France. The Queen's wish was that her body should be taken to Scotland and buried "at her beloved Newbottle Abbey". The precise burial site is not known, despite several archaeological digs at Newbattle.

The grounds of Newbattle also include Bishop Leighton's House, by the "Haunted Lothian Aisle" ,...a "gingerbread" 16th century house saved from demolition in the 1992. The house was extensively restored with visionary grant aid from Midlothian Council. Robert Leighton was minister of Newbattle Kirk, later became the first Principal of Edinburgh University and was appointed Bishop of Dunkeld . He was crowned Archbishop of Glasgow in an attempt by Charles II to find common ground between episcopacy and presbyterianism. (Thus Robert Leighton became the only "presbyterian archbishop". ) Robert Leighton built up a fine collection of books now housed at the Leighton library in Dunkeld.

The grounds at Newbattle also include King David's Well and beautiful woodland walk along the banks of the river Esk to "The Maiden Bridge".

Further info: Midlothian Online

Arniston House

This attraction is only open to the public April, May and June on a Tuesday and Wednesday between 2pm and 3.30pm for guided tours. Check the website to ensure that there are no changes to times. This mansion house was completed in the 1750s and boast a fine collection of paintings by contemporary artists, fireplaces and fine furniture. Arniston is situated south of Edinburgh.

Crichton Castle

Crichton Castle is cared for by Historic Scotland and is a very large and beautiful castle which has been changed throughout the years from its origin in the 15th century. By far the most spectacular part is the range erected by the Earl of Bothwell between 1581 and 1591. This has a facade of faceted stonework in an Italian Renaissance style.

Further info: Historic Scotland

Great Houses of Scotland

You can save over £20 on a combined ticket for Traquair ( with its own minibrewery) , Thirlstane Castle ( www.thirlstanecastle.co.uk ), Scone Palace, Glamis Castle, Blair Castle, Ballindalloch Castle, Dunrobin Castle, Glenturret Distillery and Dewars's World of Whisky

.....or Special joint ticket for Traquair and Thirlstane .