Vogrie Green and Dalkeith Country Parks

This is a wonderful place to play for children and adults alike. You'll find this lovely country park near Gorebridge in Midlothian is fantastic day out, especially for children. The park boasts ranger guided walks, 9 hole golf course, an adventure playground and "Giants Chairs". It's the ideal location for a family picnic or a relaxing stroll.

You can also visit the on site Garden Centre which has some superb plants along with a nice selection of gifts. While you are browsing, why not let the children look at the Guinea Pigs and Rabbits which are housed within the Garden Centre.

Dalkeith Country Park at Dalkeith Palace

Dalkeith Country Park ( www.dalkeithcountrypark.com) ,in the grounds of Dalkeith Palace, has a great playground for children. It includes exciting Aerial Ropeways, Highlevel Walkways, Giant Slides and a Wildwest Fort. Naturally it is supervised and childsafe. Open from April to end September - there is also an attractive Visitor Center with a coffee shop and a picnic area. At times you can see Highland Cattle in the field next to the playground.

The woodland walks at the palace are beautiful and can also help get rid of that excess "childenergy" or you can just de-stress and wander through the woods and talk to the trees.

Walking Holidays and Courses

www.cndoscotland.com

Walking

Interesting, entertaining – and as energetic as you want you be – that’s the style for tour guide Tim Bell, who delights in taking you round the area on foot or by bike or in a car. What’s your wish? – terrific views over the region from a hill-top, or bike along an old railway line? Or you could string together a day out round your own selection of special places! Bring a camera, and have a great stress-busting day. Email to discuss and/or get suggestions: mail@leithwalks.co.uk or visit www.leithwalks.co.uk or ring +44 (0) 131 555 2500.

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 ]

Ghost Tours in Edinburgh

There are many ghost tours available in Edinburgh as well as the normal historical tours. Most tours are centred around the Royal Mile and surrounding areas so you'll usually find someone on "the Mile" who'll be happy to show you the spooky goings on. Ghost tours take place in the evening so you might want to pop into one the local pubs such as the Jolly Judge, The Waverly or Worlds End.

Further Info is available from Mercat Tours