"Experience
and Enjoy the historic, magical enchantments you will
find in the Heart of Midlothian"
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Soutra
Aisle - the finest view in Southern Scotland
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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 ]
Go
to other attractions:
Roslin
Battlesite
Roslin Chapel
Edinburgh Crystal
Day Trip to Edinburgh
Black
Diamonds Mining Museum
Butterfly World & Bird of
Prey Centre
Arniston House
Glenkinchie Distillery
Soutra Aisle
Newbattle Abbey
Vogrie Green Country Park
Crichton Castle
Fairies O' Carlops & Icelandic
Horse Pentland Hills Trecking Centre
Midlothian Dry Ski Slope
The Corn Exchange, Dalkeith
Day Tours to the Borders
Day Trip to West Lothian
& Stirling
Day Trip to Loch Lomond
Day Trip to East Lothian &
Berwickshire
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