Edinburgh - Surroundings

Dalmeny boasts one of the finest Norman churches in Scotland. St Cuthbert's, which dates from the middle of the 12th century, has a richly decorated south portal - two relief arches with signs of the zodiac, masks and the lamb of God - and some fine wood carving. It also retains the original cross vaulting.

Nature trails and pretty picnic sites attract many visitors to Almondell and Calderwood Country Park which is located southeast of the M8 near Livingston. Guided tours of the park are available on request. The Visitor Center can supply information on fauna and flora and also local history.

The Royal Observatory stands on Blackford Hill to the south of the city and the amazing world of the universe is revealed to visitors with the aid of telescopes, models, videos and computer games.

The commanding position of the observatory offers another fine panoramic view of the city.

The railroad museum at Bo'ness (full name: Borrowstounness; pop. 14,400;) by the Firth of Forth has a fine collection of steam locomotives. It is possible to take a short train ride towards Grangemouth. In Kinneil House (16th/17th century) James Watt worked on the first steam engine.

Hundreds of colorful butterflies from all over the world flutter freely through an exotic rain forest of tropical plants. Leaf-cutting ants, stick insects and scorpions are among the more unusual insects on view (Melville Nursery on the A7 5mi/8km south of the city).

To learn something of the mysteries of glass blowing and crystal cutting, take a 30-minute tour through the glass factory in Eastfield/Penicuik 10mi/16km south of Edinburgh.

Dalkeith (pop. 11,077) was the residence of several British monarchs.

The Dalmahoy resort has two courses, set over a 1000-acre parkland, complete with numerous lakes and streams. The courses hosted the Solheim Cup in 1992.

Other facilities include tennis, squash and snooker.

Duddingston near Duddingston Loch - now a bird reserve - is one of the prettiest historic villages near Edinburgh. Raeburn recorded the lake in the evocative "Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch" (National Gallery). The village's Sheep's Heid Inn is the ideal place for a break. The skittle alley in this 14th century pub is said to be the oldest in the country.

Take the M9 or the A905 to the west past the oil refineries of Grangemouth (pop. 19,000). Now Scotland's main center for petrochemicals, Grangemouth is supplied with North Sea oil via a pipeline from Cruden Bay. A bridge near Bowtrees carries the A876 across to Kincardine-on-Forth where the A985 leads east along the north bank of the Firth of Forth through the industrial belt to Dunfermline and the Fife peninsula.

There is no other garden quite like Little Sparta in the world. It features a variety of ornaments such as model ships and sundials, and includes a number of references to classical literature and mythology. It merges with an open heath.

The garden also has four 400-year-old clipped yew trees and extensive woodland, splendid bush roses and the national bonsai collection. The 17th C house is not open to the public

The Melville Golf Range is floodlit and open every day all year. Club rental. Practice bunker and putting green.

Visitors to the Almond Valley Heritage Centre can see a working water mill, oilshale museum, a mine, a railroad, and farmyard animals.

A tour of this 15th C castle (10mi/16km west of Edinburgh) passes through the Great Hall, guardroom and dungeon as well as the chamber where Mary Stuart once sought refuge. Tea is served in the Laird's Hall.

This riding center offers long treks on west coast islands. Icelandic horses are used for the treks. They are known to be small, strong and kind-natured. Rides are usually 200 kilometers or more.

Holidays are all-inclusive.

Preston Tower was built by the Hamilton family in the 15th C, adjacent to Hamilton House. It underwent renovations in the 17th C, including a Renaissance addition on top.

Preston Tower was purchased by the National Trust of Scotland in 1969.

The history of rural life in the Edinburgh region is the subject for this agricultural museum near the airport in Ingliston.