History and Heritage

Rail Route

History and Heritage

Rail

Midlothian and the Borders has a long and rich history. These stops offer a range of different types, from exploring the first religious settlements in the area to more recent family and cultural history.

Easily accessible by train, there will be something everyone will enjoy.

Our best efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of data, however the data and geographic information contained along route lines and on maps should be used for informational purposes only.

What you'll see

Sir Walter Scott Monument - Edinburgh

History & Heritage

Built in 1841 to commemorate Sir Walter Scott, author of the best-selling Waverley novels, who died in 1832.


The Watch Tower - Dalkeith

Buildings

Dalkeith Watch Tower was built in 1827 to shelter watchmen looking out for grave robbers who stole bodies to sell to the School of Anatomy.


Dalkeith House - Dalkeith

Castles & Stately Homes

Dalkeith Palace was built in 1702 on the site of an earlier Castle and until the 1920s was the principal seat of the Montagu Douglas…


Newbattle Abbey - Dalkeith

Castles & Stately Homes

Originally a medieval Cistercian monastery, Newbattle Abbey has a 900-year history of welcoming guests royalty.


National Mining Museum - Newtongrange

Visitor Attractions

Formerly the Lady Victoria Colliery, it is the most intact model colliery complex of its date (1890) and features a community garden, developed by the…


Newbattle Viaduct - Dalkeith

Bridges

Opened in 1847, this impressive 23-arch viaduct was built by the North British Railway Company to carry the railway over the River South Esk.


Dalhousie Castle - Bonnyrigg

Hotel

Dalhousie Castle, winner of Scotland's Castle Hotel of the year 2016, is the epitome of fairy tale luxury providing four star service and hospitality.


Newbyres Castle - Gorebridge

History & Heritage

Built around 1543, the castle is little more than a ruin.


Stobsmills Gunpowder Mill - Gorebridge

History & Heritage

Scotland’s first industrial gunpowder mills started production here in 1794.


Shank Bridge - Gorebridge

History & Heritage

Three bridges have stood here, built respectively in 1802, 1901, and 1977.


Stow Town Hall - Stow

Buildings

Stow Town Hall was built in 1857 in the Scottish Baronial style by Mitchell Innes the local landowner who had intended to develop Stow into…


Auld Kirk and Graveyard - Galashiels

Religious Buildings

The church was rebuilt over the centuries most notably in the late 15th century and then again in the 17th century.


Old Gala House - Galashiels

Castles & Stately Homes, Museums & Exhibitions

Set in beautifully landscaped grounds near the centre of Galashiels, Old Gala House is an impressive building dating back to 1583.


Memorial to Sir Walter Scott - Galashiels

Monuments & Statues

A Memorial Statue to Sir Walter Scott.


Abbotsford Grounds - Melrose

Visitor Attractions

A pleasant circular route around Abbotsford’s grounds, home of Sir Walter Scott


Melrose Abbey - Melrose

Visitor Attractions

Melrose Abbey was founded around 1136 by King David I and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Border abbeys were centres of learning, politics,…