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Excursions

For a Half Day

Rosslyn Chapel:
Rosslyn Chapel (tel: (0131) 440 2159; e-mail: rosslynch@aol.com; website: www.rosslynchapel.org.uk), in Roslin, is one of the most fascinating churches in Britain. It has strong links with the Knights Templar, a medieval religious order who travelled to the Holy Land and were believed to have brought back many treasures - some of which it is claimed are buried at Rosslyn. The chapel is full of rich carvings, including many ancient pagan symbols known as 'green men'. It is about 45 minutes' drive from the city centre - sign posted from the A701 to Penicuik. After visiting the chapel, the nearby Rosslyn Glen is a good place for a stroll. The chapel is open Monday to Saturday 1000-1700 and Sunday 1200-1645. Admission costs £4 (concessions available).

For a Whole Day

Scottish Seabird Centre:
The Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick (tel: (01620) 890202; e-mail: info@seabird.org; website: www.seabird.org). This centre gives you a unique opportunity to view the birdlife of the Firth of Forth. High-tech cameras, controlled by the visitor, allow close-up views of gannets on the Bass Rock (the world's largest single rock gannetry) and nesting puffins on the island of Fidra. In winter, when many birds have left, visitors can watch breeding colonies of seals. The pleasant seaside town of North Berwick is also well worth exploring and is easily reached by train from Edinburgh. It is open daily 1000-1600 in the winter and 1000-1800 in the summer. Admission costs £4.50 (concessions available).

Traquair House: The home of the Maxwell-Stuarts, Traquair House (tel: (01896) 830323; fax: (01896) 830639; e-mail: enquiries@traquair.co.uk; website: www.traquair.co.uk), is the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, dating back to the tenth century. It is a fascinating place to visit, as the family was strongly involved with the Jacobite movement and there is a good collection of Jacobite memorabilia. The house also has its own brewery and lovely grounds. Located a mile south of Innerleithen take the A703 then the A703 in the direction of Peebles. By public transport, First Edinburgh bus 62 runs to Peebles form where it is a short taxi ride. It is open daily from 14 April to 31 October; the grounds are open 1030-1730, while the house is open 1230-1730 (opens earlier at 1030 from June to end August). Admission to the house and grounds costs £5.30 (concessions available).

Glasgow: This city is less than one hour away by train. See the Glasgow city guide for details.



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