Great Scots!

East Lothian boasts connections to many Great Scots from Mary Queen of Scots to John Muir, from the Saltire to Whisky: this tour focuses on heritage, architecture, whisky and the environment.

Who does it appeal to?

Those interested in history, architecture, whisky and the environment.

What can we see and do?

John Muir

Born in Dunbar in 1838, John Muir emigrated with his parents to the USA where he became famous as an environmentalist, geologist, botanist and is world renowned as the father of America’s national parks. Find out more about this remarkable man in the house where he was born.

While you are in Dunbar, take the time to have a walk in John Muir Country Park or along a section of the John Muir Way and enjoy the magnificent coastline and wildlife.

Mary Queen of Scots

Mary Queen of Scots is the most famous of all Scottish Monarchs. Born in 1542, her short life is a story of love, betrayal and murder. East Lothian has many connections with Mary.

Mary was abducted and taken to Dunbar Castle where she was forced to marry Lord Bothwell in 1567. You can see the castle’s impressive ruins at the harbour in Dunbar.

A short trip along the coast brings you to Tantallon Castle. Mary stayed here in 1566. This formidable stronghold has magnificent views to the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock.

Further inland is Lennoxlove House. This 14th century house was home of William Maitland, Mary’s Secretary of State. Mary stayed here and its collection includes items belonging to Mary as well as her death mask.

The Saltire

Our route to Lennoxlove takes us past Athelstaneford, birthplace of the Saltire, Scotland’s National Flag. Visit the Flag Heritage Centre, Saltire Memorial and watch a dramatisation of the battle of 832AD.

Whisky

A much-needed dram is on offer at the home of the last Great Scot on our tour! The 5 star, Glenkinchie Distillery is famous for ‘The Edinburgh Malt’. Here you can see a working distillery, exhibition of whisky and of course taste Scotland’s national drink.

What are the main attractions?

John Muir’s Birthplace, Tantallon Castle, The Flag Heritage Centre, Lennoxlove House and Glenkinchie Distillery.

How long does it take?

One to two days

Accessibility

Easy/Moderate. No wheelchair access to Tantallon Castle, grounds accessible.

Shopping

Yes

Refreshments

Yes

Coach Parking

• John Muir’s Birthplace Free Parking (at the nearby Leisure Centre)
• Tantallon Castle Free Parking
• Lennoxlove House Free Parking
• The Flag Heritage Centre Free Parking
• Glenkinchie Distillery Free Parking

Special rates for coach and tour groups

• John Muir’s Birthplace Free
• Tantallon Castle Special Rates
• Lennoxlove house Special Rates with Driver/Guide Concessions
• The Flag Heritage Centre Free
• Glenkinchie Distillery Special Rates With Driver/Guide Concessions.

How do we book?

You can select where you want to go from the suggestions above or choose to visit them all. Advance booking is recommended; please contact each attraction direct to book and for the best available group offers.

Contacts

John Muir’s Birthplace

Contact Jo Moulin. Telephone 01368 865899/861951.
Email jmoulin@eastlothian.gov.uk

Tantallon Castle

Contact Ian Milne. Telephone 01620 892727

Lennoxlove House

Contact Elizabeth Fitzgerald. Telephone 01620 828614.
Email Elizabeth-fitzgerald@lennoxlove.com

The Flag Heritage Centre

Contact David Williamson. Telephone 01368 863239.
Email isobelknox@aol.com

Glenkinchie Distillery

Contact Robbie Girvan, Telephone 01875 342004.
Email robbie.girvan@diageo.com