edinburgh and the lothians | 19 Linlithgow Palace
lauderdale aisle, st mary’s church 17
The former sacristy of the great 15th century parish church, with a splendid monument of early 17th century date, in marble, with alabaster effigies. • In Haddington on the A1 • NT 518 736 18
linlithgow palace
19
ormiston market cross
Symbolic of the right of the inhabitants to hold a market, this is a fine free-standing 15th century cross on a modern base. • In the village of Ormiston, 2m S of Tranent off the A1 • NT 414 692 20
preston market cross
Inside one of the most spectacular ruins in Scotland you cannot help but walk in the footsteps of royalty. This royal pleasure palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Visit the great hall where monarchs hosted banquets, tour James IV’s suite of chambers or say a prayer in the private oratory of James V. You can see the elaborate, restored fountain in action every Sunday in July and August – it reputedly flowed with wine when Bonnie Prince Charlie visited.
The only surviving example of a market cross of its type on its original site. A beautiful piece of early 17th century design, with a cylindrical base housing a prison, surmounted by a cross-shaft headed by a unicorn. Exterior view only.
The high towers look down over the palace’s grounds – the Peel – and Linlithgow Loch, an important refuge for wildlife. You can explore both on well-surfaced paths. There will be jousting here over 2 and 3 July in 2016. A Ranger Service operates on site. View the newly unveiled statue of Mary Queen of Scots situated on the Peel.
st martin’s kirk, haddington
• In Linlithgow off the M9 • Postcode EH49 7AL • Telephone 01506 842896 • Open all year • Admission: Adult £5.50 Child £3.30 Concession £4.40. Last ticket sold 45 mins before closing • Toilets may not be available if function in progress ★★★★
• 0.5m S of Prestonpans off the Coast Road or 0.5m NE of the B1361 near the railway station • NT 391 740 21
The ruined nave of a once splendid Romanesque church, altered in the 13th century. Associated with the Cistercian nunnery St Mary’s, founded near Haddington before 1159. • On the eastern outskirts of Haddington off the A1 • NT 521 739