Historic Sites in Carluke

"As you walk towards downtown, be sure to notice the ultra-modern Scottish Parliament Building, which has a mixed opinion amongst its residents. If you’re hungry, you could stop at Oink for a roast hog sandwich, Scotland’s version of pulled pork, served piled high on your choice of bread, lashed with condiments and a serving of crackling on top. It’s simply delicious and extremely friendly on the budget. If you’re looking for more suggestions on what to eat in Edinburgh, check out this blog post."

"Enric Miralles’ Post-Modern Scottish Parliament complex was officially opened in 2004. Designed to mirror the surrounding landscape of crags and hills, the building is strikingly difficult from the traditional architecture of the Old Town it sits beside. The building, adorned with abstract, geometric shapes, sits under the gaze of Arthur’s Seat."

"Located in the city of Edinburgh, this is a fully accessible building. You can visit and enter the debating chamber, receive a free tour and check out the unique modern architecture. Scottish Parliament website"

"Speaking of villages, if you make it to Circus Lane, you should definitely head a little further out of the city centre to Dean Village. This is a wonderfully picturesque oasis that sits in a valley formed by the “Water of Leith”, Edinburgh’s main river. There’s plenty to photograph down here, but certainly the highlights include the colourful houses and the river, as well as the huge 19th century bridge that spans the valley above, transporting traffic across and away, and leaving Dean Village as a place that time seems to have almost forgotten."

"Located north-west of the city centre in the Crewe Toll district, the Village Edinburgh offers all the modern conveniences visitors could expect. With an indoor pool, spa, and wellness centre, guests can enjoy some me-time: a relaxing swim, invigorating workout, or calming treatment session. Each bedroom is stylishly decorated, with a modern bathroom, air conditioning, flat-screen television, and free WiFi."

"The John Knox House dates back to 1470, making it one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, as well as the oldest on the Royal Mile. Today, it’s a beautifully maintained museum that showcases the house and those who lived here, with special attention paid to the Scottish Reformation. Although it’s not on every tourist’s trail, those who do their research will be well rewarded with a fascinating trip back through time."

"The John Knox House dates back to 1470 and it is associated with the Scottish Reformation. Even though the name-giver John Knox only lived in the house for a brief period in the 16th century, his association with the house stuck throughout the…"

"Grassmarket is snuggled in the center of Edinburgh’s Old Town and is bursting with local shops and so much good food. Mary’s Milk Bar is supposed to have incredible gelato (sadly never got to visit while I was in the city), and in the summer there are stalls set up selling even more food and locally made jewelry and art. Nearby is Victoria Street, which is a chocolate box-esque street that looks like stores were literally stacked on top of one another."

"After all, the picturesque streets and quintessentially Scottish pubs located in the Grassmarket make it a must-see attraction on any Scottish adventure. There, you’ll find vibrant streets matched only by an ever-lively nightlife. This is where locals come to hang out, and where you’ll want to grab dinner, or simply head for some after exploring drinks. Nearby, you’ll also find plenty of historical buildings, including the once famous Magdalen Chapel."

"Fun fact: Back in 1477, the Grassmarket was a huge market in Edinburgh with most of it trading cattle and horses. This is apparently where the name Grassmarket originated as the western end of it was where the animals’ grass was kept."

"The Royal Mile, so called because it covers roughly a mile between Edinburgh Castle and reaches down through the city centre towards Holyrood Palace (the Scottish Residence of Elizabeth II). A stroll down this main road, listening to the bagpipes and entering all the small shops which line its two sides is simply one of the best things to do in the Scottish capital."

"All the recommendations so far have been along the Royal Mile, the lovely stretch of interconnecting streets which run from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace. It’s not exactly a mile long, but it’s near enough, and is filled with a variety of attractions, from the above mentioned, through to souvenir shops, restaurants and pubs."

"The Palace of Holyroodhouse — usually simply referred to as Holyrood Palace — is the Queen's official Edinburgh residence and has frequently been at the center of Scottish history. Built in 1678, it was where James II and James IV were each married, where James V and Charles I were crowned, and where "Bonnie Prince Charlie" held court in 1745. When the Queen is away (which is typically 51 weeks of the year, as she's only here for "Royal Week" each summer), public access is permitted to the stunning Historic Apartments (former home of Mary Queen of Scots) and the State Apartments, famous for their fine furnishings, tapestries, and plasterwork."

"The abbey was later used partially as a royal residence, and as a location for the Scottish Parliament from the 13th to the 15th centuries. The abbey has seen a large chunk of Scottish history, politics and culture, including the end of the First War of Scottish Independence, and the birth and coronation of kings. The remains still show beautiful and impressive original architecture which have inspired numerous painters and writers."

"Transport yourself to the Outlander set at Callendar Park & House. Callendar Park & House was used for one of the most well-known Outlander scenes as the Duke of Sandringham’s home."

"Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark was home to a social experiment at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Robert Owen…"

"In the city centre, seek out the Heart of Midlothian for a uniquely Scottish piece of history. The Heart of Midlothian is set in the pavement on the Royal Mile, constructed from coloured granite blocks that form the shape of a heart and cross. This landmark records the position of the 15th century ‘heart’ of the town, the Old Tolbooth."

"Luca's Ice Cream parlour in Morningside couldn't be better placed, with Bruntsfield Links and The Meadows just a short walk away. Stop by their retro style parlour after some sunbathing or grab a cone to go, with a delicious selection of ice creams and sorbet - they even have a patriotic Irn Bru sorbet. While you're there, you can pick up your favourite tub of Luca's ice cream for later, which are sold in store."

"Running around like a wild child can certainly work up an appetite. Satisfy those taste buds and grab a bite at S Lucas at either of their Morningside or Musselburgh locations. This diner-style ice cream parlour is quite the treat and has a never-ending selection of eats suited to both children and adults."

"This luxury ice creams travels all the way from the Scottish Borders to Edinburgh's doorstep, sold out of a police box in the Grassmarket. Over Langshaw Farm's ice cream is locally known as some of the best gelato in town, made with fresh milk, cream and eggs straight from the family farm. They even offer gluten free, dairy free and vegan options, so there is something to keep everyone happy."

"The Westerwood Hotel & Golf Resort is a four-star hotel, spa and golfing resort which is set within 400 acres of woodland in Cumbernauld, Central Scotland, close to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling. The hotel has a tranquil spa offering 5 fully air conditioned beauty rooms offering you an exciting selection of treatments for face and body with a relaxation area for some extra quiet time following your treatments. Besides the comfort of the opulently appointed Health Club including gymnasium, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, you can also enjoy the irresistible 18-hole, par 72 golf course designed by Steve Ballesteros and Dave Thomas that makes The Westerwood Hotel & Golf Resort one of the most notable hotel and golf resort's in Scotland."

"Best for City breakersIn a nutshell Towering over Waverley train station, this hotel amid the spires and steeples of the heart of Edinburgh has the Old Town in its DNA — the cracked stone walls are a tip of the hat to the city’s Unesco heritage. More design flourishes are found beyond the seventh-floor reception, where sigh-triggering views take in the steampunk Scott Monument and Princes Street Gardens. Rooms are a dolly mixture of snugs and roomy bathtub numbers.Don’t miss Nor’ Loft, the rooftop champagne bar, or oyster happy hour every Thursday, with £1 shucks."

"Lively champagne lounge Nor’ Loft specialises in bubbles from both independent and major labels. The trendy bar is seven floors up at the top of the Market Street Hotel, looking north of the city. It was named after the infamous medieval Nor’ Loch that once filled the land in Princes Street Gardens (which can be viewed from the rooftop, just across from the venue)."

"An object lesson in doing things better, this design-led hotel brings both style and substance to a great city-centre location."

"Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden is the second-oldest institution of its kind in Britain (after Oxford), and one of the most respected in the world. Founded near Holyrood in 1670 and moved to its present location in 1823, its 70 beautifully landscaped acres include splendid Victorian glasshouses (admission £6.50), colourful swaths of rhododendrons and azaleas, and a world-famous rock garden. There's a second entrance to the gardens at 20a Inverleith Row."

"Address: 61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 556 1798 This popular Roman Catholic church dates back to 1814, being designed by James Gillespie Graham. Each month on the third Tuesday, look out for the organ and choir recitals. The adjacent Cafe Camino provides a rather tempting menu, offering bacon sandwiches, freshly made soup, lunchboxes for children, a choice of beverages (including coffee, tea, wine, beer and cider) and tubs of locally produced ice cream."

"St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, originally called the Chapel of St Mary’s, held its first masses in August 1814. The Cathedral houses the National Shrine of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, and even has an underground passage leading to a priest’s house in York Place. It wasn’t until the 1970s that passers by could see the Cathedral in its full splendor when tenements in front of the building were demolished."