Historic Sites in Shotts

"Address: Edinburgh, EH99 1SPWebsite: The Scottish Parliament Building. The Scottish parliament building in Edinburgh is the home of the Scottish government and it is a world-class example of modern architecture. Sitting at the bottom of The Royal Mile on 4 acres, the building is an unusual tourist attraction but it’s well worth taking a look around inside, especially as it’s free to get in."

"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."

"Swing by the Scottish Parliament and see a, how shall I say this diplomatically (I made another lame funny!), rather interesting building. Yeah, the design is super offbeat and modern so you will either love it or place a curse upon the man that conceived of the building."

"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."

"Visiting Dean Village is like taking a step back into time to old Edinburgh. In recent years, this little neighborhood has become a huge draw to photographers and tourists because of just how Instagrammable it is. For the best shot of the beautiful architecture and river, walk over the stone bridge and down besides the river."

"Picture perfect and pretty as a postcard, Dean Village first started out as a settlement on the fringes of the city where local millers would live. Once upon a time, eleven mills donned the river, driven by the water’s current. Now, the former mills and millers’ houses make up some of the most prime real estate in Edinburgh."

"John Knox House is a fascinating mediaeval building constructed in 1470. It is named after the famous Protestant reformer John Knox, although he actually only lived there for a short period in his life. The house was also home to James Mosman, an ardent supporter of Mary Queen of Scots who was one of the "Queen's Men" who seized Edinburgh Castle in a failed attempt to have her reinstated."

"The stripped-down, low-fi, traditional art of storytelling has had something of a resurgence in Britain over the last decade or so, and…"

"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."

"Located close to the castle and featuring a vast cobbled square surrounded by pubs, restaurants and shops, it’s the perfect place for dinner and/or to have a drink in a relaxed atmosphere. In the past, in addition to being a market place, Grassmarket square was also the place where public execution took place. Hopefully nowadays, the atmosphere is a lot more joyful!"

"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."

"If you want to save money when visiting the city’s popular attractions, consider purchasing the Royal Edinburgh Ticket. This is a pre-paid attraction pass which includes FREE entry to royal sites including, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse."

"The Royal Mile ends at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This palace is the official residence in Scotland of Queen Elizabeth. She resides here about one week every year. When the Queen is not here, the Palace is open for visit."

"Linlithgow Palace: Used as a royal residence throughout the ages, Linlithgow Palace is located in a town of the same name and was one of the most important seats of the monarchy during the 15th and 16th-centuries. In fact, it was even the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots!"

"Head to one of my favorite Edinburgh points of interest, the Real Mary King’s Close. Truly one of the most amazing and historically accurate tours I have ever been."

"Auchinlea Park lies on the edges of Glasgow’s East End, with its principle attractions being Provanhall House and Blochairn House, two A-rundown structures. With both going back to the fifteenth century, Provanhall House specifically has increased some appeal because of its set of experiences as the past chasing cabin of King James IV and flaunts numerous vivid phantom stories. The main room is said to have been the setting of various paranormal sightings, and purportedly houses the apparition of a warrior who killed his better half when he got back from battle to locate her pregnant with another man’s kid."

"Auchinlea Park lies on the outskirts of Glasgow’s East End, with its main attractions being Provanhall House and Blochairn House, two A listed buildings. With both dating back to the 15th century, Provanhall House in particular has gained some allure due to its history as the previous hunting lodge of King James IV, and boasts many colorful ghost stories. The master bedroom is said to have been the setting of a number of paranormal sightings, and allegedly houses the ghost of a soldier who murdered his wife when he returned from war to find her pregnant with another man’s child."

"Auchinlea Park is located on the outskirts of Glasgow’s East End, with its main attractions being Provanhall House and Blochairn House, two listed 15th century buildings. It’s also one of the parks in the area with a lot of spooky history. If you are feeling brave enough to enter former hunting lodge, Provanhall House, you can discover the ghost stories about the manor, or if Halloween is enough spookiness for you, steer clear by walking through the pretty garden grounds."

"Established in 2017, Yummys Desserts has become a huge hit and the go-to for delicious desserts. After many sleepless nights wondering whether it’s possible to create a second branch during a pandemic, the owner of Yummy’s Desserts decided to go for it. The team have given it their all over the last few months, creating a huge range of freshly-made cakes, desserts, cookie dough, waffles, pancakes in the new Hampden branch."

"Explore Britain's largest rhododendron and azalea gardens at this beautiful 70-acre botanical garden. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden,…"

"Aptly named, Tony Crolla’s authentic Italian restaurant has been a firm favourite with local residents and visitors for many years. A fabulous menu, combined with warm, friendly staff, this bustling restaurant offers wood-fire oven baked pizzas, mouthwatering pastas and much-loved Italian desserts including tiramisu, pannacotta and homemade chocolate and pear sponge cake. 331-325 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 8SA (website)"

"La Favorita specializes in delicious traditional pizza for which they won "Best UK Pizza Restaurant" in the Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association Awards 2012. However, they also offer a wide variety of excellent pasta dishes and even have gluten-free options which do not scrimp on taste. The decor is fresh and modern and patrons have an open view into the kitchen with its traditional log-fired ovens."

"A crowd-pleasing pizzeria which has become something of an institution in the city, thanks to its traditional feel and welcoming, familial atmosphere. Children can also order mini-pizza or small pasta dishes. While parents can feast on a wide array of choices from risotto to steak, as well of delicious pizzas of course."

"This Italian restaurant serves authentic vegetarian and vegan Italian food, mostly consisting of pizzas and pasta (well, what else would you expect?) The restaurant’s website also hosts a small blog which contains articles for their customers on how to begin and continue a plant-based diet and how to make crusty Italian bread. The restaurant was the first of its kind in Edinburgh and even received The Scottish Food Awards & Academy Vegetarian Gold Medal in 2017."

"Just a short 10-minute drive from Straits Meadow, Novapizza is the first meat-free Italian restaurant and pizzeria in Edinburgh!. Their vegan pizza is made in-house with their signature dough and offers bags of different flavours. There’s nothing better than a few moreish slices of pizza whilst watching a movie in your accommodation and Novapizza offers light, tasty pizzas for a great price!"

"And when Dan and I craved some good old fashioned greasy and unhealthy pizza, Novapizza was the ultimate answer. No doubt, it more than satiated our need!. As simply a restaurant with vegan options in Edinburgh, we expected an “eh” pizza with vegan cheese that doesn’t really taste like cheese and a minuscule amount of vegetable toppings since we’re “veggies”…"

"Not many restaurants have a research lab, but Mono isn’t your standard restaurant. This venue serves up what it describes as “progressive” Italian food, headed up by chef Maciek Zielinski (who’s had experience in Michelin-star restaurants) and Italian-Scottish foodie Joseph Crolla. Mono’s take on lasagne with veal ragout, parmesan and sage is a sensation, while the duck liver mousse with blueberries, onions and cocoa is surprisingly but beautifully put together."