Musselburgh

Scotland > Central Scotland > Midlothian > Musselburgh

Musselburgh is located 5 miles east of Edinburgh, it stretches along the south shore of the Firth of Forth and is intersected by the River Esk.

It has preserved most of its old High Street but the town has tended to become a suburb of Edinburgh. With a fine beach, golf course and the famous horse racing course helping in its development.

The town-hall dating from 1762 and the tolbooth of 1590, are some of its buildings of note.

The famous Loretto School, occupies the site of the chapel of Our Lady of Loretto, founded in 1534 by Thomas Duthie. The main bridge was built by John Rennie in 1807. About one mile south east is the site of the battle of Pinkie and 24 miles southeast, is Carberry Hill, where Mary Queen of Scots surrendered in 1567. In the west end of the town is Pinkie House. It's a fine Jacobean mansion, with a beautiful fountain. The painted gallery, was used as a hospital after the battle of Pinkie in 1747. Bonnie Prince Charlie slept in it after the battle of Prestonpans. Near the tolbooth in the town stands the market cross.

The towns ancient history is placed beyond doubt by the Roman bridge foundations on the old bridge across the Esk and the Roman remains found near by. It was a port of some significance for most of its past.