West Lothian

To many, West Lothian is a poor relative to the rolling, rich farmland of East and Midlothian, with a landscape dominated by motorways, industrial estates and giant hillocks of ochre-coloured mine waste called “bings”. However, in the royal palace at Linlithgow, the area boasts one of Scotland’s more magnificent ruins. Nearby, the village of South Queensferry lies under the considerable shadow of the Forth rail and road bridges, though it’s an interesting enough place in its own right, with a historic high street and the stately home of Hopetoun nearby.

Book tickets and tours in Edinburgh

Rough Guides tip: When planning your trip to Edinburgh, don’t miss the chance to select the perfect place to stay in the city.