Pictures of Midlothian, Pentlands Regional Park

Midlothian lies south of Edinburgh, the Capital City. It distinguishes itself through its variety and beautiful tourist attractions. Its boundaries are the Moorfoot Hills and the Pentland Hills. The land is very fertile, possibly one of the most fertile regions in Scotland hence the hills are used for grazing sheep. The region is highly modernised, most of its residents live in the towns. Some of the main towns in Midlothian are Penicuik, Bonnyrigg and Dalkeith.

The variety of this region includes many architectural and historic places such as castles, old churches, monuments. One place of great interest is the small village of Roslin where one can enjoy the unique Rosslyn Chapel, The chapel is renowned for its beautiful architecture and the unique pillar which can be found inside. It is said the apprentice who did the work took advantage of the fact that his master was away and created this one of a kind pillar, completely different from the others. It is now the most photographed aspect of the highly ornate interior of Rosslyn Chapel.

The town of Penicuik, the derivation of the name being "hill of the cuckoo", also offers a unique visitor attraction: Edinburgh Crystal In the workshops, one can not only watch how whiskey glasses and decanters for example, are made and then in the gift shop, view all manner of beautifully crafted crystal objects which are on display which can be both functional and highly decorative, with a view to making a purchase.

The Pentland Hills Regional Park extends to over 9,000 hectares and lies partly within Midlothian. The park is very close to Penicuik and exploring it can take several visits. From the Pentlands you can enjoy a panoramic view of Edinburgh as well as being able to see as far as to North Berwick and Berwick Law.

Glencorse Reservoir is located in the Pentland Hills Regional Park and is the back-up water supply for Edinburgh, Man made, the Reservoir is possibly the only one in the world to have a church beneath the water. Long abandoned, the church was submerged when the reservoir was created.

Glencorse is possibly the most romantic and singularly beautiful place in Midlothian Its charm is strengthened by the peace and tranquility one finds there. The hills surrounding the reservoir were ancient mountains which have been eroded over time and are now, one could say, only beautifully sculptured hills, but that would not do them justice.

For a small license fee it is possible to go trout fishing The reservoir offers innumerable ways to spend the day. Glencorse's boundaries are the typical Scottish dike on the right and Turnhouse Hill on the right. The Hill often appears to have been "planted" by man as it sticks out of the water in an unusual way. There is a small island in the middle of the reservoir linked through a stone causeway to the shore. It can be reached by using the causeway but it is much safer to use a boat. Local people often come to Glencorse in the evenings or weekends to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature. The place is best for biking, walking around the hills and admiring the reservoir. For those interested in photography, Glencorse offers the most unique views I have ever seen. In middle-late August the hills and especially Turnhouse are covered with heather. One can reach Glencorse by driving to Flotterstone Inn on the A702 and then walk to the reservoir itself.

Sometimes when the wind eases off, the reservoir creates another identity - its perfect reflection in the water. The picture is taken on the way to the next reservoir that's part of the same water supply network, Loganlea Reservoir. Picture of the small island in the middle of Glencorse. On the way to Loganlea reservoir, looking back there's Castle Law. Loganlea is also suitable for trout fishing and presents the same sort of views as Glencorse.

On the way back from Loganlea our sheep bums happened to be in the way. The area is best for grazing sheep. Picture taken from he top of Castle Law You can see the island and the causeway linking it to shore. Where the row of trees are is the dike boundary of the reservoir. On Castle Law there's the antique Iron Age fort which has preserved very well. Panoramic view of Turnhouse Hill and the Glencorse reservoir.

The position allows a wide visual exploration f the area including what's happening on the reservoir itself.

Glencorse reservoir and the Pentlands currently present ittle to no tourist attraction n spite of their undeniable beauty and variety. Tourists coming to Scotland miss out on the opportunity to visit such spot because of its anonymity.