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Fifteen kilometres south of Edinburgh lies the village of Lasswade on the North Esk. Christianity arrived here quite early. The local graveyards were used as early as the ninth century. The church of St. Edwin in Lasswade dates from the thirteenth century, but it survives only as a ruin in the churchyard. The six arches of a railway viaduct cross the valley here.
In the vicinity of the old manse stands a runic cross dedicated to Richard Baird Smith, the son of a local doctor who went out to India and ended by saving many lives during the Indian Mutiny. Despite his own poor health, Smith participated in the relief of Delhi after its three month siege.
Lasswade has always had strong ties to the artistic community. Sir Walter Scott lived in the town for a while, and he was visited by William and Dorothy Wordsworth and other noted writers of his time. William McTaggart, the famous landscape artist, also lived in Lassdale. He often painted the Moorfoot Hills.
Less artistic residents of Lasswade got their living from flour mills, paper mills and the carpet factory, all attracted by the village's ready access to water power. Edinburgh's more affluent residents used it as a resort in the nineteenth century. By the middle of the twentieth century, however, the town's population had declined precipitously. Today it serves as a commuter town for Edinburgh.
Activities and attractions
Horse riding is popular in Lasswade. The local equestrian centre can arrange short hacks or long treks through the countryside for interested visitors. Mounts are available to suit riders of any skill level. The centre caters to adults as well as to children as young as two years old. The centre can also arrange beach rides on request.
The Melville Golf Centre's nine hole course is pay-and-play, so there is no need to schedule around events and members. It is designed to be playable by beginners while offering sufficient challenge to keep more experienced players interested. The Golf Centre also has a driving range. Equipment hire is available.
The Lasswade Archery Club holds the open Portsmouth on Remembrance Sunday. Competitors from all over the UK gather to shoot in a tournament at which several records have been established. The club itself shoots every Wednesday evening, outdoors in season but otherwise indoors, and welcomes curious visitors.
Access and Places to Stay
Lasswade lies a short distance off the A7. There is no rail station in the town, but local buses connect it to Edinburgh where visitors can access air, rail and bus transportation to all parts of the UK and the world.
Accommodation in Lasswade is limited to B&B and guesthouse facilities and country hotel rooms. There are also sites for camping and caravanning as well as self-catering cottages.
Dining here means pub grub and takeaway, but the meals are filling and well-prepared. Lasswade's night life takes place in the convivial atmosphere of its pub. For a short break away from the stress of urban life, Lasswade may well be the perfect destination.
Accommodation in Lasswade
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