Product Description

This work is part of the "Exploring Scotland's Heritage" series which provides an introduction to the archaeological heritage of Scotland. Each book tells the story of one part of Scotland, tracing human impressions on the landscape from World War II relics back to the earliest pioneer days of settlement. The details are filled in by a gazetteer of interesting and well-preserved monuments. This volume looks at the Edinburgh, Lothian and Border regions, examining their heritage which reflects their economic and political importance for over 5000 years. There are many forts, castles and Border abbeys, with royal palaces contrasting with modest dovecotes and market crosses.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #174279 in Books
• Published on: 1997-03-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 228 pages

From the Inside Flap
Exploring Scotland’s Heritage Series provides an up-to-date and authoritative introduction to the rich archaeological heritage of Scotland. Each book tells the story of one part of Scotland, tracing human impressions on the landscape from World War II relics back to the earliest pioneer days of settlement. The details are filled in by a gazetteer of the most interesting and best preserved monuments and each new edition also features a full-colour Excursions section with easy to follow trips.

Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders has a remarkable heritage reflecting its political and economic importance over some 5,000 years. Forts, castles, and romantic border abbeys abound and stately royal palaces contrast with modest dovecotes and market crosses. Explore a rich industrial heritage, from Lady Victoria Colliery to the picturesque fishing village of St Abbs. This book will absorb every visitor and resident interested in historic buildings and landscapes.

About the Author
John Baldwin has a professional background in education, museums and conservation. Based in the Lothians, he has researched widely into the history and environment of south-east Scotland.

Excerpted from Edinburgh, Lothians and the Borders (Exploring Scotland's Heritage S.) by John R. Baldwin, Anna Ritchie. Copyright © 1996. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Introduction

Man and the Natural Environment

It is perhaps 8500 years since people first appeared in the landscape of south-east Scotland-some 6500 years BC. Whilst many of the most interesting prehistoric and later sites to have survived are found in places of particular scenic or environmental interest, today’s landscape would be unrecognisable to anyone from such earlier cultures. Prehistoric people would be just as astounded at what they would see today, however, as either they or we would be if relocated to c 1700 AD. For the face of the land has undergone quite startling change – not just over 8 or so millennia, but over just 2 or 3 centuries.

The last Ice Age ended c 8000 BC and gradually a bare tundra landscape was colonised first by mosses, lichens, grasses and shrubs, the by trees. Scots pine, then birch, were followed c 7200 BC by hazel; and by elm, oak and ash between 6500 and 6000 BC. By c 5500-3000 BC, the forests were at their most developed in a mild, moist climate; and only the wettest of swamps, the most exposed coastal sites and the highest hills would not have been afforested. At that time, the treeline was perhaps as high as 800m. Colder and wetter conditions from c 3000 BC led to a decline in overall tree cover, to a decline in elm and Scots pine (and growth in alder), to greater expanses of heathland and grassland and the rapid growth of blanket peat bog in poorly-drained areas.