Loanhead

The town of Loanhead in Midlothian, Scotland has long been settled, developing to become a small village by about 1600, when it was appears on a map of the Lothians. Coal and shale mining along with the paper industry were key to growth and development here and by the mid 17^th century, Loanhead had developed enough to be granted a charter for a weekly market and annual fair. The limestone industry was to become another source of employment by the late 18^th century and with the coming of the railways in the 19^th century, the local industries were thriving. These industries are gone today and replacing them in the local economy is the busy retail park. Although with faster commuting on modern roads, Loanhead is also considered a dormitory town for Edinburgh.

Loanhead offers ample amenities, eateries, pubs and good shopping as well as being well located for exploring the area. A great time to visit the town is around the time of the annual gala day, also known as Children's Day or during the annual weekend music festival, the popular Loanhead Music Festival. The mining heritage is still evident here and at the small green square in the centre of town, is a memorial to the miners who were killed in the town's coal mines as well as a large bronze sculpture known as the Coghorn, by Andrew Burton.