North Berwick, East Lothian Scotland

Maitlandfield House Hotel situated in the capital Town of Haddington near the coastal town of North Berwick.

North Berwick attracted some attention as a ferry port for the pilgrims journeying towards St. Andrews to worship the relics of Scotland's patron Saint. The harbour remains a focal point in the town and overlooks the Bass Rock Island. A volcanic plug which lies one mile to the coast and marks the point where the Firth of Forth joins the North Sea. This rocky crag has had a long history, as it is here that St. Baldred died in 757 AD. Today it is world famous for its colony of gannets and seabirds. To experience all the activity on this rock what better way to see it than through the eyes of a camera at the 5 star 'Scottish Seabird centre'.

In the late 16th century North Berwick gained unwelcome notoriety as a result of the North Berwick Witch Trials. The witches allegedly tried to conjure up evil against King James VI who was returning home from Denmark with his bride, Anne, by order of the Devil himself. Wax images were moulded and other attempts were also made to harm him with magic. During the Witches Sabbath, the graves in the old cemetery were robbed for 'magical cookery' while a cat was baptised and thrown into the sea.

North Berwick Law, a volcanic plug of solidified lava in the vent of a volcano to the south of the town, is also a popular sight with tourists. During the Ice Age, the Law was shaped by the movement of ice, leaving the western end, facing the direction from which the ice came, steep and craggy, while the eastern side forms a longer, gently sloping tail. The effort put in to climb this lovely hill is rewarded by the spendid view from the top.  The fibreglass whale jaw bone situated at the top was placed there recently, by helicopter, as the local resident missed the sight of the original crumbling jawbone.

Around North Berwick

Golf: North Berwick offers one of 19 popular courses on Scotland's Golf Coast, including traditional links and modern, challenging courses, all of which offer friendly clubhouses. Among those within easy reach of the hotel are Muirfield (host to 15 Open Championships), The Glen, Gullane, Dunbar, Craigielaw and Archiefield – for which we can arrange individual or group packages to suit your particular needs.

a time for golf....

If you require more golf information about Scottish Golf Breaks you can please call us on Tel:01620 826513