Have you heard the tale of a village cradled by an ancient volcano? That’s Duddingston. It is one of Edinburgh’s oldest areas. Duddingston dates back to the 12th century. Despite the modern city around it, Duddingston maintains its old-world charm.
Duddingston sits beneath Arthur’s Seat. Arthur’s Seat is part of an extinct volcano from about 350 million years ago. For the energetic, a walk over Arthur’s Seat leads to Duddingston. Others can take the Innocent Railway path from the Commonwealth Pool.
The Innocent was Edinburgh’s first railway. It opened in 1831. Originally, it was a horse-drawn tramway. It hauled agricultural produce and coal from Lothian to Edinburgh.
Duddingston’s name has an interesting origin. A land grant from 1136 mentions a settlement called Treverlen. This Celtic name suggests the village is even older. The present name comes from Dodin de Berwick. He was an Anglo-Saxon knight. He supposedly called himself “Dodin of Dodinestoun.” The name has stuck since the 1200s.
Duddingston Loch is a natural lake near the village. It was once famous for ice skating. Sir Henry Raeburn even painted a minister ice skating on the loch. More interestingly, the loch held a secret. In 1778, people discovered 3000-year-old Bronze Age weapons. These had been dumped in the loch. You can now see these artifacts at the National Museum of Scotland.
Let’s talk about Duddingston Kirk. It is a parish church of Norman architecture. The Kirk was built in the early 1100s. The south wall remains from the original building. It’s one of Scotland’s oldest churches still in use.
Near the Kirk lies Dr Neil’s Garden. Some call it “Edinburgh’s Secret Garden.” Local doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil created it. In 1965, they transformed waste ground into colored terraces. It became a place for inspiration. The garden includes a physic garden. Here medicinal plants grow.
Thirsty? Visit the Sheep Heid Inn. It is reputedly Scotland’s oldest pub. An inn has been on this site since 1360. The current building dates from the 18th century. The interior was renovated in 2019. The Sheep Heid Inn has a bar, dining areas, and a courtyard. It also features a 19th-century skittle alley.
Past the Sheep Heid Inn is the Community Land. This area has a community garden and recreation space. It includes a tree nursery and orchard. The Duddingston Conservation Society owns the land. Volunteers run it. Visitors can explore the garden. You can even find paths to Arthur’s Seat from here.
Duddingston Village offers a glimpse into the past. Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army camped near here. They awaited instructions before the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745.
Duddingston is more than just old stones and stories. It is a vibrant place. It is a place where history and nature intertwine. Take a moment to appreciate Duddingston. It is a village that has stood the test of time.