Can you picture a time long before modern Edinburgh, when hilltops held secrets of ancient power? Here at Longfaugh, the whispers of that time still linger. Longfaugh isn’t just a hill; it’s the site of an ancient fort. This fort, perched high on the slopes west of Longfaugh farmhouse, commanded the landscape. Imagine two massive ramparts, once faced with stone or sturdy timber, enclosing a circle roughly 130 meters across. The inner rampart still stands proudly on the west side, a testament to the skill of its builders, rising three meters tall. This was a place of defense, a stronghold against unknown threats, a hub of activity during the Early Iron Age. Now, beech trees stand sentinel within the fort’s walls. Their roots intertwine with the stories of those who walked here centuries ago. Close your eyes and listen. You might almost hear the echo of their footsteps, the clang of their tools, the murmur of their voices. Longfaugh also holds a secret from a later era. Twelve Roman coins, discovered around 1785, hint at a Roman presence here. Perhaps a lost patrol, a hidden hoard, or a fleeting visit? The coins remain silent, leaving us to ponder their meaning. Longfaugh isn’t just an archaeological site. It’s a time capsule, a window into Scotland’s distant past, a reminder of the layers of history beneath our feet.
Duke Street United Reformed Church
Hidden within the bustling streets of Leith, Duke Street United Reformed Church has witnessed over 150 years of Edinburgh’s history.