Ratho

In the shadows of the mighty Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, stands a village steeped in history. Welcome to Ratho, a place that boasts a rich tapestry of bygone eras, all woven together in the charming fabric of this rural Gem. Ratho sits snugly in the west of Edinburgh, a place where you can still feel the echoes of a time when ancient hill forts rose proudly on the landscape. Its name, thought to be derived from the Gaelic word ‘Rath,’ meaning a place of fortresses, hints at a long and storied past. Today, the village is a peaceful haven, but centuries ago, it was a strategic location, attracting the attention of powerful families throughout history. The village has seen it all, from the influence of the ancient Celts to the rise and fall of powerful clans like the Lauders, whose legacy is deeply entwined with Ratho’s past. You are standing in front of St. Mary’s Kirk, the parish church, a living testament to the village’s evolution throughout time. Parts of the church were built in the 1100s. Look closely at the stonework – it whispers tales of a time when the bells of Ratho called out across the countryside, summoning people to prayer. From the pulpit, the church also served as a beacon of community and social life. The churchyard is a final resting place for generations of Ratho’s residents. It is a place of serene beauty, where the echoes of the past are ever-present. One unique feature is a gravestone that was carved in the shape of a coffin. The grave belongs to John Mitchell, a mason who died in 1749. It is a poignant reminder of the enduring connection between past and present in this timeless village. As you stroll through the heart of Ratho, take a moment to soak in the atmosphere. Every corner holds a story, a hint of a bygone era waiting to be discovered. Ratho, with its charming streets, its ancient church, and its whispers of history, is a place where time seems to stand still. It is a journey back in time, an opportunity to connect with a past that is as vibrant and real as the village is today.