Wallyford East Lothian
Wallyford East Lothian, a small village in East Lothian with views of the Firth of Forth standing circa 250 foot above sea level. Built on the road between Newbattle Abbey and Prestonpans the route taken by the monks of Newbattle when collecting salt from Prestonpans.
Wallyford was originally a mining community as the lands from circa 1170 were rich in mineral (coal) which the Abbots of Newbattle first mined.
Fa’side (Fawside) Castle was built circa 1190 and burnt after the Battle of Pinkie Cleuch In 1547. Ten rebuilt within a short time as this is where Mary Queen of Scots stayed prior to the battle at Carberry Hill. Mary Queen of Scots surrendered to the confederate lords on the 15th June 1567 on Carberry Hill to save her Husband Earl of Bothwell. St Clements Wells Distillery opened in 1787 in the area close to Wallyford East Lothian adjacent to Fa’side Castle the farm below the castle being St Clements. The distillery closed in 1833.
Carberry Hill Wood
A 9 foot (3m) monument stands in Carberry Wood where Mary Queen of Scots surrendered on the 15 June 1567 which ended in her death almost 19 years later in England. The monument has an inscription that reads: M.R. 1567 At this spot Mary Queen of Scots after the escape of Bothwell, mounted her horse and surrendered herself to the confederate Lords 15 June 1567.
Carberry Tower Carberry Wallyford East Lothian
Carberry Tower built on the Carberry ( Caerbairin) Estate circa 1540 was the lands originally owned by the Monks of Dunfermline Abbey. This Baronial mansion has had links with royalty for centuries, with the present Queen Elizabeth II regularly staying with her family the late King George VI and her mother and sister Margaret. This is now a luxury hotel and wedding venue.
Wallyford East Lothian Battle of Pinkie Cleuch
Battle of Pinkie Cleuch Memorial Stone stand high overlooking where the fateful battle took place on 10 September 1547. The Last battle between the Scots and English of the Rough Wooing. Known as Black Saturday as circa 6000 Scots died. This was the first battle the combined forces of infantry, cavalry and artillery, and navy were used to defeat an enemy. The only later wars were the battles of the crown and not the countries.
Earl of Hertford Edward Seymour the king’s uncle ruled England and took an army of soldiers including cavalry bound for Edinburgh destroying all that stood against them on the way. To stop them Regent Hamilton lead a force of over 10,000 to stop the English attack on Edinburgh. The two armies met at the Esk where the English had also a fleet of war ships. The English position was so strong the attack on the Scottish army was bombarded by canon from the ships and land on three side before the army and cavalry finished them off.
Two great sportsmen were born in Wallyford, Willie Park Senior the first winner of the Open Golf Championship, born June 1833 and died July 1903. Winning the golf open Championship in 1860, 1863, 1866 and 1875.
Jock Wallace Jr. was born in Wallyford in September 1935. He first signed as a player for Blackpool before going on to a managerial career in 1966 as player-manager of Berwick Rangers. In 1967 he was known nationwide as the manager that beat Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Cup the previous years Scottish Cup winners. He later became manager of Glasgow Rangers giving them two treble ( winners of all three Scottish trophies 1975 -1976 + 1977 – 1978. Jock Wallace Jr died after a illustrious football career as both play and manager and Glasgow Rangers icon.
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