Heart of Midlothian

Save
  • Address
    High St, Old Town
  • Show map Close map
  • Transport
    bus: 2, 23, 27, 41, 42 or 45

Let us know if these details are incorrect

Lonely Planet review

Outside the western door of St Giles Cathedral is a cobblestone heart set into the paving that marks the site of the 15th-century Tolbooth. The Tolbooth served variously as a meeting place for parliament and the town council before becoming law courts and, finally, a notorious prison and place of execution. Immortalised in Sir Walter Scott's novel The Heart of Midlothian, the Tolbooth was demolished in the 19th century.

Passers-by traditionally spit on the heart for luck (don't stand downwind!).