Swanston is a tiny hamlet nestling amid woods on the northern slopes of the Pentland Hills overlooking Edinburgh. The beautifully kept thatched cottages give Swanston its unique character and much of its attraction.
Swanston started life in 1214. A farmer by the name of Svienn took a lease to work the land in this area and the small community which grew up became known as Sveinn'ston. Over the years that became Swanston. The Swanston you see today had its origins in the early 1700s.
I discovered this village on my way to Pentland hills on Summer Solstice day. Luckily I had my camera with me to capture its beauty under some rare Scottish sunshine.
You can see the detail of the hatched roofs more closely, I read somewhere that the reed was locally sourced by the Edinburgh council during restoration.
The location of the Swanston village is unique as it is sandwiched between the Pentland hill and the suburban houses of Edinburgh. I continued my walk through the hills.