Dalkeith

Market town and administrative headquarters of Midlothian unitary authority, Scotland, 10 km/6 mi southeast of Edinburgh; population (2001) 11,600. Grain is the principal trading commodity. The town originally lay between the North Esk and South Esk rivers, but has since been developed to the east of River South Esk. Extensive coalfields lie in the vicinity, and ironmoulding, carpet weaving, brushmaking, brewing, and electronics industries have been established in the town.

Dalkeith Palace, rebuilt in 1700, is located in the town. The 15th-century Rosslyn (Roslin) Chapel stands nearby, decorated with stone carvings of which the ‘Prentice Pillar’ is considered the finest example.