Lothian, region, eastern Scotland; Edinburgh is the administrative center. The region was created in 1975 by the merger of the former county of East Lothian with most of Midlothian and West Lothian. Lothian is largely an agricultural area. Other economic activities include fishing, shipbuilding, coal mining, and the manufacture of carpets. The city of Edinburgh is the region's dominant commercial and industrial center. Area, 1753 sq km (677 sq mi); population (1991 preliminary) 723,678.

"Lothian," Microsoft (R) Encarta. Copyright (c) 1994 Microsoft Corporation. Copyright (c) 1994 Funk & Wagnall's Corporation.

East Lothian

East Lothian or Haddingtonshire, former county, southeastern Scotland, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth; Haddington was the county town. Celts were early inhabitants of the area, and numerous relics of their occupation survi ve. East Lothian was part of the Saxon kingdom of Northumbria from about the 7th century until the early 11th century, when it was incorporated into Scotland. The region suffered from English invasions until the 16th century. The religious reformer John Knox was born in Haddington. In 1975 East Lothian became part of the newly created Lothian Region.

"East Lothian," Microsoft (R) Encarta. Copyright (c) 1994 Microsoft Corporation. Copyright (c) 1994 Funk & Wagnall's Corporation.

Midlothian

Midlothian or Edinburghshire, former county, southeastern Scotland, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth; Edinburgh was the county town. The area shows evidence of prehistoric habitation and was at one time occupied by the Romans. Midlothian's later history is tied to that of the city of Edinburgh, which was founded in the 11th century and became the national capital in 1437. In 1975 the county was divided between the newly created Lothian and Borders regions.

"Midlothian," Microsoft (R) Encarta. Copyright (c) 1994 Microsoft Corporation. Copyright (c) 1994 Funk & Wagnall's Corporation.

West Lothian

West Lothian, also Linlithgowshire, former county, southeastern Scotland, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth; Linlithgow was the county town. Early habitation of the region is attested to by numerous prehistoric relics. Also remaining are portions of the Antonine Wall, built by the Romans in about AD 140 and originally extending from the Firth of Forth to the Clyde River. In 1975 West Lothian was divided between the newly created Lothian and Central regions.

"West Lothian," Microsoft (R) Encarta. Copyright (c) 1994 Microsoft Corporation. Copyright (c) 1994 Funk & Wagnall's Corporation.

To Freer Family Research Directory