Dalkeith lies eight miles southeast of Edinburgh on the South Esk River in Midlothian. The town has a population of around 12,000 that was historically supported by grain milling and cattle. Today, this ancient market town has developed into a modern commercial, retail and residential centre.
The name Dalkeith derives from the Scottish Gaelic "Dail Cheith" which means ''valley with the wood". Dalkeith provides a good base from which to explore the nearby Pentland and Moorfoot hills, which are very popular with walkers.