East Linton is a pretty small village just of the A1, around 20 miles east of Edinburgh. If you’re travelling on the A1 and looking for an attractive pit stop, it’s only a slight detour from the main road. The square is the prettiest part of the village with the gilt fountain adorned with three lamps, surrounded by flowers.

The village square East Linton

We visited the Votadini Cafe, opposite the square. The cafe is named after the Votadini tribe who lived in the south east of Scotland during Roman times. I had afternoon tea, which for £3.50 included a freshly made sandwich of my choice, a scone with butter and jam, a cake and a pot of tea. The cafe has a pleasant relaxed ambience, also selling fruit veg and gift items. It also has a good supply of tourist information literature.

Preston Mill lies just a the edge of the village. It’s an 18th century mill in which the machinery is in operation during official opening hours. However you can get in to the grounds any day to see the exterior of the mill. Falling visitor numbers mean that the mill is now only open Thursday – Monday 1 – 5pm until 30 September 2007. I think it’s a pity that only leads to confusion about when the mill is open and further decline in visitor numbers.

Preston Mill, East Linton