Travelling in · Midlothian

A tattoo artist near Dalkeith, a short ride into Edinburgh.

Dalkeith itself hasn't had its own railway station since the 1940s, but the Borders Railway put a stop at Eskbank in 2015 — a few minutes from the town centre, with trains into Edinburgh Waverley in around 20 minutes. One of the shorter trips on this list.

Close enough for multiple sessions

Because Midlothian is so close to Edinburgh, it's genuinely practical for larger projects — sleeves and multi-session pieces built up over months are far easier when the journey is short enough to do more than once without it becoming an event.

Getting here

From Dalkeith, the nearest station is Eskbank on the Borders Railway, roughly a 10–15 minute walk or a short bus ride from the town centre, with an hourly-plus direct service into Waverley taking around 20 minutes. A direct bus from Dalkeith bus station is the other option, closer to 35–40 minutes depending on traffic.

Arriving in Edinburgh

Waverley sits right at the centre of the Old Town, and Studio XIII Gallery is a short walk from the station — no need for a second leg of the journey once you're off the train.

Good to know

Travelling from Dalkeith

Is there a train straight from Dalkeith?
Not from the town centre itself — Dalkeith lost its own station decades ago. The nearest stop is Eskbank on the Borders Railway, a short hop from the town, with direct trains into Edinburgh Waverley in around 20 minutes. A direct bus from central Dalkeith is the other easy option.
How far is Studio XIII Gallery from the station once I arrive?
A short walk — Waverley sits right in the centre of the Old Town, and the studio is close enough that you won't need a taxi or bus once you've arrived.
Let's make something

Ready to start
your piece?

Tell me your idea and I'll take it from there. Consultations are relaxed and there's no obligation.