WORK has been carried out to make the Ladies Walk at Newhailes House and Gardens an improved feature of the historic landscape.

A team from National Trust Scotland (NTS), which cares for and maintains the visitor attraction, has been busy clearing the walk, which was built as early as 1750.

Newhailes is a Palladian house that played a prominent role in the Scottish Enlightenment and was once the home of the Dalrymple family.

The Ladies Walk provided a raised walkway to the sea for the Dalrymples to enjoy the views across their estate.

One side of the wall is faced in stone, while the other is plain, utilitarian brickwork.

An NTS spokesperson said: “The walk was an important feature of the landscape.

“The raised walkway was planted with hawthorn, lilac, elderberry and wild roses to both provide a sensory experience for those enjoying the view, as well as shelter from the cold north-easterly winds.

“Last year we focused on removing the brambles and other weeds from the top and sides of the walk to make the feature accessible, with the support of various volunteer groups.”

They added: “This year we have recently been removing the self-seeded trees, such as sycamore and ash, that are growing along the length of the walk.

“We are also reducing the height of the remaining shrubs to around four feet, with a view to recreating the historic hedge that once ran the length of the walk on the eastern side.

“The hedge was a mixed hedge that contained a variety of species, including holly, hawthorn, lilacs, elderberry and wild roses.

“There are some remnants of the original planting left along the walk and we eventually hope to replace the missing species and specimens in the hedge to bring it back to its former glory.

“Our charity is very grateful for the support of our members and supporters, including local volunteer groups, who enable us to protect, care for and share Newhailes.”