Heart of Midlothian, Granite mosaic on Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
The Heart of Midlothian mosaic consists of colored granite stones arranged in a heart pattern set into the cobblestones near St Giles Cathedral.
The mosaic marks the entrance of the Old Tolbooth, a medieval administrative center and prison that operated from the 15th century until its demolition in 1817.
Local residents perform a traditional ritual of spitting on the heart mosaic, which originated as a gesture of contempt toward the former prison system.
The heart mosaic stands at the intersection of High Street and Parliament Square, marked by brass indicators showing the original walls of the Old Tolbooth.
Sir Walter Scott's 1818 novel titled The Heart of Midlothian drew inspiration from this location and influenced the Edinburgh football club's name and emblem.
Location: City of Edinburgh
GPS coordinates: 55.94960,-3.19153
Latest update: October 16, 2025 14:43
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