In 1542, Mary, Queen of Scots was born in Linlithgow, some 26km (16 miles) west of Edinburgh. Trains frequently depart from Edinburgh's Waverley Station, and the 20-minute ride to the ancient royal burgh costs about ?8.50 for a standard return (round-trip) ticket, though you have to complete your trip on the same day. If you're driving from Edinburgh, follow the M8 toward Glasgow, taking exit 2 onto the M9, following the signs to Linlithgow.