The Heart of Midlothian
The Heart of Midlothian is a large heart shaped picked out in the Royal Mile outside of Saint Giles Cathedral, near the Duke of Buccleuch statue. It's one of the most well known features of the Mile, although visitors might be surprised by the apparent lack of respect shown by passing locals who frequently spit onto it.History
The heart represents the location of the old Tolbooth building and metal markers in the ground show the extent of the original walls. The Tollbooth was probably built during the 14th century and the building stood there in some form until the early 19th century.The Tolbooth was used for a number of purposes down the years. As well as a tollbooth it was used as a tax office and as a prison - it held the condemned cells for those sentenced to hang.
Spitting on the Heart
Because of the building's unpleasant associations it became traditional for the people of Edinburgh to spit on the ground outside the Tolbooth. This tradition continues to this day with many people every hour spitting on the heart itself. It's said by many that spitting on the heart is lucky, however the original meaning was simply to indicate contempt for the city authorities.The Heart is also the symbol for one of the city's football teams, Hearts. So perhaps some of those spiting on it aren't following tradition but are simply supporters of the rival team, Hibs...