Millerhill Carbon Tower

The Carbon Tower at Millerhill rises from the landscape like a stubborn monument to Scottish industry - a Victorian-era structure that once processed shale oil and now stands as a rather stark reminder of how the region used to work. It's visible from miles around, which is partly why locals keep pointing it out, though getting right up to it requires a bit of navigation through private land and the occasional scramble.

This is genuinely for industrial heritage enthusiasts more than casual family daytrippers. If you're into Scotland's mining and manufacturing past, or you're a keen photographer after unusual shapes on the skyline, you'll get something from it. Everyone else might find themselves wondering why they've driven out from Musselburgh to squint at a brick tower. That said, the surrounding countryside is pleasant enough for a walk, and you can see across East Lothian if the weather plays ball.

Access and exact visiting arrangements aren't straightforward - it's not a formal visitor attraction with opening times or admission charges that I can confirm. You'll need to do some legwork beforehand, possibly contacting local heritage groups or checking whether the land is accessible on the day you fancy visiting.

If you're based at Drummohr Camping & Glamping Site just four miles away, it could slot into a broader afternoon exploring East Lothian's industrial past, though I wouldn't build an entire day trip around it. Better to treat it as a curiosity rather than a destination.