SCOTLAND has no shortage of splendid gardens and green spaces, but few can boast a massive topiary in the shape of an Easter Island head.
Famed for its beautiful surroundings and strange hedges, Dalmeny, which is nestled along the watery estuary of the Firth of Forth, has a lot to offer.
Featuring grazing livestock and a number of structures from between the 17th and 19th centuries, the surrounding area is the "unexpected" site for a trio of topiary that have been manicured to resemble a number of iconic figures from around the world.
These strange hedges near Edinburgh have been cultivated for over 20 years
According to Atlas Obscura , resident gardener Michael Kaplan has spent the best part of 20 years cultivating a Yew tree to resemble a moai from Easter Island, an Olmec head from Central America, and a Corinthian warrior from Greece.
The heads are also electrically wired so that their eyes blink red for the briefest of moments.
Using an ordinary pair of hand-held shears, it takes Michael an entire week, three times a year, to trim the hedges into their iconic shapes.
There is more to this area, with the nearby Scottish estate of Dalmeny and its grounds having been praised by visitors on Tripadvisor .
One person said: "A great big old country house surrounded by huge gardens and grounds. Made me dream a bit about being lord of the manor."
Another penned: "Beautiful gardens, beautiful house. Staff here are very willing to help you in any way they can.
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"We had four children with us and they all had a great day from four years old up to 11 and not one of them got bored."
A third wrote: "I recently moved to Dalmeny Village and thought I would find the beach at Dalmeny House grounds. The grounds are open for walkers and cycling as far as I can see, all year round."
They added: "I walked about a mile along the main drive towards the house and the beach. I wasn't disappointed, and the views at the beach were spectacular."
