Arniston, an estate in Borthwick and Temple parishes, Edinburghshire. The mansion on it stands on the South Esk river, 1¾ mile WSW of Fushiebridge station, is a massive and imposing edifice of no great age, and has extensive and very beautiful grounds. The original estate was comparatively small; belonged to Sir James Dundas, who was knighted by James V.; has come down regularly to his descendants, famous as lawyers and as statesmen; and has, from time to time, been greatly enlarged by additions from neighbouring properties. The soil of most of it was naturally poor, but has been much improved by art. Rich beds of coal here have been largely worked; and the Emily Pit has a depth of 160 fathoms, being the deepest in the E of Scotland. Sawmills and other industrial works also are on the estate.

(F.H. Groome, Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland (1882-4); © 2004 Gazetteer for Scotland)