With a population of around 250 people, the unassuming village of Temple, which lies just outside of Gorebridge and around 12 miles south of Edinburgh, is barely known and yet it was said to have once been owned by the Knights Templar.
It sounds like the synopsis of a Dan Brown novel, but in the 12th century the little Midlothian hamlet was the main preceptory of the Knights Templar and is believed by many to be the place where they hid their treasure.
Originally called Balantrodach, from Scots Gaelic Baile nan Trodach, meaning "town of the warriors", Temple was gifted to the Knights Templar in 1128 by King David I of Scotland after the monarch met with the legendary order's first Grand Master, Hugues de Payens.
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Founded in Jerusalem in the years after the First Crusade, the Knights Templar were a group of devout Christians whose primary purpose was to protect Europeans travelling to the Holy Land.
For a period of two centuries, Temple remained under the control of the order and was considered one of their safest seats - where they could operate without fear of prosecution.
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Heralded by William, the Archbishop of Tyre and Chancellor of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, as "those brave men who went out from the kingdoms of the west." The knights were renowned throughout Europe and stood as a formidable fighting force, bound by an unwavering code of honour and driven by unfaltering dedication.
As time unfolded, their influence extended far beyond the battlefield, amassing immense wealth and assuming pivotal roles in the realms of politics and finance across the continent. Their deeds became the stuff of legend, as they valiantly defended their cause and upheld their sacred oaths.
In 1312, however, the tide of good fortune turned against the order. Pope Clement V issued an edict which effectively dissolved the Knights Templar and they were consigned to the history books forevermore.
In the years following the order's dissolution, their properties, including chapelry at Temple in Midlothian, were passed on to the Knights Hospitaller order.
According to local legend, the grounds of the Temple Church, which still stands today, conceal a treasure hoard that was moved in secret to the Lothians from Paris by the Knights Templar.
One legend states: 'Twixt the oak and the elm tree/You will find buried the millions free'. Many French legends also state that the treasure was moved to Scotland.
How accurate this is remains hotly-debated, with some modern historians stating that the coin in the Templar treasury - which many believe would be worth hundreds of millions of pounds - was simply seized by the French monarchy.
Perhaps one day the ancient treasure will be found and the 250 or so residents of Temple made millionaires overnight.
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