The entry for Little France in Rev. Wilson's nineteenth-century Imperial Gazetteer of Scotland gives the following answer:

"Little France, a hamlet at the foot of Craigmillar-hill, in the parish of Liberton, Edinburghshire. The French servants of Queen Mary [i.e. Mary, Queen of Scots] resided here, when in attendance upon her at Craigmillar Castle." It was from these residents therefore that the place got its name.

The Gazetteer for Scotland site contains similar information, which you can view at:

http://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst9014.html

You can find out more about Little France by searching the Scotland's Places website at:

http://www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/

Answered on 21 Jul 2010
by East Renfrewshire Council. Education Department. Library and Information Services.