With its undulating fairways and small plateau greens you will soon discover that Swanston does not need length to provide the difficulty factor. Not one of the holes is lacking in character and the Hare Burn, which traverses the course through a beautiful little glade, provides a perfect natural hazard. By the card the course looks simple but once underway you will find that a misplaced shot will not be forgiven especially at the seventh, a long par four, where the approach shot is not for the faint hearted.

Situated on the sloping Pentland Hills, many are fearful of the course. But once playing the holes meander up the hill. Its good fun with some difficult holes.