Chief Executive, Laurence Rockey

With the clocks changing last weekend we’re now firmly in spring, a time of growth and change.

These are two themes that we are all familiar with. As an organisation, we’re accustomed to change and our need to adapt to respond to different requirements on us. Population growth, the financial environment and changes in technology and working practices have transformed, and continue to impact, how we work and the services we deliver. While change can bring challenges, it can bring significant opportunities that we can grasp to make things better for our council and the communities that we serve.

Right now, our council has a leading role to play in a number of major opportunities that will shape East Lothian’s future.

Our planning colleagues are currently preparing our draft LDP2 (Local Development Plan), an enormous piece of work that will be our benchmark for planning decisions for years to come. It allows us to identify where we want development to happen and where it’s not appropriate, covering housing as well as infrastructure and economic development.

Our future ambitions for Blindwells have taken a significant step forward with the Scottish Government’s approval of the Strategic Outline Business case, and UK Government also expressing its support. The business case aims to realise the full potential of the project and to ensure it can be delivered in a properly planned, funded and managed way. There needs to be a strong focusing on partnership working and financial innovation to ensure the right infrastructure and investment is achieved to deliver high quality outcomes.

Great progress is also being made at the former Cockenzie Power Station site to prepare parcels of land that are ready for economic development, with a new link road due to open this year. As part of the vision to create skilled jobs we’re also looking at a potential skills academy at Cockenzie focused on the tech and green skills that will be in high demand from future industry.

Meanwhile we continue with our work to realise our ambition of a new Brunton Theatre for Musselburgh, regenerating this much-loved space in the heart of the town.

Of course, as we look to the future it’s always worth reflecting on the past, which is what I did last Friday when I joined Musselburgh Grammar School’s march to mark its 400^th anniversary. It’s incredible to think of the rich heritage that exists within the school and the generations who have gone before. I was honoured to take part in the celebrations.

Wishing you a Happy Easter when it comes.

Surveys explore future of two North Berwick landmarks

Surveys considering the future of two North Berwick landmarks have been launched.

The Chamber on the first floor of 1 High Street and St Andrew’s Kirk Ports church and graveyard are both held in Common Good for the town.

The Chamber

1 High Street is a category B-listed building on the corner of Quality Street and known locally as the Town House. It was built around 1724 and has a distinctive bell-shaped clocktower. The chamber is on the first floor and, although it’s currently empty, it was previously a gaol, custom’s house and the former Royal Burgh’s offices.

Now it could be given a new lease of life if a proposal to rent it as office space and reinvest the income into the town’s Common Good fund is approved. The consultation, which is a legal requirement for common good assets, is available online until 6 May 2026.

St Andrew’s Kirk Ports

Separately, local charity NB Heritage has launched a survey on the future of St Andrew’s Kirk Ports, a scheduled monument of national importance.

Sitting in an attractive graveyard, the building is in a dilapidated state and its condition is deteriorating. Although we maintain the grounds, we do not have funds to invest in works beyond essential safety measures.

NB Heritage is leading a campaign to secure a future for the kirk and graveyard. The volunteer-run charity has been working with our officers to find an effective way of conserving the kirk and making it available as a community asset. They will present the results of their survey to us to inform next steps.

You can find the survey online here until 23 April.

Children host official opening of Whitecraig Primary School

Whitecraig Primary School’s children held a special assembly for invited guests to officially open their new building.

Members of our teams who had designed and delivered the project (pictured left with Scottish Futures Trust) joined school staff, elected members and representatives from the community to celebrate, with children performing a special poem written for the occasion. The school’s newly-chosen House Captains and Vice Captains took part in a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the front entrance.

Since moving in January, children and staff have been enjoying getting to know the new school spaces.

Whitecraig Primary School Head Teacher Viv Short said: “The new Whitecraig Primary School building stands as a significant investment in our children and our community. It provides a high‑quality learning environment where our values of honesty, kindness and respect are lived every day. Our pupils are immensely proud of their school, and this new building reflects their aspirations, supports their growth, and strengthens the heart of Whitecraig for years to come.”

New play area opens in Prestonpans

Members of our Amenity Services team joined local youngsters for the opening of the renewed Pennypit Park Play Area in Prestonpans.

The team members who helped carry out the renewal project visited the upgraded facility on 12 March.

Pupils from the town’s Preston Tower Primary School and St. Gabriel’s Primary School and staff from The Pennypit Trust were also in attendance.

The new play equipment is aimed at a range of ages and abilities and includes a combination swing with a range of seat types, a multi-play unit, a climbing frame mainly aimed at older children, a ‘balance trail’, a wheelchair-accessible roundabout, and an inclusive seesaw.

An area of rubber wetpour surfacing has been added to enable access for all abilities and a new bench and seating has been installed.

Funded by Scottish Government Play Parks Renewal Funding, the improvements saw the replacement of all the equipment as it had reached the end of its lifespan.

The renewal work followed an extensive public consultation to gather views on the future of the play area, particularly from children and young people. A total of 134 responses were received during the consultation and that feedback informed the design.

Find out more about our play areas and the different types of play equipment.

Feedback shapes new Employee Survey themes

This year’s employee survey will focus on six key themes identified following consultation with colleagues.

Workload and capacity, wellbeing and culture, communications and leadership, career development, ways of working and environment and tools (see graphic pictured below) were highlighted during a review of the employee survey carried out by Organisational Development (OD) and will inform questions for 2026’s version.

Directly from responses

Team manager Rebecca Grangeret explains: “The themes have come directly from the responses we had to our consultation. We were really pleased with amount of feedback that we received. People were interested and supportive of what we were trying to achieve and took time to share their views, which we really appreciated. A lot of people provided us with questions to ask and we have used their wording in the questions.”

The review’s survey was hosted online with a separate version for school staff while the OD team visited all teams who were in John Muir House, Penston House, Musselburgh Library and the Bleachingfield Centre to capture views from people working in as many areas, including frontline services, as possible. Respondents offered ideas and shared their perspectives to help shape a refreshed survey that measures employee’s experiences and what they think is important.

Person-centred

“One of our East Lothian Way core values is that our organisation is person-centred,” explains Rebecca. “The new survey will help us to understand what is working well and what needs to be improved and help us to improve employees’ experiences at work. It will give us data and evidence that we can act upon.”

The way that survey results are interpreted and actioned is also key, says Rebecca. Anonymised data is shared with service managers and they are expected to identify actions they can take forward within their area to address feedback and drive forward improvements. The Council Leadership Team will also be monitoring actions being completed. 

Confidential to complete

Equalities information collected such as gender is kept completely separate to the survey data and provided only to HR to understand are there any particular groups who are more impacted by a topic than others. This information is not shared with managers further strengthening confidentiality.

“We want everyone to feel that the employee survey is useful and worth completing,” says Rebecca. “Focusing on relevant topics developed by our staff, ensuring that all answers are anonymous and providing a clear link between feedback and action will mean that the survey is valuable for everyone.”

The employee survey will be shared in May. Look out for further details in your inbox, on the intranet and in Inform.

Local History Centre celebrates its 50th anniversary

A highly valued resource for researchers and those interested in peeping into the past - our Library Service’s Local History Centre is celebrating its 50th Anniversary throughout 2026. 

The Centre officially opened its doors in a small space above Haddington Library at Newton Port in 1976. In 2012, it moved to larger premises at the John Gray Centre on Lodge Street. 

As well as benefiting local historians it has had national attention too, starring as a filming location for BBC documentaries Lucy Worsley Investigates: The Witch Hunts, Union with David Olusoga and Empire with David Olusoga. 

To celebrate this milestone anniversary a series of community-focused, educational and local history-themed events, under the brand LH50, has been planned at the John Gray Centre, the Haddington Corn Exchange and at our other branch libraries. 

The Local Heritage Centre is a valued resource for people from near and far who want to uncover their family ties to East Lothian. LH50 will illustrate the tapestry of historical people and places of East Lothian and celebrate the centre’s history too.

"LH50 events have been designed to boost awareness of our services for older residents of the county as well as to the growing population of new and younger residents. I hope that visitors gain further insight into the history of their local area and are prompted to look into their family history, if they haven't already, by using the resources and assistance available at the Local History Centre," said Dr Hanita Ritchie, Local History Officer.

LH50 events have been designed to boost awareness of the services provided by the Local History Centre to residents old and new and of all ages. 

Celebrations will start with a Family History Fair on Monday 20 April, 3.30pm to 6.30pm. The fair will offer drop-in sessions to members of the public who need help with their family tree or are curious about the history of where they live. Consultation will be provided by Dr Hanita Ritchie along with representatives from the Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, as well as local heritage groups. 

Throughout the rest of the year, a variety of enlightening talks will be provided by external experts. This includes a special interview and audience with Scotland’s pre-eminent historian Professor Sir Tom Devine, which will take place on Monday 11 May at Haddington Corn Exchange. Tickets are on sale via the Brunton Box Office. 

Other events include a bespoke Scottish Women’s Institute craft workshop, as well as an exhibition in autumn entitled Cinematic East Lothian, specially curated by East Lothian Museum Service and the Local History Centre. There will be talks by guest speakers from Napier University, Scottish Women’s Institute EL Federation, National Library of Scotland Maps Library, National Museum of Scotland, National Mining Museum at Newtongrange, Railway Museum Bo’ness, and from local heritage groups such as the Waggonway Group and the Scottish Battlefield Trust. 

Events will be advertised via posters, local press and social media, as well as on the John Gray Centre website throughout 2026. For more information and opening hours of the Local History Centre, visit our website. 

For any enquiries about the events or to make a booking, email the John Gray Centre.

Leadership development for every stage of your journey

A new Leadership Development Framework is being developed to grow confident, capable leaders at every stage of the organisation.

The framework will bring together development pathways, core learning, mentoring, peer support and more to create a clear, consistent and accessible offer for all colleagues.

At the heart of this approach is a supportive leadership community where people can learn from one another, share experience and grow together.

Get involved: become a mentor, mentee or join a peer support network

Become a mentor

Share your experience, offer guidance, and support colleagues as they build their leadership confidence and capability.

Be mentored

Receive personalised support from someone who’s been there before. Whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time, striving for promotion or looking to strengthen specific skills, mentoring can help you grow with purpose.

Join a peer support network

Connect with colleagues at similar stages in their leadership journey. Peer groups offer a safe, informal space to reflect, problem‑solve and build confidence together.

Be first to sign up for the Aspiring Future Leaders development pathway

Applications will soon open for the first cohort of the Aspiring Future Leaders pathway. To find out more about the application process, email leadershipdev@eastlothian.gov.uk

Who can take part?

You don’t need to be in a formal leadership role. If you’re curious, motivated, or simply want to connect with others, Leadership Development would love to hear from you.

How to express interest

If you're interested to know more, just email leadershipdev@eastlothian.gov.uk and let the team know which option(s) you’re interested in. They will follow up with next steps and match you into the right space.

Meet Nicole!

Find out more about our new Leadership Development Officer Nicole and her ambitions for our new leadership programme.

 

What's on at The Brunton venues

The Brunton’s programme continues into the spring with a wonderful line-up of incredible performances in their venues across East Lothian.

April starts with a bang as Jack Docherty brings his sell-out production The Chief – No Apologies to the Corn Exchange in Haddington. As seen on BBC Scotland’s Scot Squad, Jack Docherty tells the story of how a white, middle-class, public school educated boy from Edinburgh somehow overcame all the odds to become the Chief Commissioner of The Scottish Police Force.

Jack Docherty in The Chief – No Apologies, Friday 3 April at 7:30 pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington

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Enjoy thought-provoking theatre in Haddington with 12 Step Productions: The Junkie Miracles. This honest, beautiful and eye-opening drama tells the stories of four recovering drug addicts on the day they decided to get help.

12 Step Productions: The Junkie Miracles, Saturday 4 April at 7:30 pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington

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Prepare to be amazed by International Bubbleologist, Ray Bubbles, on his mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble! This show promises a whirlwind of surprises as Ray uses various gases to craft stunning bubble sculptures, effects, and magical displays.

The Ultimate Bubble Show, Thursday 16 April at 2 pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington

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Covering over five decades of The Boss, join The Springsteen Sessions as these accomplished musicians take you on a musical journey down E Street that you’ll never want to end.

The Springsteen Sessions, Friday 17 April at 7:30 pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington

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Celebrating Celine is the ultimate live concert experience honouring the legendary music of Celine Dion. Starring the phenomenal powerhouse vocals of Lisa Harter as ‘Celine’, and an incredible live band, this is a show not to be missed!

Celebrating Celine, Thursday 30 April at 7:30 pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington

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Journey across Spain and Latin America with Duo Concordia. Formed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, violinist Lizzie Gange and guitarist Ross Morris, pair bowed violin and plucked guitar, opening up a rich palette of timbers, textures and colours. An optional light lunch is served in the Church Hall adjacent to the church at midday.

Duo Concordia: bite-sized concerts at lunchtime, Tuesday 7 April at 1 pm, Northesk Parish Church, Musselburgh

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Join Lucy Parham (piano) and Joanna David (narrator) in Musselburgh, as they tell the extraordinary life story of Clara Wieck Schumann, in her own words. Drawn from letters and diaries, interspersed with live performances of her works and music by Brahms, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Chopin and Robert Schumann.

I, Clara: Lucy Parham and Joanna David, Saturday 18 April at 7:30 pm, Northesk Parish Church, Musselburgh

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Written and performed by acclaimed composer and songwriter, Gareth Williams, experience the incredible outcome of combining iconic Scottish literature with voice and piano. Supported by violin and cello duo, Sequoia, Williams will take audiences through a spell-binding performance that captures the essence of the stories and novels we all love.

Songs from the last page: Gareth Williams with Sequoia, Saturday 25 April at 7:30 pm, Northesk Parish Church, Musselburgh

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Enjoy midweek movies with the most anticipated films and the best of the west end all from the comfort of Loretto Theatre.

Mother’s Pride tells the story of a failing pub, a divided community and a grieving family whose lives are changed by brewing real ale. Next, National Theatre Live presents the triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, All My Sons. Finally, based on the best-selling sci-fi novel by Andy Weir, science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of how he got there in Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling.

Mother’s Pride (PG), Wednesday 15 April at 7 pm, Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh

NT Live: All My Sons (15), Thursday 23 April at 7 pm, Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh

Project Hail Mary (12A), Wednesday 29 April at 7 pm, Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh

What's on in our museums

Our museums are preparing to welcome visitors for a vibrant new season, featuring fresh exhibitions, creative activities and opportunities to explore local heritage across the county.

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Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery opens the season with a nostalgic look back at Dunbar’s beloved outdoor pool. Though long gone, the pool remains alive through cherished memories and historic photographs. Artist Catriona Simpson explores how memory shapes identity and our sense of place through a new collection of oil paintings. This exhibition complements the Dunbar and District History Society’s current show, Summers in Dunbar, offering a rich, reflective tribute to the town’s past.

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John Gray Centre Museum

John Gray Centre Museum, Haddington is preparing two major exhibitions for 2026 alongside celebrations marking 50 years of the Local History Centre.

The season opens with a landmark exhibition on internationally renowned artist John Bellany HRSA, born in Port Seton. Paintings from our own collection will be shown alongside prestigious loans from private lenders and the Royal Scottish Academy. A programme of specialist talks will accompany the display, which runs until autumn.

Following this, Cinematic East Lothian will explore film locations and cinema history across the region, running through until Spring 2027.

Visitors can also enjoy the winning entries from the Children’s Art Competition, now beautifully framed in the museum lobby, and create their own artworks in the refreshed Museum Art Space.

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John Muir’s Birthplace

John Muir’s Birthplace, Dunbar, has been working on an exciting project to look at new ways to engage with Muir’s legacy and seek inspiration from his example to take action in whatever way feels right to them, towards creating a thriving planet with thriving communities for all. The varied programme of exhibitions, drop‑in crafts and family workshops will run throughout the year. April will see the launch of the first seasonal exhibition which will look at Gardening Pioneers and will set the tone for an engaging year ahead at the museum dedicated to Dunbar’s most famous son.

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Prestongrange Museum

Prestongrange Museum reopens this spring with an exciting season inspired by the site’s rich industrial heritage. A full programme of small, friendly events will be announced on Facebook @PrestongrangeMuseum, throughout the year.

From 1 April, families are invited to kick off the season with a fun Easter Trail around the museum grounds.

Wee Wednesdays returns from 7 April, offering weekly Bookbug sessions and crafts for families. Visitors can also drop in for guided tours or enjoy coffee and cake in the on‑site café.

The next stage in an ambitious project to develop a heritage park within the former Prestongrange Colliery and Brickworks between Prestonpans and Musselburgh is nearing completion. Work to repair the structure and roof of the building and the creation of a volunteer base and activity room within the former medical centre of the Pithead Baths building began in June 2025, with the goal of encouraging wider community use of the park and helping build future volunteer capacity. The project is expected to be finished by late spring/early summer.

The aim of the project is to secure the fabric of the former Pithead Bath House building, deliver an accessible, carbon neutral community hub and education space, and encourage further dialogue to identify future uses of the building that will complement the wider heritage park and contribute to the long-term sustainability and viability of this important attraction.

Look out for more information in the coming months about this exciting development as we work to bring this iconic building back in to use as the Prestongrange site continues its transition from its industrial past to a rewilded and repurposed future. 

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Musselburgh Museum

Musselburgh Museum launches its season in April with a special exhibition in partnership with The Royal Company of Archers, coinciding with the annual competition for the historic Musselburgh Arrow - believed to be the oldest sporting trophy in the world still competed for annually. The competition's origins, which date back to 1603, has its long association with The Royal Company of Archers since 1676. The exhibition runs from April to the end of May and further themed exhibitions will follow from June to September, including a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Musselburgh Grammar School.

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Coastal Communities Museum

The Coastal Communities Museum, North Berwick reopens for the new season on Friday 3 April with refreshed displays and exciting updates. A new exhibition on agricultural life in East Lothian showcases historic farming tools from seed broadcasters and sheep shears to a hand plough and a mysterious device once known as a ‘foster mother’. Visitors can explore the stories these objects tell about rural life throughout the region.

The museum’s popular rope‑tying display also returns, inviting visitors to master nautical knots such as the bowline and the sheet bend.

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Our museums:

John Gray Centre (Museum)

15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX
Thursday and Friday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm

John Muir's Birthplace

126 High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm
Sunday 1pm to 5pm

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER
Wednesday to Sunday 1pm to 5pm
(from Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 28 September)

Prestongrange Museum

Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX
Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4.30pm
(from Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 28 September)

Coastal Communities Museum

School Road, North Berwick, EH39 4JU
Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm
(from Wednesday 9 April to Saturday 25 October)

Musselburgh Museum

65 High St, Musselburgh EH21 7BZ
Thursday to Saturday 10.30am to 4pm
(from Thursday 3 April to Saturday 27 September)

 

Meet Nicole, our new Leadership Development Officer

Nicole McKerracher joined our Organisational Development team in January 2026, taking on the newly-created role of Leadership Development Officer. She brings with her a wealth of experience in learning, development and transformation having worked for a diverse range of private-sector companies, including water services supplier Business Stream and Next. Her background spans technical training, digital learning, large scale change programmes and talent development, and she is now developing new ways we can grow and support our workforce. 

Shaping a future ready workforce 

Nicole is currently focused on designing and embedding a new Leadership Development Framework, ensuring we future proof our workforce. The new Framework will offer clear pathways to grow and succeed for people with differing levels of leadership, and those who aspire to lead. At its core is a recognition that the majority of learning comes from on-the-job experience, followed by interaction with others and formal training.  

One of Nicole’s early priorities has been formalising and strengthening our existing mentorship programme and peer support groups, ensuring they are accessible, visible and valuable for colleagues at all levels. 

“We are centralising our mentoring programmes, with defined goals and greater clarity for those taking part. It’s about creating the conditions where people feel supported and equipped to lead well,” Nicole explains. “Leadership at every level matters, so our framework needs to reflect that.” 

Transitioning from the corporate world into local government has brought new insights. 

“Coming into the council with no previous public sector experience has been a challenge,” she says. “There’s a lot to get to grips with, from political contexts to the very real pressures services face. But stepping in with fresh eyes has also been a huge advantage.” 

Building connections, shaping what comes next 

During her short time with us, Nicole has been meeting leaders and teams across services, hearing first-hand about the work they do, the challenges they’re navigating and the development support that would make the biggest difference. 

Later this year, she will launch our first development pathway for Aspiring Future Leaders, a key milestone in bringing our Leadership Development Framework to life. 

“I’m excited about the momentum we’re building,” she says. “There’s a real appetite for development across our council, and I’m looking forward to helping colleagues grow, progress and lead with confidence.” 

To get in touch with Nicole or find out more about the New Leadership Development Framework, just email leadershipdev@eastlothian.gov.uk 

Frances and Tracey complete national scholarship programmes

Two colleagues have been awarded certificates recognising their completion of national scholarship programmes.

Frances Paterson, an Assistant Area Officer in the Facilities Management team, was honoured for her success in the ASSIST FM Cleaning Scholarship delivered by the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICS).

Frances helps to support and manage catering, janitorial and cleaning staff in facilities in primary and secondary schools, libraries, community centres, and Crookston Care Home in Tranent.

Tracey McConnachie, Area Officer of Nutrition with Facilities Management, completed the Learning to Lead Scholarship delivered by We Are Extraordinary Training. Part of the ASSIST FM Scholarship initiative, the course is aimed at developing leadership capabilities among staff in Scotland’s local authorities.

Frances and Tracey were presented with their certificates at a ceremony which welcomed future leaders from councils across the country in catering and cleaning services.

Frances, who has worked with us since 2021, said: “The BICS scholarship gave me a better understanding to the world of cleaning which I can pass on to our staff to achieve a higher level of cleaning within our establishments.”

Her six-month course was a mixture of training days, home study and assessments covering an array of topics including environmental awareness, greenwashing, building inspections, cleaning science and cleaning inspections.

Tracey has been a valued member of the service since 2002 and began her career as a Catering Assistant. Committed to developing her skills and knowledge, she attended college for two years to attain her Catering SVQs.

Progressing into the role of Cook Supervisor, which she held for 17 years across several schools, she advanced to the position of Assistant Area Officer before being appointed Area Officer where she continues to provide strong leadership and operational oversight.

Tracey’s scholarship programme combined in‑person and online learning with a focus on key subjects including employee engagement, team resilience and mental health in the workplace

Vanessa Sanal, Service Manager with Facilities Management Services, said: “Tracey has gained valuable tools to support her continued development and effectiveness as a leader through the scholarship. She now feels better equipped to guide, support, and strengthen her teams, applying her new skills to enhance both wellbeing and performance across her area. Frances’ achievement not only broadens her personal expertise but also helps us embed best practice across our cleaning teams. She is equipped to lead, support, and strengthen her team’s knowledge, applying her new skills to enhance the service.”

Congratulations to Frances and Tracey.

A Ranger writes... about dandelions

Our Countryside Rangers have a wealth of knowledge on the places, plants and species that call East Lothian home. In this issue, Ranger Richard English tells us about dandelions.

The humble dandelion - hated by many a gardener, loved by rabbits and the proud owner of lots of amusing folk names, some linked to their diuretic properties. Whilst the full bloom of dandelions may not be seen for a while, there will be some hardy individuals in flower this month.

When you dig a bit deeper (so to speak) things get a bit more complex and interesting. That familiar yellow flower is not actually a flower at all. Rather, it’s a tight flower head made up of many individual small flowers, known as florets. This is a characteristic feature of this family of plants - the Asteraceae - which includes daisies, thistles and (unsurprisingly) asters. The florets can take two forms - disc and ray. Daisies have both forms; the central yellow section being made up of disc florets, while the white outer parts are the ray variety. Dandelions, on the other hand, have only ray florets.

The complexity increases when we try to think about the dandelion at a species level. Taraxacum officinale, as the dandelion is known scientifically, is not a simple species. Instead, it is a group of over two hundred subspecies, collectively known as an aggregate. Aggregates are difficult things to deal with, as their various sub- and micro-species are often indistinguishable to the untrained eye. In fact, unless you’re a proper botanist, it’s best to try and ignore the whole concept (I know I do).

Another early flowering member of the asteraceae is coltsfoot. The flower is superficially similar to the dandelion and the plants’ names also have a common derivation - the shape of the leaves. As many will be aware, dandelion is from the French dent-de-lion, reflecting the lion-toothed edge of the leaves. In the case of coltsfoot, the leaves are said to (vaguely) resemble a horse’s hoof. It is also known as “son-before-the-father” because its bright yellow flowers appear in early spring, whilst the leaves do not turn up until much later, once flowering is all but over.

Coltsfoot can be found in a range of habitats, often in places where the ground has been disturbed such as waste ground, spoil heaps and riverbanks. The plant produces seeds remarkably like those of the dandelion, which are dispersed by the wind. However, most coltsfoot grows from rhizomes - underground stems which spread from the parent plant and produce new growth every now and then.

Herbalists used to use coltsfoot to cure chest complaints. Indeed, the scientific name for this genus, Tussilago, is from the Latin tussis, meaning cough. The leaves were either made into a tea, or they could be dried and smoked (not a good idea for a bad chest). However, coltsfoot contains alkaloid toxins, which may cause liver damage. As a result, its use was banned in Germany, although a variety of the species has since been produced containing no detectable amounts of the toxins.

Coltsfoot, and other early-flowering plants, perform a valuable ecological function by providing nectar for bees and butterflies. At a time when food can be hard to come by this can be the difference between survival and starvation for these beautiful and essential pollinators.

Keep up to date

Keep up to date with all things Countryside Ranger on the service’s Facebook or Instagram pages. You’ll find news and information to help you make the most of your time in our coast and countryside spaces as well as beautiful photography of the species that live here.

Facebook: @ELCrangers

Instagram: @elcrangers

Gentle wellbeing walks: a great start to spring

The benefits of walking for mental and physical health are being highlighted as a new programme of Ageing Well events gets underway.

The Ageing Well project supports healthy and active lifestyles for people over 50 in East Lothian. Delivered by our teams in partnership with NHS Lothian, the project offers a wide range of activities designed to help older adults maintain and improve their physical and mental health, wellbeing and overall quality of life.

Parvine Woodger, Ageing Well Coordinator, says: “Our gentle wellbeing walks are a fantastic way to lift people’s mood, get them moving and feel more connected to the local community. These short walks are open to all ages and fitness levels, but they’re especially ideal for anyone who prefers a slower pace and some friendly company.

“Our council has so many services working with people across communities – if you think you know someone who would benefit from our wellbeing walks and activities, please let them know about Ageing Well.”

A new series of walks has just started on Wednesdays in Haddington, setting out from Haddington Athletic Football Club at 10.30am.  This new addition joins a busy programme of activities throughout the week from Musselburgh to Dunbar and many towns and villages in between.

Parvine adds: “The walks do so much for wellbeing - from chatting with others to enjoying nature and gentle exercise. They’re also completely free, which can make a big difference for people who can’t afford classes that might cost £10 a week or more.”

You can find a full list of activities and details of organised walks across East Lothian on the Ageing Well webpage.

For more information, please contact Parvine Woodger, Ageing Well Coordinator.

Email: ageingwell@eastlothian.gov.uk

Tel: 07718 117585

New name and ten-year plan for East Lothian Community Planning Partnership

A new ten-year plan to improve East Lothian communities’ health and wellbeing, safety and financial security has been agreed.

The East Lothian Community Planning Partnership’s Board met on 9 March to approve the 2026-2036 Local Outcome Improvement Plan as well as a new name and streamlined governance structure to strengthen local voices in community planning.

Statutory body

The East Lothian Community Planning Partnership, formerly known as the East Lothian Partnership, is a statutory body that brings together public organisations including ours, NHS Lothian, Police Scotland, voluntary sector and communities to identify priorities and plan services. It carried out extensive engagement to create the new plan, distilling responses into three themes: Living Well, Keeping Safe and Money Matters. These were then subject to further engagement with communities and partners before being agreed by the Board.

Living Well highlights wellbeing, staying connected with others and communities, and healthy and active places and spaces. Money Matters is in line with the Partnership’s poverty plan prioritising the creation of good jobs that pay fairly, enough money from benefits, a good life with access to essentials and climate change ready. Keeping Safe covers a range of matters that impact people and communities from online safety and community-based issues to gender-based abuse and climate adaptation.

Strategic groups for each of the three themes will bring together relevant agencies to plan and take forward actions.

Name change

The East Lothian Community Planning Partnership agreed a name change to address feedback gathered during its consultation that people did not understand its work, role within community planning or standing as a statutory body recognised in law. Ongoing communication will be taken forward to raise awareness of the Partnership and to evidence its impact through better data gathering and reporting through the Plan’s lifetime.

QMU Local Impact and Global Reach: open event

All are welcome at Queen Margaret University’s annual open event on 22 April from 4.30pm to 7pm.

A diverse range of themes will be featured, including:

• using music to support wellbeing
• approaches to caring for children with cerebral palsy
• prehabilitation in healthcare
• social enterprise developments
• supporting students with autism

The evening event, ‘Local Impact and Global Reach’, will provide visitors with a unique insight into the diverse work taking place across the University.

Designed for representatives from business, industry, healthcare and voluntary organisations, along with local community members and QMU graduates, the event will include a fascinating range of exhibition stalls, a short talk by the Principal and Chair of Court, optional tours, and refreshments. Visitors will have the chance to meet researchers and academic staff at an informal fair, where they can learn about new research, community engagement initiatives, collaborations, creative initiatives and innovation-led projects from across the University’s School of Health Sciences and the School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management.

As part of the evening, guests will also be invited to take an optional tour of QMU’s new public artwork installation, commissioned to mark the 150th anniversary of the University.

If you're interested in discovering more about the University’s research and innovation work, collaborative partnerships and community-focused projects, you can book your free place via Eventbrite.

City Region Deal at halfway point - Innovation Hub a major benefit

The Edinburgh Innovation Hub, which welcomed its first tenant in December last year, is one major benefit for East Lothian thanks to investment and partnership working as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal (ESESCRD). 

Almost 30,000 jobs have been created or supported across the Deal region since 2018 thanks to ESESCRD, which is at the halfway point in its 15-year delivery timeline and has already contributed £3.6 billion in economic growth. 

From Fife to the Scottish Borders, the Deal is delivering investment across housing, transport, innovation, culture and skills and employment.

The Edinburgh Innovation Hub (EIH), next to Queen Margaret University (QMU), is one of seven across the area designed to increase links between university research and industry.

The Council welcomed an update report on the Hub in October last year, which showed that the completion of this £40m flagship development by the council and QMU signalled the project partners’ ambition to create a nationally significant facility to capture, support and grow innovation-led enterprise in East Lothian and the Edinburgh region. 

EIH is a joint venture between our organisation and QMU featuring flexible laboratory, office and fully equipped meeting and conference spaces for rent by small to medium enterprises. The venture has been supported by £10m from our council budgets as part of ESESCRD, £28.6m from UK Government and £1.4m from Scottish Government

It will help to initiate development of the wider Edinburgh Innovation Park on land adjacent to the QMU campus. The development was granted planning permission in principle in March 2019, as part of a wider mixed use development, including new homes and a new primary school, business & industry use and community facilities.

Read the full story in the news section of our website. More information on the Edinburgh Innovation Hub is on the website and Blindwells updates are on our website.

Fleet Solutions: Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

Did you know we are partnered with NHS Fleet Solutions to offer you a simple, cost‑effective way to lease a brand‑new low‑emission car for three years?

How it works

You agree to give up part of your gross salary in exchange for an all‑inclusive car package - meaning you save on tax, National Insurance and pension payments and pay nothing upfront. No credit checks or deposit payments required.

Your monthly salary sacrifice covers:

• fully comprehensive insurance (up to five drivers)
• road tax
• servicing, tyres, breakdown and windscreen cover
• options include a home EV charger

Benefits of the scheme

If you’re looking to upgrade your car or switch to an EV, the scheme offers:

• lower costs than buying or leasing privately
• a hassle‑free, fully maintained vehicle
• a simple online quotation system
• dedicated support when you need it

Take a look

Whether you want something economical, family‑friendly or great for commuting, this scheme could offer more value than you expect.

Why not take a few minutes to browse, compare, and see for yourself? Your next car might be closer - and more affordable - than you think.

Car Scheme website: https://www.nhsfleetsolutions.co.uk/ - to register on the website you will need to enter the VPD number for East Lothian Council which is L04.

Employee Benefits intranet pages: Find out more by logging on to the intranet, select pay and benefits on the homepage, and then salary sacrifice for cars.

*Please read the Car Scheme FAQs for important restrictions before signing up.

What colleagues say:

“The process is simple and straightforward, and the all‑inclusive package provides real peace of mind. The option to add a home charger with an EV made switching to electric incredibly convenient. The tax savings are very welcome bonus.”

Service Manager – Strategic Change

“The process through application, installation of EV charger and delivery of my EV was seamless. To be able to charge at home and enjoy the benefits from lower cost electricity rates for overnight charging has been a great advantage.”

Head of Infrastructure

“I’ve been extremely pleased with my experience of the Salary Sacrifice scheme – so much so that I’ve already entered into my second agreement. The annual service, tyres, roadside assistance, and insurance all included makes the whole process effortless. There’s also a great range of options available to suit most people’s needs.”

Team Manager – Active Business Unit

“The ordering process is straightforward and having Fleet Solutions as an experienced provider gives reassurance that they have the knowledge and expertise to provide support at every stage if needed. The car scheme gives the convenience of knowing that your running costs are all fixed for the period of the leasing agreement.”

Principal Accountant

“The scheme is ideal for my family. It means we can have a new car and everything is included in the monthly payment - insurance and servicing etc. Fleet Solutions were helpful and the paperwork was straightforward to complete. The salary sacrifice payment makes it affordable for us and the car has been excellent.”

Early Years Practitioner

Money back on everyday expenses with HSF Health Plan

We are partnered with HSF Health Plan, the trading arm of the charity The Hospital Saturday Fund, to provide you with access to affordable health benefits.

As a member of our staff team, you can join and claim money back on everyday expenses, including dental treatments, optical care, physiotherapy, private consultations, tests, health screens and much more. 

Warren Vale, our dedicated Account Manager, is hosting an online session where he will give a detailed presentation of the benefits. The session is being held on teams:

Thursday 30 April, midday to 1pm

To request a Teams link for the information session, please email hwl@eastlothian.gov.uk.

Learn more about HSF or join the plan