Sneak peek: inside Craighall and Blindwells primary schools

A back to school 'to do' list for most people means new uniform, new school bag and new stationery. 

For our Strategic Asset and Capital Project Management service, this year's list has been more extensive - delivering two brand new primary schools in time for the start of the new term.

Blindwells and Craighall primary schools will open their doors to learners for the first time on Wednesday 13 August. It’s an exciting day for the school’s staff and children, but particularly for our teams who have been responsible for the delivery of the new buildings. 

Working across services

Our Strategic Asset and Property Management Service led on the buildings’ design and interior design and monitored and managed both schools to ensure they meet the required quality and cost levels. They also worked closely with other services, such as education, finance, IT and facilities management colleagues, and the two Head Teachers when appointed, to coordinate all aspects essential to the establishment of a new school ready for staff and children.

Throughout the process, our teams have worked with our development partner, Hub South East, to take the projects from initial designs to completion. JM Architects worked-up designs created by our in-house architects with Balfour Beatty appointed as main contractor.

Variety of environments

Both schools have been designed with the shared accommodation of a multipurpose hall, dining, social stair and library placed centrally and classrooms and supporting spaces wrapped around them. The entire buildings are viewed as learning spaces, not just the classrooms, allowing teachers to embrace the variety of environments to deliver their teaching in alternative and more informal ways throughout the school.

A flexible approach means that areas can be used for multiple functions both by the school and external groups, helping to promote the schools as focal points in their newly-established communities.

Natural light and inspiration

Extensive glass provides plenty of natural light and views outside to keep the buildings bright and promote wellbeing, while external spaces offer opportunities for structured outdoor, free and imaginative play and woodland exploration.

The interior design has been carefully considered to echo the natural environments surrounding each school and provide a warm and calming atmosphere for children, staff and visitors. Craighall’s palette of sage greens, soft taupes and heather tones complements the natural landscape while deep teal, soft blues and gentle earth tones at Blindwells reflect the area’s mining heritage and the new town’s proximity to the coast. Unique supersized graphics in both schools installed in the multipurpose halls root the buildings firmly in their locations inspired by undulating coastal patterns (Blindwells) and layered geological formations (Craighall). 

Our Interior Design and Facilities Officer Lynda Wightman commented: "It's been great to be part of the project design team delivering two new primary schools. It’s been a huge team effort not only from the Design Team, external consultants and across our many council departments working collaboratively to deliver these new buildings."

The new schools will be enjoyed by learners for generations to come. 

Transport Secretary officially opens new rail bridge

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop visited East Lothian to officially open a new bridge replacing the Markle Level Crossing.

The bridge and accompanying diversionary road near East Linton opened to traffic last month following completion of the construction project.

The ceremony on 31 July was also attended by East Lothian's Provost Councillor John McMillan (pictured below with Fiona Hyslop), council representatives including chief executive Laurence Rockey, project manager Peter Forsyth and head of development Keith Dingwall alongside Innis Keith, health, safety and environment director at Network Rail Scotland, and Glen Henderson, project manager for Balfour Beatty.

Safer crossing

The works saw the construction of a bridge to replace the level crossing along with the creation of a diversionary road at Markle Steading.

Markle Level Crossing had been one of only two remaining level crossings on Scotland’s East Coast Main Line. Its closure removed the risk to road users and the national rail network.

The new bridge will also benefit pedestrians and road traffic by removing delays caused by lowered level crossing barriers when trains are approaching.

Council-managed project

Planning permission for the works, which were fully funded by Transport Scotland and undertaken by Balfour Beatty, was granted in 2023; our council managed the project's delivery.

Ms Hyslop said: “It is great to see that the construction of a new overbridge replacing the Markle Level Crossing on the East Coast Main Line is now complete.

“The successful partnership of East Lothian Council, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, and Balfour Beatty as principal contractor has been vital, and I would like to thank all partners involved for their work in delivering this important project.”

Attainment gap narrows as exam results announced

Significant progress has been made to narrow the attainment gap between pupils in the county’s most and least disadvantaged areas at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels according to analysis of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Attainment Statistics for 2024/25 published earlier this month.

'Results day' is keenly awaited by learners, their families, school and education staff alike. The national statistics give an insight into work to address key issues such as the attainment gap and achievement in schools.  

Highlights from 24/25 include:

• young people gained more qualifications than in the previous year. 2757 candidates achieved 14,365 awards compared with 2679/13964 in 23/24
• the attainment gap narrowed at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels and more than in the previous year. The largest reduction was recorded at Advanced Higher level where it narrowed by 21 percentage points
• more young people achieved National 2, 3 and 4 levels than in the previous year and the total number of awards also rose
• the pass rate at National 5 and Higher increased from 23/24 and was above the national average. The number of learners taking Advanced Higher was lower than in 23/24 and the pass rate was slightly lower in comparison
• Maths attainment rose by 5% at National 5 and 6% at Higher levels compared to 23/24, both above the Scottish average
• English attainment remained consistent with the previous year at National 5 and Higher levels which, again, were both above the Scottish average 

School level analysis has been shared with all secondaries to support their own work and future planning. The full national results are available from SQA's website.

'Tackling inequality'

While congratulating young people on their results, Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale also praised families, school teams and education colleagues for the support they provide. She added “I am absolutely delighted to see significant progress in closing the attainment gap between learners in our most and least deprived areas and the improvements in performance at both National 5 and Higher. Academic success should not be determined by postcode and tackling this inequality is vitally important to give all of our young people the best start in life."  

Interested? Find out more about:

• East Lothian's results day
• Our commitment to raising attainment for all in our Excellence and Equity: Raising Attainment Strategy

Annual procurement survey results

In September 2024, our Procurement Service launched a customer satisfaction survey to better understand how well they're supporting their internal customers and how they can improve. Here, Linzi Halpin and Jemma Oliver share the results of the survey as well as next steps.

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The customer satisfaction survey was part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and was sent to 16 service areas, with 11 responding - a strong 69% response rate.

The survey featured 15 questions across five key categories, exploring:

• effectiveness and ease of the procurement process
• satisfaction with team interactions
• changes in demand and their impact
• communication quality
• opportunities to address knowledge gaps

What You Told Us

Effectiveness and support

Customers reported high confidence in knowing when and how to seek advice, where to access information, and praised the team’s responsiveness. Overall satisfaction in this area reached an impressive 93%.

Ease of process

While 87% of respondents said they understood the procurement process, 13% highlighted challenges with completing forms and navigating the steps. We’re actively working to simplify these areas, especially form completion. We plan further improvements once new Microsoft 365 capabilities are available.

Team interactions

This category revealed strong customer confidence, with 97% satisfied with the team’s professionalism and feeling assured that their feedback is heard and valued. To build on this, we’ll be introducing monthly drop-in sessions to make it easier for you to share feedback and ask questions. Share feedback with us

Communication

Communication scored highly, with 93% satisfied overall and 100% happy with the quality and accuracy of information received. However, some customers noted they weren’t always kept up to date on procurement policies and legislation. We’re taking steps to improve this and ensure consistent updates.

Training and upskilling

45% of respondents expressed interest in further training. Key areas identified include:

• contract management
• community benefits
• general procurement processes

We’ll be arranging training sessions in the coming months. Please get in touch if you would like to attend. Service managers will also be asked to nominate staff who they would like to attend the training alongside anyone who was unable to attend last time.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the survey. Your feedback is invaluable and helps us shape a better, more responsive procurement service for all.

Interested in finding out more about procurement? Attend one of the upcoming drop-in sessions in person or online.

Lost in Pace top Spring Step Count Challenge

Some healthy competition saw a team from Planning and Development take top spot in this year's Spring Step Count Challenge. 

'Lost in Pace' topped our council mini league and finished 54th overall out of 764 teams across Scotland.

Scott Robertson, Thelma Barson, Gail Laird, David Allan and Graeme Marsden achieved a total of 4,409,439 steps over the course of the eight week challenge. Team captain Scott said: "I'm really proud of our team's efforts in the Step Count Challenge, especially Thelma who went above and beyond everyday to help us win."

Second place went to 'the Step Sisters' from Children's Wellbeing. Captained by Frances Chapman who was  joined by Lisa Shine, Kari-Ann Johnston, Jillian Peart and Natalie Andrews, the team are happy with their results. "I’m so proud of our team – good-natured competitiveness kept us going and we’re all absolutely delighted to finish second place in East Lothian," said Frances.

Third place was taken by 'the George Johnstone Gals' from Communities and Housing. All based at the George Johnstone Centre, Tracey Redpath (captain) and Jude Henderson from Connected Communities were joined by Sarah Jones, Carly Pryde and Claire Mcnulty from Community Housing to make up the team. 

Jude said: "Being part of a team definitely gave me that extra push to get outdoors and stay active. It was a fun and motivating experience from start to finish. Fantastic news that 'The George Johnstone Gals' secured third place for East Lothian Council, we’ll have to plan in a few extra laps around Polson Park next time to see if we can move up the rankings!"

There are two Step Count Challenges a year, one in spring and one in autumn. The walking challenge for Scottish workplaces was launched by Scottish walking charity Paths for All in 2011. Since then, they have had over 69,000 participations in the challenge and logged more than 30 billion steps and counting. From commuting to work on foot, to escaping the desk for a lunchtime walk, or going for an active meeting, the Step Count Challenge gives staff the opportunity, support and motivation to get active.  

Congratulations to all the teams who took part and look out for news later in the year on the Autumn event.

New guidance for council committees

New templates have been created for reports to all committee meetings. 

Committees play a vital role in our council's decision-making process, scrutinising performance and ensuring effective governance. Reports provide crucial detail to elected members, communities and stakeholders on council business and decisions. 

Along with the new templates, guidance has been created for writing reports and presenting to committee. The templates and guidance provides consistency while supporting colleagues who are new to the process.

The committee templates and guidance are available from our intranet. Follow the 'committees and meetings' tab in the Most Popular bar. 

Are you planning an engagement or consultation this year?

Join colleagues for a learning and sharing event online on Wednesday 27 August 2pm to 3.30pm.

Our council and the East Lothian Partnership are working to improve our strategic approach to consultation and engagement. This includes making sure we connect colleagues who are planning an engagement or consultation process to make sure that we are sharing ideas, connecting with existing data and reducing duplication. 

As well as sharing your own plans and hearing from other projects and services, at this session you will:

• hear from communications colleagues about the support they can give when engaging with communities, sharing details about your consultation, and when to include them in your timeline
• hear from our Equalities Officer on what you need to consider from a tackling inequality perspective and engaging groups with protected characteristics
• find out what consultation tools we have available, who to contact to access them, and peer support on how to make the most of them
• find out how to collaborate with Third Sector colleagues to benefit from their community expertise and grassroots links

This is an informal online session for colleagues to share ideas and what they’ve learnt from our communities so far.

Please email Lucy Higginson lhigginson@eastlothian.gov.uk to sign up or get in touch with Lucy if you have any questions.  

John Muir House building update

August will see a number of council teams move into John Muir House as part of the ongoing relocation of staff from the Brunton Hall.

The East and Midlothian Public Protection Office and Bereavement team will move on 14 August while Arts service will transfer on 21 August. All contact telephone numbers will be transferred to provide continuity for customers and colleagues.

The new layout sees the Bereavement team in rooms next to Registration service, with whom they work closely, while the Arts service will be located close to the Brunton at Haddington Corn Exchange venue.

A new lease agreement is in the process of being agreed with the Fisherrow Trust for Criminal Justice Social Work Service to move to that building in the coming months.

The Mental Health team move to John Muir House was completed on 14 July. The team is now in the former first floor community housing office opposite the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership offices.

Signage across the building is presently being reviewed and will be updated in the coming months as part of the next phase of works.

John Muir House car park reminder

To promote safety, colleagues using the car park at John Muir House are reminded to observe the speed limit and the one-way systems. Your cooperation on this matter is appreciated. 

Launch of Inspire Awards for employees

We are delighted to announce the launch of a new awards initiative to celebrate the hard work, commitment and achievements of East Lothian Council employees.

Our new Inspire Awards recognise individuals and teams who have made an exceptional contribution to our organisation's work for the benefit of the communities and customers we serve.

Any employee can nominate colleagues who they believe have gone the extra mile to deliver excellent service or make a positive difference to the delivery of high-quality services.

‘Brilliant opportunity’

Chief Executive Laurence Rockey said:

“Everybody who lives, works or visits East Lothian relies on at least some of the varied and essential services provided by the council. Across the workforce, our people have a relentless focus on providing the highest standard of service to the communities we serve.

“Since taking up my role in April, I’ve been struck and inspired by the professionalism and commitment to providing the best possible outcomes across all areas of the council. The Inspire Awards will be a fantastic way of recognising the achievements of individual employees and teams.

“I would encourage all colleagues to take a look at the award categories and think about who you would like to nominate. This really is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the impressive work which takes place day in and day out and while demonstrating our council values – Enabling, Leading and Caring – in action.”

Who is eligible to be nominated?

Any East Lothian Council or East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership employee can be nominated. Any employee can make a nomination.

How will the winners be decided?

Nominations will be judged by a panel including the Chief Executive and Provost, senior officials and a Trade Union representative.

How will the winners be announced?

All finalists will be invited to a ceremony in Haddington Corn Exchange on the afternoon of Wednesday 5 November, where winners will then be announced and presented with a certificate. Further details and photographs will then be published in Inform.

How can I make a nomination?

There are various categories and nominations are open online from today until midday on 19 September.

You can click here to make nominations. 

What are the categories?

Customer Excellence Award

An individual or team who has truly excelled in supporting and helping others, contributing to the delivery of quality service.

Community Focus Award

An individual or team making a difference in the community by working collaboratively and effectively with our partners and local groups.

Unsung Hero Award

An individual who works selflessly and shows dedication to their role without seeking recognition or acclaim.

One Council Award

An individual or team who personifies our council values of Enabling, Leading and Caring by working collaboratively with colleagues in different areas to achieve shared outcomes.

Sustainability Award

An individual or team who champions sustainability - whether it’s in relation to improving services, doing things more efficiently or protecting and enhancing the environment.

Innovation Award

An individual or team demonstrating an innovative and inspirational approach in their work for the council to deliver for customers and communities.

Team of the year

An award which recognises the importance of effective teamwork and employees working together to ensure continuous improvement, with a clear focus on getting things done for the benefit of others.

Council employee of the year

Recognising a standout and inspirational individual who has truly gone the extra mile to carry out their work to the highest level and whose efforts have been praised widely by their colleagues.

Planning Committee agrees objection to BESS at Pitcox

Proposals for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on agricultural land at Pitcox, near Stenton, was one of a number of applications discussed at a planning committee meeting on 19 August.

BESS applications are decided by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit; East Lothian Council is a statutory consultee.

While the principle of the Pitcox BESS was considered acceptable, planning committee members unanimously agreed to submit an objection to proposed scheme on various grounds including:

• lack of information and assessment within the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
• likely loss of hedgerows important to the character of the area
• absence of a cumulative noise impact assessment
• insufficient information on surface water flooding
• concerns around proposed access arrangements for the site not meeting the council’s visibility requirements
• insufficient information on flood protection measures

Committee agreed to recommend that the applicant, Abei Energy Group, is offered the opportunity to amend their proposal and to submit further information to overcome these objections and that our authority should be consulted on any amended proposals. If objections are not resolved then the application will likely go to a public inquiry. 

Glamping pods

Planning committee also considered applications from Walker Homes to increase the number of homes they intend to build on land at Windygoul South, Tranent, and for Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd to build 84 homes and nine flats on the wider Dolphingstone expansion site to the south and east of Wallyford.

Details of an onshore converter station and underground cables on land near Dunbar Landfill Site at Oxwell Mains were also unanimously approved.

While members voted unanimously to continue an application for six glamping pods at Boggs Holdings, Pencaitland, to allow the applicant to consider some of the concerns raised by local residents and during the discussion at committee.

Find out more about planning committee’s decisions and the corresponding application numbers.

 

Tourism in East Lothian generates £379 million for local economy in 2024

East Lothian’s visitor economy continues to thrive, with the latest tourism impact figures showing a 9% year-on-year increase in economic benefit, generating £379 million in 2024. 

According to the STEAM (Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) report, produced for us annually by Global Tourism Solutions (UK) Ltd, 1.56 million visitors came to East Lothian last year - up 9.5% on 2023 and 14% higher than pre-pandemic levels. 

Two million overnight stays

Notably, overnight stays rose sharply, with staying visitor numbers increasing by 20.3%. These visitors generated over two million overnight stays, contributing £311 million to the local economy.

Day visitors also played a vital role, making up 63% of all visits and generating £68 million in economic impact. 

Tourism spending supported more than 4,600 full-time equivalent jobs across the region, with accommodation, food and drink and transport being the largest employment sectors. 

Tourism's vital role

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “These results reflect the ongoing strength of East Lothian as a visitor destination and are testament to the success of the excellent work being done by our Destination Management and Marketing Organisation Visit East Lothian and businesses operators in the sector. Our continuously evolving and improving tourism sector is a real draw and this is particularly evident with the significant growth in overnight stays. 

“East Lothian has long been a draw for visitors and day-trippers due to the appeal of our coast, countryside and communities and we have major events on the calendar too like the Genesis Scottish Open and Fringe by the Sea. These figures clearly show the vital role tourism plays in supporting local jobs and businesses and why tourism is a huge factor in the East Lothian Local Economy Strategy.” 

To read the report, go to the Invest East Lothian website.

Richardson bequest to fund six new homes to benefit Haddington Common Good Fund

An unusual bequest is about to be fulfilled 85 years after it was made, following a decision by East Lothian Council to fund six new homes for rent, providing an annual income for Haddington Common Good Fund. 

The new homes, which are designed for an ageing population, are part of the redevelopment of the former Herdmanflat Hospital site in Haddingon. Planning permission was granted in May this year for the first phase of this development, which will feature a mix of new-build homes and the refurbishment of existing buildings. 

The bequest was made by Haddington-born solicitor and Town Clerk of Musselburgh, John Richardson, who died in 1940. His will left various trusts, one of which was for the maintenance of his stepdaughter Dora Margaret Pinhorne. Following Mrs Pinhorne’s death in 1990 at the age of 102, Mr Richardson’s estate and bequests were finalised by the trustees. Around £267,000 was left to the then East Lothian District Council and Haddington Common Good Fund, with a direction that the money be spent on building six cottages for ‘deserving natives of Haddington’, which would be maintained by the council and the residents could live there in perpetuity without paying rent or taxes. 

The bequest was never actioned by the District Council and has since been determined by the Courts as Common Good. East Lothian Council will now partly fulfil Mr Richardson’s wishes by allocating the six new homes for the benefit of the Haddington Common Good Fund. 

Council Leader Norman Hampshire said: “This was a complicated situation as, although the fund now stands at just over £3million, it was not possible under legislation to fund the building of six new homes, allocate to deserving natives of Haddington and allow tenants to live in them rent and tax free forever. Through the redetermination of the fund through the courts, this proposal aligns with Mr Richardsons wishes in delivering six homes whilst also benefiting the Haddington Common Good Fund in the longer term.”   

“Council took the decision today to use just over £1.5million of the fund for the construction of the six new homes at Herdmanflat. Full details are still being worked out but the intention is that the properties will be leased to East Lothian Mid-Market Homes, with an annual rental income going to the Common Good Fund. I’m delighted that we have been able to resolve this bequest to the best of our ability whilst fulfilling a large part of Mr Richardson’s wishes, which will benefit the Haddington Common Good for years to come.”