East Lothian Archaeology & Heritage Fortnight 2025

This September the spotlight will be on East Lothian’s rich heritage, as East Lothian Archaeology & Heritage Fortnight will take place from 30 August to 14 September. This year the programme is bigger than ever, with more than 60 events taking place throughout the county for a chance for everyone to dig into the past.

The programme features talks, guided walks, excavations, re-enactments, exhibitions and workshops, or you can tune in to a series of online presentations.

Join in with archaeologists

The 1722 Waggonway Project are digging again this year. The team will be looking to answer further questions about Scotland’s earliest railway. On Friday 5 and Saturday 6 September the project team is inviting members of the public to come along to help out with finds, test pits and other essential archaeological tasks, or just drop by to see the archaeologists at work.

Explore iconic historic buildings

There will be a chance to explore some of East Lothian’s most iconic historic buildings, including guided tours of Lennoxlove House, Pinkie House and Loretto School Chapel, St Mary’s Church Haddington, and an open day at the newly conserved Preston Tower and Doocot. Or visit Preston Mill where the National Trust for Scotland will be shedding light on the work that goes on behind the scenes at the Trust in a series of talks.

Walks, talks and skills demonstrations

There are a number of guided walks on offer exploring the history of Haddington, North Berwick, Musselburgh, Aberlady, Gullane and Drem Airfield in two world wars, or trace the events of the Battle of Prestonpans and the Battle of Pinkie. The focus will be on historic buildings at the Mini Traditional Skills Weekend at Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery with walk and talks, skill demonstrations, a live fresco painting workshop and more.

Presentations and what lies beneath

Other activities are online presentations, talks and exhibitions including Golden Days, the Life of Charlie Horne, a local D-Day veteran, fisherman, husband, father and a great dancer;  and The Story of the Battle of Prestonpans. Discover the Roman archaeology of Inveresk at a Geophysical Survey open day at Lewisvale Park whilst Historic Environment Scotland find out what lies below the turf.

Find out more and book

There are lots of other events, so have a look at the programme and see what’s on offer. Some events require to book places so please check and try to book early to avoid disappointment.

View the full East Lothian Archaeology and Heritage Fortnight programme

Did you know? Archaeology & Heritage Fortnight is organised by East Lothian Council Archaeology Service with the support of the local history and heritage societies, the National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Battlefields Trust and is sponsored by AOC Archaeology Group. The fortnight is part of Archaeology Scotland’s annual Scottish Archaeology Month. For more information visit www.archaeologyscotland.org.uk