News
Provost’s Christmas message 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, it is natural to reflect on events that have shaped our year.
It is an honour to be invited as Provost and to be asked to wear the Chain of Office to attend celebrations, mark our traditions and meet people across East Lothian who work so hard on behalf of their communities and causes they hold dear.
Just some highlights, for me this year, have included judging the inaugural Community Awards run by the East Lothian Courier; attending Remembrance services; meeting Dunbar’s twin town visitors from Lignieres; attending anniversary celebrations at some of our schools including Elphinstone Primary and Ross High School and attending cultural and music events ranging from school concerts to the Lammermuir Festival and Fringe by the Sea.
I particularly enjoy attending Citizenship ceremonies, sharing the joy of individuals and families who choose to become citizens and live in East Lothian.
Special mention goes to the groups and volunteers who support our communities from our In Bloom groups to youth groups and wonderful organisations like The Ridge in Dunbar and the Motorcycle Project in Haddington. I was honoured to attend the British Empire Medal Ceremony of much-loved community champion Isa Thomson and to welcome Ken Macaulay on his charity bike ride – sadly on the day before his untimely death. There are too many groups and people to mention here individually but I thank you all – your work is hugely valued.
Of course, for our food and drink producers, retailers and hospitality businesses, the run-up to the festive period is anything but relaxing! We are fortunate to have vibrant economy and it’s great to meet our business community at the various events and workshops run by our Economic Development Team and partners throughout the year.
Finally, Christmas is a time of giving. Having worked with East Lothian Foodbank over the years I am passionate about the support they offer to others. While nobody should have to use such service, it is a sad reality for many in our area, including families with young children. I’m thankful that such a dedicated team exists locally and would encourage you, if you can, to consider supporting them to help others this season.
No matter how you are spending this festive period – and I know many of you will be working hard to keep our communities supported and safe – I wish you peace, prosperity and good fortune for 2025.
Councillor John McMillan
East Lothian Provost
Winter financial support
The increasing cost of living continues to affect our residents and communities, especially when bills go up over the winter and festive season. East Lothian Council wants to make sure that everyone in East Lothian is getting the financial support they’re entitled to.
One timely reminder is the deadline of 21 December to apply for Pension Credit. If you have a client you work with or a family member you think might be eligible, please remind them of this date. This winter, only those claiming Pension Credit will qualify for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
A range of advice and details of support measures, including energy advice and ensuring you’re getting all the benefits you are entitled to, have been brought together on our website, to help everyone boost their income this winter.
The information at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/boost is aimed at raising awareness of the benefits and financial support available and encouraging everyone to check what they’re entitled to and to maximise their income wherever possible.
Everyone can check that they’re getting the financial support they’re entitled to. We particularly want to make sure that under-claimed benefits are claimed. These include:
- Pension Credit – claim before 21 December 2024 for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
- Council Tax Reduction
- Child related benefits (including Best Start Grants, Free School Meals, etc)
Other information on our Boost pages includes:
- Help with Council Tax
- Help with paying your rent
- Dealing with debt
- Crisis grants
- Food resources
- Social Security Scotland benefits
- Support for children and families
- Managing energy bills and heating your home
- Health-related support
- Financial Inclusion team
Tyne Esk Fund highlights achievements
Since November 2022, the Tyne and Esk Rural Communities Development Fund has awarded more than half a million pounds to 52 local groups and projects – but its value to our communities has been calculated as much more.
The Rural Communities Development Fund is part of the Scottish Government’s Community Led Local Development Rural Programme. It involves community decision making from the ‘bottom up' by dedicated volunteers who form a Local Action Group (LAG).
Projects that have benefited have a focus on supporting communities, individuals and businesses advancing inclusion, equality, and diversity within rural areas of East Lothian and Midlothian.
As part of the programme, the Tyne and Esk group has reported on social value outcomes ranging from benefits to young people, supporting volunteers, and environmental gains. Using nationally accepted Social Return on Investment (SROI) principles, which apply a monetary value to non-financial benefits, it has been calculated that, in 2022/23 the SROI to £1 of funding was £4.86 and in 2023/24 that figure was £7.72 to every £1.
As well as this tangible social benefit calculation showing the value of its own direct grants, in 2023 the Tyne and Esk Programme also funded a subscription to Funder Finder, an online facility enabling businesses, community and charitable organisations to access this useful tool for identifying funding streams relevant to their projects. The subscription has brought in £3.56 for every pound invested.
David Orr, CEO of The Fraser Centre Community Trust in Tranent, said: “We would like to thank Tyne and Esk for their continued support to our charity. In the past two years Tyne and Esk has allowed the Trust to improve the accessibility of our venue for everyone. They have not only supported us with the addition of a new projector for our 20,000 cinema visitors; they have financed a hearing loop system and captioning glasses for people with loss of hearing. This technology ensures we can reduce barriers for people to people enjoy our cinema.
“Tyne and Esk has also supported our music evenings for local young people with the addition of staging equipment to provide them with a professional performance experience. Funding support from Tyne and Esk has made this possible and we are thoroughly grateful for their support.”
Tyne and Esk LAG Co-Chair Anne Hastie said: “The Social Return on Investment calculation really demonstrates the value of the Tyne and Esk funding to our rural communities, not just in the cash paid out but in the social benefits we get in return. Another positive – being able to show the SROI of a project helps groups in applying for further funding from other sources, so the benefit then multiplies. I would encourage any community-focused businesses or groups to take a look at our website for more information and look out for future funding announcements.”
For further information on the Tyne and Esk Programme and projects that have been funded go to the website. Follow them on Facebook and X for future funding announcements.
To access the Funder Finder for organisations, go to their website.
Work underway on new shared-use path for walkers and cyclists in East Lothian
The first stage of a re-purposing of the A199 in East Lothian to create a shared-use path for walking, wheeling and cycling is underway.
Work commenced at East Linton to take an on-road section of National Cycle Network Route 76, which currently runs along Mill Wynd, and create a segregated active travel path.
Crossing points will also be improved, including across the A199 between Lauder Place and Brae Heads Loan, to make it safer and more accessible for people travelling actively.
This is part of a wider proposed ‘Active Freeway’ which aspires to link Dunbar through East Linton, Haddington and Tranent to Musselburgh and on to Edinburgh.
Artist's impression of a typical cross-section of the Cross East Lothian Active Freeway
The scheme has the potential to be an efficient commuter route, as well as providing crucial walking, wheeling and cycling connections locally.
The first phase of the Active Freeway is being funded by £350,000 from the Scottish Government and designed and delivered through a partnership between East Lothian Council and Sustrans.
Construction work at East Linton has begun and will run until 31 January 2025, with limited works taking place between 20 December and 6 January.
The area affected will run from Mill Wynd at the Phantassie Roundabout and continue along Mill Wynd to the junction with Lauder Place. The works will then continue along Lauder Place to the junction with Pencraig Brae.
During construction there will be closures to sections of the footway and lane closures on the road. Signage and traffic management will be in place to advise of alternative routes.
The Active Freeway is proposed to be constructed in stages as funding opportunities become available. Find out more about Active Freeway online from our website.
Herdmanflat planning application submitted
Following the granting of planning permission in principle in August 2024, an application for phase one of the redevelopment of the Herdmanflat site in Haddington has been submitted.
The new application gives all details of the 51 residential homes including design, layout, appearance, materials, hard and soft landscaping and all associated works within the first phase.
This next stage in the process follows three years of detailed surveys, initial design work and a three month community consultation period. The plans reflect and support the identified, urgent need for more affordable housing for older people across the county. The site will deliver a high quality, adaptable and sustainable housing development, while respecting the existing heritage, landscape character, green space and significantly enhancing access arrangements to and through the site.
The council purchased the site from NHS Lothian in April 2020, with support from the Scottish Government, when the hospital’s services moved to the new East Lothian Community Hospital.
Members of the public can read and give their view on the proposals, application number 24/01284/AMM, via the council’s online planning portal. Background information can also be found on a dedicated Herdmanflat web page on the council website.
Artists impression of Herdmanflat phase one
Chief Executive announces retirement
Monica Patterson, Chief Executive of East Lothian Council, is to retire from her role in February 2025.
Ms Patterson, who has been Chief Executive for almost five years, has spent most of her professional career working in local government.
Prior to joining East Lothian Council in 2010, she was Head of Housing Services with North Lanarkshire Council. On arriving at East Lothian Council, she took up the role of Executive Director for Community Services. In 2012, she became Depute Chief Executive (Partnerships and Community Services). She has also served as the council’s Monitoring Officer and been the Returning Officer for elections in East Lothian.
The recruitment process for a new East Lothian Council Chief Executive is expected to begin in due course.
Ms Patterson said:
“It has been a huge privilege to work alongside so many talented and committed colleagues, as well as with elected members and local communities in East Lothian, which is a very special part of the country.
“Since joining the council over 14 years ago, we have seen significant change in both the council and the county. There have, of course, been a number of challenges some of which – like the COVID-19 pandemic – were outwith our direct control. In one of Scotland’s fastest growing areas, we have played our part in delivering national policy requirements, whilst working hard to continue providing high-quality services for residents, protecting and enhancing the environment and helping to grow the local economy.
“But, despite an increasingly difficult financial environment for local government, what hasn’t changed is the ability of council employees, together with our partners, to focus on delivering the very best for our communities, continually being able to adapt and innovate.
“I know that, whilst there will continue to be challenges to contend with, East Lothian Council and the communities we serve will be able to look forward to the future with positivity, confidence and a strong desire to maximise all the opportunities that lie ahead.
“I will have many fond memories of working in East Lothian, as well as the people I’ve met, and wish everyone well for the future.”
Council Leader Norman Hampshire said:
“Monica Patterson has had a long and distinguished career in local government. She has worked tirelessly in contributing to the success of East Lothian Council in senior roles since 2010, including the last five as Chief Executive.
“I would like to thank Monica for her committed service to East Lothian and wish her well for the future.
“We will soon begin a recruitment process to find another high calibre Chief Executive who can work with us to build on the successes of recent years and take us forward into the years ahead.”
Lesley’s Update
By Lesley Brown, Executive Director for Education and Children's Services
It’s hard to believe that 2024 is drawing to a close and the festive season is just around the corner. I know the last few months have been particularly busy for teams across the council and hopefully there is the prospect of some rest coming over the Christmas and New Year period.
Wallyford Learning Campus
Over the last few months, I have enjoyed getting out and about and meeting staff and teams. I was delighted to represent the Council at the Learning Spaces (Scotland) Awards at the end of November, where Wallyford Learning Campus and East Lothian Council were finalists in three award categories. We were delighted to be highly commended for ‘Project of the Year’. Last week we also welcomed the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills to Wallyford Learning Campus for the official opening of the building.
Building community capacity
I have been delighted to be closely involved in some development work happening in our Communities team, particularly around Community Learning and Development (CLD). Our communities team plays a vital role in supporting individuals and groups to ensure our communities can continue to thrive. I was really pleased to see the CLD Partnership Plan approved at Cabinet in November and to chair the first CLD Partnership Group which brings together key partners who support our communities and enhance the delivery of CLD across East Lothian. This work is essential in building community capacity and plays a key role in supporting our key council priorities.
Providing quality homes
I was also really pleased to have the opportunity to work with our Housing Management team where I was able to hear first-hand about the fantastic work underway to support the allocation of housing across East Lothian. I am really grateful to all staff for the work they do whether that is supporting those who are homeless, working with our existing housing stock and new build properties, or who are working directly in property maintenance including dealing with voids. Having a quality home is such a crucial part of everyone’s life so the importance of this work cannot be underestimated.
Developing senior leaders
Our work continues in leadership development and I was really pleased to be able to launch our new Aspiring Senior Leaders programme. Work is also underway to develop a programme for middle leaders. It is really encouraging that we have so many talented leaders across the council who are keen to develop their skills for the benefit of the organisation.
As you will know from my previous updates, I enjoy some amateur dramatics in my spare time and I am part of my local theatre group. I have been busy learning my lines for panto which begins this week and look forward to treading the boards as a Pirate Captain in Treasure Island.
At this very busy time and with Christmas almost here, I hope that you manage to have a peaceful and restful festive season and I wish you all the best for the new year when it comes.
Cabinet secretary officially opens Wallyford Learning Campus
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth officially opened Wallyford Learning Campus on 29 November.
Ms Gilruth joined East Lothian Council elected members, council officials, staff and learners from Rosehill High School, members of the project team and community representatives at an event to celebrate the multimillion-pound facility.
L to R Cllr Fiona Dugdale, Jenny Gilruth MSP and Headteacher Gail Preston
Strategic vision for learning and community
The strategic vision for Wallyford Learning Campus was a place for the community to meet and learn together. It brings together the newly-established Rosehill High School, a library, community centre and sports pitches. Partnerships with Edinburgh College and SRUC in the form of Construction Skills and Rural Skills academies offer further education, employability and training opportunities for both adults and young people. The development received funding from Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) phase 1.
“We are delighted to welcome Jenny Gilruth to Wallyford Learning Campus today along with so many people involved in the development and running of this fantastic building. This has been an ambitious project to bring together a number of facilities under one roof that would improve connections and offer a range of opportunities to the widest community.
“It is a testament to partnership working using Scottish Government funding, East Lothian Council investment and officers’ skills, our construction partners’ expertise, and community involvement. The results of this careful collaboration are evident in the quality of the spaces and the benefits that are already being successfully delivered.” Cllr Fiona Dugdale, Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services
Award-winning building
East Lothian Council’s development partner Hub South East appointed Morrison Construction as main contractor to deliver the project with JM Architects undertaking design works. Main works started in August 2021 with contractors navigating Covid-19 restrictions and significant construction market challenges throughout to achieve handover date in August 2023. The finished building, with its light-filled spaces and nature-inspired interiors designed by East Lothian Council’s interior designer, was highly commended last week at the Learning Places Scotland awards Project of the Year category and commended in the Glasgow Institute of Architecture Awards.
Affordable Housing Emergency
At a special meeting on Tuesday 12 November, East Lothian Council agreed to declare an Affordable Housing Emergency.
Councillors heard that officers are doing all that they can to address the challenges in East Lothian’s housing system. This includes delivering an action plan in response to housing and homelessness pressures that is showing positive results, but there is now an increasing risk that these positive trends will begin to reverse as the council struggles to deliver new, affordable housing due to the reduction in investment by the Scottish Government for new build completions.
Growing housing pressures
Councillor Andy Forrest, Cabinet spokesperson for Housing, said: “The serious impact of this reduction in investment cannot be underestimated given the current and growing housing pressures in East Lothian and in the context of a National Housing Emergency. The reason we are declaring this Affordable Housing Emergency now is that we are at imminent risk of losing affordable units on sites where housing is currently being built or where work is about to start, including sites in Musselburgh and Haddington. But there are sites all over East Lothian where we could potentially lose the affordable housing component that is so urgently needed.
“The reality is that, if the current situation continues, this council will struggle to deliver on both national and local policies in relation affordable housing supply targets and our legal obligations in relation to homelessness and the use of unsuitable accommodation.”
Williams Way Tranent Council Houses 2024
Over 4000 people on housing list
The council currently manages 9,353 properties and has 4,709 applicants on the housing list. Average turnover of stock is usually around 500 properties per year, however during 2023/24, a total of 664 properties were allocated, of which 209 were new build – which has contributed towards mitigating some of the pressures.
The Scottish Government has confirmed East Lothian’s resource allocation for preparing its Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2025-2030 as £37million, averaging just over £7million per year – in comparison to an average of £12million per year for the previous five years.
Last year, East Lothian achieved 452 completions through the affordable housing supply programme. In comparison, we will deliver an estimated 340 units over the next five years. If investment were available to deliver all of the projects set out in the SHIP, a total of 1,566 units could complete over the next five years. Based on the actual allocation received, there is a very high risk that we could lose 1,226 units of affordable housing.
Seeking additional funding
Councillor Forrest added: “East Lothian urgently needs an increase in new affordable housing supply if we are to meet the growing demand. We are uniquely paced in terms of new growth with the number of sites ready to deliver affordable housing, however as a result of the drastically reduced funding, we are likely to lose these potential new units.”
The councillors agreed to write to both the UK and Scottish Government to seek additional funding support as part of the UK Government’s budget announcement on 30 October 2024 and to require an urgent response to ensure East Lothian does not lose affordable housing opportunities available to the council via Section 75 agreements with developers of new housing.
Read the housing pressures report
East Lothian recycling rates sixth highest in Scotland
Figures released by SEPA have shown that East Lothian’s recycling rates are the sixth highest in Scotland.
East Lothian is recycling 53.1% of its waste, higher than the national average of 43.5%. Our recycling rate is the same as last year but means we have moved from seventh to sixth place amongst Scottish local authorities.
The period covered by the report is January to December 2023 so the figures do not take into account the changes made in moving to a three weekly general waste collection, which came into effect on 1 April.
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson on Environment, said: “This is a great result for East Lothian as this level of recycling means that we are saving more than 100,000 tonnes of CO2. I’d like to thank everyone in East Lothian for their efforts in helping protect our environment.
“It’s heartening to see that the message about the importance of recycling is getting across as the amount of waste going to landfill has decreased right across Scotland, according to these latest figures. We expect that East Lothian’s recycling rate will be higher still when the 2024 figures are available, reflecting our new service provision of weekly recycling and three weekly general waste – and the continued support, involvement and co-operation of our residents.”
For the full report, visit the SEPA website.
Work on Memorial Park play area upgrade begins
Work on an upgrade to the play area in Memorial Park, Gullane began on Monday 25 November.
The work to install some exciting new play equipment follows on from a comprehensive community consultation to find out what people, and especially local children and young people, would like to see in this play area.
The enhanced area will include a range of challenging, exciting, and inclusive new play equipment for a range of ages and abilities including a nest swing and sensory pathway alongside cable slides and a gyro roundabout.
Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure, Councillor Colin McGinn, said: “The fact that this play area has been designed on the back of extensive engagement work with the very people who will be using it means the village will be getting a really inclusive and exciting new facility that I’m sure will be very well used and appreciated. I can’t wait to see the finished result.”
The work will take place over the winter months and is expected to be completed in spring 2025. The play area improvement is funded by Section 75 developer contributions.
Find out more about play parks in East Lothian.
East Lothian Gift Card goes digital
The East Lothian Gift Card is now available as a digital e-card – making it an even more convenient Christmas gift.
The new, convenient digital format has launched just in time for the festive season, making it easier than ever to give the gift of local shopping, dining, and experiences.
The digital card is purchased online and sent directly to the recipient via their phone or email address. Designed for convenience, recipients can easily add the card to their Apple Pay or Google Wallet, enabling them to make payments in-store or online with just a tap. This innovation ensures gifting is smoother, simpler, and faster – ideal for those last-minute presents.
Digital gift cards offer numerous benefits:
- Convenience: No physical card to carry and risk losing
- Instant delivery: Perfect for last-minute gifts
- Eco-friendly: Reducing waste and environmental impact
Whether treating a friend or loved one, the East Lothian Gift Card is the perfect way to celebrate this Christmas season while supporting local businesses.
To purchase a digital card and find out more about participating businesses, visit the gift card website.
Planning Committee approves detail of 60 new homes at Wallyford
East Lothian Planning Committee met on Tuesday 3 December and approved plans for 60 affordable homes on the wider Wallyford expansion site.
Applicants McTaggart Construction and Wheatley Homes East Limited received unanimous approval to build 36 two-storey terraced and semi-detached houses ranging from two to four bedrooms, and four semi-detached bungalows, two of which will have two bedrooms and two will have three bedrooms. Five two storey buildings will contain eight one bedroom and 12 two-bedroom flats. No representations were received in relation to the application.
Committee members also voted unanimously to approve an application for the installation of a CCTV camera at a property in Hummel Road, Gullane. The application had been called off the Scheme of Delegation List by Councillor Findlay to ensure that concerns previously raised were dealt with by Planning Committee. A previous application had been granted in May 2024 for various security cameras and lights at the same property, but permission was refused for a single camera due to concerns raised about the privacy of a neighbouring property. The applicant submitted this new application for a fixed camera to be placed in a different location. Permission was granted for this new camera with two conditions; one to secure the removal of the camera refused permission in May 2024 and another to ensure that planning permission is granted only for the CCTV camera that was applied for. Nine representations had been received, objecting to the application.
Unanimous approval was also granted for a part-retrospective application for formation of a raised platform, fence and a change of levels to the garden of a house in Suthren Yett, Prestonpans. It had been called off the Scheme of Delegation List by Councillor Yorkston due to concerns and complaints from residents and to allow a site visit to take place. Two written objections had been received from the same person.
The relevant application numbers are: Wallyford, 24/00632/AMM and 14/00903/PPM; Gullane, 24/01092/P and Prestonpans, 24/00730/P.