News
Exclusive: staff discount on Brunton panto tickets
The Brunton team is offering an exclusive discount for council colleagues for The Wizard of Oz at the Corn Exchange, Haddington.
Join Dorothy and a whole host of familiar faces on a whirlwind journey bursting with chart-topping pop hits, shout-out loud silliness and plenty of local laughs. Expect flying monkeys, fabulous frocks and more sparkle than a Tin Man's tin foil hat!
With festive fun, hilarious characters and heart-warming moments, this much-loved story gets the full-on panto makeover - with a few surprise twists along the way.
Enjoy 20% off full price tickets at Corn Exchange, Haddington on these dates: Wednesday 10 December, Thursday 11 December and Friday 12 December at 7pm only.
Book online at https://www.thebrunton.co.uk/whats-on/the-wizard-of-oz-pantomime/ and use promo code TinMan.
Discount is subject to ticket availability
East Lothian Works initiative helps one mum back into employment
An East Lothian Works team is supporting local parents back into paid employment with a scheme that offers employers funding for new roles.
The Parental Employer Recruitment Incentive (PERI) offers funding to businesses for roles that will support parents back into work. Since starting in 2023, the initiative has awarded funding to 18 local businesses to help create 21 sustainable job opportunities for parents who faced barriers to employment. Employees will also receive dedicated in-work support from East Lothian Works’ dedicated Parental Employability Support Team.
Success
Haddington-based mum Jemma Fairbairn (pictured) has moved into paid work thanks to the scheme and Karele, a small family-run equine charity who received PERI funding to employ her.
Jemma had been volunteering with the charity while caring for her son, who has additional support needs. She has now been able to continue her passion for working with horses while gaining financial independence. She said: “This opportunity means the world to me. It’s not just a job, it’s a chance to grow, contribute and support my family doing something I love.”
Employers in East Lothian can apply for up to £6,000 in funding through PERI to support newly-created roles for eligible parents, with applications open until March 2026. The programme is part of the Scottish Government’s Tackling Child Poverty Fund, which has enabled flexible employment opportunities across sectors including administration, animal care, hospitality, cosmetics, events management, gardening, electrical and childcare.
Read the full story on our website.
Surviving the office Christmas party
It’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to Christmas planning, gift buying, and nights out with family, friends, and colleagues. Many of us will also be preparing for a work night out with colleagues whether it’s a small social gathering in the pub after work or a full-blown Christmas party night.
Whichever event is planned, please make sure you stay safe.
Being respectful is important when celebrating in our communities or with our colleagues; others may perceive that you are representing East Lothian Council.
Offensive, discriminatory, sexually harassing or violent behaviour by employees on a work night out could result in action being taken at work and in line with our Disciplinary Code and Procedures – so it’s important to keep this in mind to make sure everyone has a pleasant evening.
HR now operates a sexual harassment support line for colleagues: 01620 827200.
Crimestoppers has provided the following guidance to help you have a great time whilst out and about with family, friends and colleagues:
1. Safety in numbers Always stay within a group when possible. By remaining close to the people you trust and know well, you’ll reduce the risk of being targeted by people who are up to no good and could be out to take advantage
2. Get taxis or arrange a lift When travelling at night, always book a taxi or get a lift with someone you trust to get home safely. If traveling by bus, it’s best to sit on the lower deck as this is closer to the exit and within sight of the bus driver should there be a problem
3. Always book your taxi When you book a licensed mini-cab or taxi, you know it is reputable and reliable. Black cabs are the only type of private hire that you can hail on the street, unlike all other cabs which must be pre-booked via phone or app. Don’t be tempted to get into an unlicensed cab for a quicker ride home. The risks, especially to unaccompanied women, are far too high
4. Drink in moderation & watch your drink Always stay in control when drinking alcohol. Know your limits and never push them. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and can lead you to make unsafe decisions. Keep a close eye on your drinks and never leave them unattended at any point. Having your drink spiked – perhaps whilst you momentarily turn your back – could ruin your night and maybe your life. Also, watch out for strangers offering you their vape. Vapes, like drinks, can be spiked
5. Stay in well-lit areas If walking home after a night out, always stay in well-lit areas where there are plenty of people. People are less likely to commit crime where there’s good lighting, CCTV, and people around to see what is happening. Always plan a route home and make sure you stick to places you know. Never take short cuts, especially down dark alleys, by canals, or through unlit parks
6. Keep valuables hidden Don’t advertise your mobile phone to people on the street – keep it hidden. People will often have valuables stolen on a night out and if they’re drunk, you are an easier target. Keep all valuables like phones, wallets, and purses in zipped pockets or bags. Ideally, leave valuables such as jewellery at home, but if you must take them out with you then keep them safely hidden
7. Keep away from hostile situations Don’t be a hero on a night out. If there is a fight or an argument, stay out of it and get help from bouncers or the police
If you see anything suspicious on any night out, you can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or by through their anonymous online form.
Whatever event you and your colleagues have planned, please be safe, courteous, and enjoy your evening.
HR team
Protect East Lothian from terrorism this winter
We’re supporting Counter Terrorism Policing’s campaign, which aims to encourage everyone to stay alert and help keep each other safe this winter.
Together, we want everyone to trust their instincts and report anything that doesn’t feel right. And this includes all of you.
You can play a vital role. You know your surroundings better than anyone else and you know if something isn’t right. This doesn’t just apply to work but on your commute and where you live too.
Let’s look out for each other by:
- Staying alert and trusting your instincts
- If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right at work speak to your manager or another manager, or call Police on 101. In an emergency call 999
- Complete the free Protect UK: ACT Awareness e-learning module from the Safe Working category of LearnPro
Let’s keep each other safe this winter.
East Lothian now third best in Scotland for recycling rates
Recycling rates in East Lothian are the third highest in Scotland among its local authorities, a new report released by SEPA has shown.
Our area recycled 55.3% of its waste between January and December 2024, a rise on the figure of 53.1% recorded during the previous year.
Among the country’s 32 council areas, only Moray at 56.7% and Clackmannanshire with 57.2% had better recycling rates.
The county’s performance has seen East Lothian move up from sixth place last year to third, according to the study produced by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.
The improvement came as we moved to a three-weekly general waste collection introduced last April.
Across the whole of Scotland, the average household waste recycling rate was 44.3%.
As well as the 2.2% increase in recycling rates, SEPA found East Lothian generated less waste overall and sent a lower amount of waste to landfill.
For the full report, visit the SEPA website at https://data.gov.scot/sepa/waste/household.html
Young fundraisers shine for Children in Need
Meredith, Rhea, Eve and Evie at their stall Credit: Children in Need
Jamie Voy, Ormiston Primary Schools Senior Facilities Assistant wrote to Inform praising four pupils from his school who have raised an impressive £365 in support of Children in Need.
Meredith Malone, Rhea Smith, Eve Cunningham and Evie Byrne spent Friday 14 November selling homemade key charms and bracelets from a stall outside the Ormiston Co-op.
Their eye-catching 'Pudsey' stall was built by one of the girls fathers, but of course decorated by the girls themselves.
For two hours, the youngsters welcomed passers-by and shoppers who proved to be “very generous” in their support. After their successful fundraising effort, the girls headed home to watch the charity’s appeal show that evening.
Works to improve Wallyford roundabout
Works are under way at a busy roundabout to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to travel between Prestonpans, Wallyford, Musselburgh and Tranent.
Wallyford Toll roundabout will be made more accessible for active travel while also improving traffic flows under the project being delivered by our council.
Construction started last month and is mainly scheduled to take place at night, minimising disruption with completion expected by the end of March. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation at various points during the works, but this will be limited to overnight as far as possible, and the site will be cleared for a two-week break over the Christmas period.
The installation of three toucan crossings will allow both pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road at the same time to create additional opportunities to negotiate the arms of the roundabout.
Widened pavements and cycle paths will also allow people to walk, wheel and cycle safely around the road network.
The space for traffic will be narrowed while ensuring buses and large lorries can still navigate the interchange.
Transport Scotland are providing over £1.15 million to fully fund the redesign.
In the longer-term, the changes at Wallyford Toll would link in with a separate council scheme aimed at further boosting active travel opportunities which is proposed to connect into the roundabout. Under the Musselburgh Active Toun (MAT) project, a segregated cycleway on the A199 Haddington Road connecting Wallyford Toll to Musselburgh has been put forward.
Christmas 2025 - last posting dates for UK and international services
Royal Mail Customer Services has confirmed the last posting dates for Christmas
Last posting dates for inland services
Date
|
Service
|
| Wednesday, 17 December |
2nd Class
2nd Class Signed For
|
| Friday, 19 December |
Royal Mail Tracked 48®*
|
| Saturday, 20 December |
1st Class
1st Class Signed For
|
| Sunday, 21 December |
Royal Mail Tracked 24®
|
| Tuesday, 23 December |
Special Delivery Guaranteed®
|
*Friday, 19 December is the latest posting date for Royal Mail Tracked Returns® 48 to arrive back with the sender before Christmas.
International delivery
You can find a list of Royal Mail's published delivery aims in its Country Sending Guide. If you are sending gifts or goods to the USA, please note, that recent changes to customs procedures may affect delivery times. For more details about these changes and how they may affect items you send to the USA, visit the dedicated web page.
To see all the last posting dates please visit Royal Mail's Get ready for Christmas page.
Planning Committee agrees plans for roundabout upgrade at Craighall
At a meeting of East Lothian Planning Committee on Tuesday 2 December, members agreed to plans for the reconfiguration of a roundabout providing access to new homes at Craighall and coastal erosion prevention measures at West Links, North Berwick.
Persimmon Homes East Scotland applied to vary a condition of their planning consent for 370 houses and 103 flats at Craighall, which was granted in October 2019. Many of the homes are now completed and occupied. The condition stated that an upgrade to the roundabout linking the development to the A1 access road and Craighall services be completed before the 301st home was occupied. Following discussions between Persimmon and the council it was proposed, as the engineering work was complex, that the roundabout upgrade should be completed before the 381st home was occupied.
Following a debate, committee members voted eight votes to one to approve planners’ recommendation to approve the change and allow 380 homes to be occupied before the roundabout works must be completed. Seven written objections had been received mainly stating concerns about the existing road junction.
Committee members voted unanimously to approve plans for coastal reinforcement and protection works including dune reinstatement at West Links Golf Course, Abbotsford Road, North Berwick. No objections had been received to the plans.
The relevant application numbers are: Craighall, 25/00481/PM and 15/00337/PM and North Berwick, 25/00661/PM.
What's On
What's on in Museums this December?
Winter season museum opportunities
Explore historic records and online exhibitions at www.johngraycentre.org
Revisit past exhibitions from John Muir’s Birthplace www.jmbt.org.uk
Explore the paths around Prestongrange Museums using the mobile phone tour as a guide through 400 years of local industry. www.eastlothian.gov.uk/prestongrange
Take a tour of Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery with Dunbar and District History Society on a Saturday afternoon. www.eastlothian.gov.uk/dunbar-town-house
Come in out of the cold
Museums are warm, friendly and free to visit with regularly changing craft activities suitable for children and families as well as temporary exhibitions and reference books available to browse and read. Check out the links below for our festive opening hours.
John Muir's Birthplace has a new exhibition, Christmas crafts and some lovely locally-designed gifts in stock.
New Exhibition
Flight disruption
John Muir’s Birthplace, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ
Saturday 6 December to Saturday 31 January
(closed Thursday 25 December to Friday 2 January)
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm
Free admission
This exhibition is a collection of prints of wild British birds that are impacted by climate change. Climate change is affecting our birds in many ways: warming seas impact the food chain, rising sea levels change the geography of where birds can breed and lay eggs, bad weather can make it hard to find food and feed young and extreme temperatures can make survival difficult. Numbers of British birds are predicted to fall drastically over the coming years. The exhibition features original, hand-pulled, linocut prints of birds seen along the coast of East Lothian. Many of the birds featured are impacted in some way by climate change and are either on the red or amber list of the BTO Birds of Conservation Concern in the UK.
John Gray Centre Museum
Cryptic Christmas Trail and Crafts
Challenge yourself with our cryptic Christmas trail!
Suitable for all ages. A selection of Christmas craft activities will also be on offer too.
Last chance to see
Golden Days: The life of Charlie Horne
30 August through until 13 December
John Gray Centre (Museum). 15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX.
Free admission.
Thursday and Friday 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm.
www.johngraycentre.org
Charlie Horne is a local D-Day veteran, fisherman, husband, father and a great dancer!
Using images and material from Charlie's own extensive collection, Golden Days looks back over his life. Featuring audio recordings from Charlie, a diary he kept during D-Day, film footage, family letters and images, Golden Days tells the story of a fascinating life well-lived.
East Lothian Council Museums
15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX.
Thursday and Friday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm
126 High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm
Sunday 1pm to 5pm
High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER.
Wednesday to Sunday 1pm to 5pm
(from Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 28 September)
Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX.
Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4.30pm
(from Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 28 September)
School Road, North Berwick, EH39 4JU.
Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm
(from Wednesday 9 April to Saturday 25 October)
65 High St, Musselburgh, EH21 7BZ.
Thursday to Saturday 10.30am to 4pm
(from Thursday 3 April to Saturday 27 September)
The Brunton has lots to offer this holiday season
As the holiday season approaches, The Brunton continues to entertain audiences of all ages with a varied programme through panto season and into January and February 2026.
Follow the yellow brick road to Musselburgh and Haddington for The Wizard of Oz - The Brunton's magical, musical panto adventure!
Join Dorothy and a host of familiar faces on a whirlwind journey bursting with chart-topping pop hits, shout-out loud silliness and plenty of local laughs.
The ultimate Christmas treat for all ages runs at Corn Exchange, Haddington 5 to 13 December and Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh 19 to 27 December.
Claim your exclusive discount for pantomime tickets
Talented pianist Ariel Lanyi takes the stage for a captivating afternoon of music on Tuesday 9 December at Northesk Parish Church, Musselburgh. The final Bite-Sized Concert at lunchtime for 2025 begins with an optional light lunch of soup and a sandwich at 12 noon, followed by the concert at 1pm.
Ariel Lanyi, Piano: Bite-Sized Concerts at Lunchtime
Start 2026 with another National Theatre Live gem on Thursday 22 January at Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh. Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
National Theatre Live: Hamlet
Two very different but equally enjoyable music gigs entertain at Corn Exchange, Haddington in February.
Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle
Key members of celebrated folk collective Transatlantic Sessions, and legends in their own right, Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle charm with a warm and intimate concert. Ease into late February with them at Corn Exchange, Haddington on Friday 20 February.
Bombskare with support from Fright Years
Or raise the roof on Saturday 21 February with Scotland’s ska godfathers, Bombskare. With an energy packed DIY punk ethic and big band showmanship, their live shows are the stuff of legend. Supporting are Edinburgh’s Fright Years. Crafting emotionally charged, guitar-driven indie rock, they are one of the UK’s most exciting new acts!
Why not give the gift of a great night out this Christmas? On sale now and coming up in 2026…
Scotland’s own hilariously cheeky, riotously effervescent comedian, Craig Hill, bounds on stage for a kilt swingin’ highland fling of an evening at Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh on Saturday 21 February.
Craig Hill - Wait 'Til You See My Entrance!
Jack Docherty, star of BBC Scotland’s Scot Squad and The Chief, dissects the state of the nation, from politics to policing, football to families, bams to biscuits. Comedy gold at Corn Exchange, Haddington on Friday 3 April.
Jack Docherty in The Chief - No Apologies
If you have a Doris Day fan in your life, Que Sera Sera pays homage to one of Hollywood’s greatest stars! A tribute to her amazing career in music and film is at Corn Exchange, Haddington on Sunday 15 March.
Que Sera Sera
Our People
Jean and Jim retire after 50 years of foster care
A county couple have retired from fostering after an incredible 50 years providing love, kindness and care for hundreds of children.
Jean and Jim Innes originally started fostering in November 1975. They lived in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh, with their daughters Marion and Julie, then seven and ten.
First steps in fostering
When their girls were born Jean and Jim agreed that Jim, a blacksmith, would be the family's breadwinner while she would stay at home.
As the girls grew, Jean felt it was time for a new challenge and one day she stopped off at the local volunteer bureau. They were looking for volunteers at a children’s home in Colinton run by the Avenel Trust. This would work round her childcare responsibilities for Julie and Marion so Jean applied, was interviewed and accepted a position. She started work a couple of mornings a week but was soon almost full-time.
Jean developed a soft spot for an eight-months old girl who had been born profoundly deaf and had complex needs. Jean felt this girl had potential and asked if she could have her home at weekends. Although this wasn’t possible Sybil, the baby’s social worker, suggested Jean and her husband could foster instead and, after discussing it, the couple agreed. After undergoing an assessment, the baby moved home with them when she was 14 months-old, staying until she left to attend a residential school aged five. Before she moved on, Jean and Jim had been providing short breaks for other young children and were easily persuaded to continue fostering.
Caring for hundreds of children
Now based in Musselburgh, Jean and Jim have lost count of the number of children they have gone on to foster since then, but it’s likely to be in the hundreds.
They have seen huge changes in the time they have been fostering. In the early days it was quite customary for Julie to wake up and find that she had been moved into Marion’s bed to make room for a fostered child! Despite the changes, Jean and Jim count themselves lucky to have only had three supervising social workers in their 50 years of fostering.
Fostering legacy continues
Although they have reluctantly decided to retire from fostering, Jean still feels very much part of the fostering community through her good group of friends who she shares a WhatsApp group with. As well as the profound impact they have had on the hundreds of children they have fostered, Jean and Jim’s fostering legacy continues through their daughter Julie who, together with her partner Raymond, are themselves foster carers.
Jean and Jim now enjoy spending time with their family – six children – Julie, Marion, Ian, Cheryl, Sam and Cal – 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Jean and Jim for their hard work and dedication that has had a profound impact on the lives of so many children in East Lothian. We wish them all the very best in their retirement from fostering.
National recognition for East Lothian Libraries Team
Congratulations to our Libraries Team, who were highly commended in the Library Team of the Year category in the Scottish Library and Information Council’s (SLIC) annual awards.
The announcement from SLIC noted that ‘the East Lothian Libraries team were recognised for their integrated approach across 12 public libraries and seven secondary schools. Despite budget pressures, the team maintained high quality services and delivered a range of community initiatives, from dementia-friendly groups and digital inclusion sessions to gardening clubs and family learning cafés’.
Councillor Colin McGinn, Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure, said: “I am absolutely delighted that our fantastic East Lothian Libraries Team has been recognised for the work they put in to ensure our libraries support communities and citizens across East Lothian. Whether in a community or secondary school I know how much our libraries are valued by those who use them and, despite a difficult year with staffing pressures, the whole team has responded to continue to provide an excellent service and this national recognition underlines that effort. They should all be very proud of this achievement.”
The full story is available on the SLIC website.
Meet Charlann!
Charlann Peggie is a Senior Project Manager with our Transformation Service. With 20 years as an HR consultant in Royal Bank of Scotland, her experience working on large and complex projects continues to shape her work within the transformation service today.
Key to change
Working across multiple teams and departments and with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, her role is to ensure that projects are well planned and delivered effectively. “The key to any change is our people. Understanding how a change affects people directly and indirectly is one something I understand from years of HR experience and from being personally impacted by major organisational change during my time at RBS.”
Charlann previously led on our Transforming Children’s Services project which prioritised an early intervention and a preventative approach to make a difference in the lives of children and families. She is now member of the placemaking project team, part of our asset review, exploring a new approach for providing face-to-face services while delivering financial savings.
Excellent customer services
While no decisions have been made on building proposals, following Council approval in October, the team is now progressing business cases for six area hubs as well as consideration of potential new models for services in some rural libraries, community centres and village halls involving local communities. It’s an area Charlann says she is “excited to see develop”, pointing to the commitment to excellent customer service that exists across the council.
“I think all the staff here are passionate about making East Lothian better and doing a great job for the residents. That's fantastic. I think that everybody here genuinely does think about the community and how we make it better. That's what I really enjoy about East Lothian Council,” she says.
Away from work Charlann enjoys spending time with her husband and children, crafting and horseriding.
Celebrating staff compliments
Individuals, teams and departments across our council regularly receive compliments from residents, visitors, staff and businesses. Here's a selection:
This lovely piece of feedback was hand delivered by Annie who was contacted through Prestonpans Community Centre’s Positive Prescriptions referral scheme to come along and join the Friendship Group held there.
Dear Lorna and all of you. After 84 very unhappy years, I came in on Thursday to be greeted with such warmth and acceptance that it took my breath away. It felt like I’d found my forever home! Please don’t forget me – I will be back. Thank you so much.
Well done to the many teams and staff for the positive feedback and compliments they have received recently, including:
- the Waste Services team, especially John and Stuart for clearing up the rubbish blown around the street in North Berwick
- Judith Mackie in Revenues for helping with a customer’s Council Tax
- the ‘book bugs’ at Haddington Library
- the team from Landscape and Countryside who picked up the litter on the A1
- Amanda Mackay in the Contact Centre for being patient and calming
- the Museums team for being wonderful and inspiring
Green Corner
Festive foliage brings Christmas to the countryside
Our Countryside Rangers have a wealth of knowledge on the places, plants and species that call East Lothian home. Ranger Richard English offers an insight into an abundance of festive foliage.
Well, here we are again, rapidly approaching Christmas and all that entails. The festive season has long been associated with various wildlife species; robins, mistletoe, ivy and, perhaps most importantly, holly.
With its dark green, glossy leaves holly is a familiar tree of woodland understorey, hedgerows and gardens. It’s very unusual in that it’s a broad-leaved evergreen and, whilst there are several such species around the world, including oaks, acacias and maples, there are very few that are native to the UK. In fact, I’m struggling to come up with another one… The trees can reach a height of fifteen metres and can, perhaps surprisingly, live for up to three hundred years.
Evergreen
Whilst the leaves have a deserved reputation for spikiness, many hollies also bear non-spiky leaves. The fact that the lower leaves tend to be sharper than those above provides a clue to this variation. The spikes have evolved to discourage grazing animals and, since East Lothian tends not to have too many giraffes, the non-spiky leaves are out of the reach of most herbivores. The leaves’ evergreen status may be linked to the tree’s preference for relatively sheltered habitats. Leaves with large surface areas are thought to make trees more vulnerable to wind damage and can cause branches to become heavy with trapped snow and ice. Growing in the understorey, where the surrounding trees provide some protection against these problems, may allow the holly to retain its leaves all year.
Protecting wildlife
The holly is a dioecious species, meaning that individual plants have either male or female flowers, but not both. Female holly trees will be bearing fruit at this time of year. The berries are technically drupes, also known as ‘stone fruit’. Although toxic to us, the berries are an important source of food for many birds and are often closely guarded, especially by thrushes. Birds also appreciate the dense, protective cover provided by hollies and small mammals may hibernate in the dense leaf litter below the trees.
Holly is also valuable to wildlife over the summer months, with the flowers producing nectar for pollinators and the leaves being a food source for various caterpillars. Perhaps most significant of these, in a local context at least, is the holly blue butterfly, which has firmly established itself in the county in recent years.
Like so much of the symbolism around Christmas, the custom of displaying holly predates Christianity. As well as protecting against witchcraft, evil spirits and goblins (always a worry), it was also a fertility symbol. This was perhaps because of its shiny leaves and bright berries persisting throughout the winter when most other plants look so lifeless. In ancient Roman times it was associated with the festival of Saturnalia. Like so many pagan symbols, holly was absorbed into Christian imagery - the spiny leaves representing the crown of thorns and the berries the blood of Christ.
However you spend the festive period, I hope you enjoy it and wish you health, happiness and plenty of time in nature in 2026.
Photo credit: Evelyn Simak
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
Six tips for a greener Christmas
Christmas is a great time of year in East Lothian, with a huge variety of places to go and things to do. By making some small changes, you can enjoy Christmas while protecting the planet. Here are six practical, eco-friendly tips to help you enjoy a more sustainable festive season.
1. Try to reduce food waste
One of the biggest environmental impacts at Christmas comes from food waste.
You can effectively reduce food waste by planning meals carefully, making room for leftovers, and freezing food within two days.
Try recipes from Love Food Hate Waste (a Zero Waste Scotland campaign) to turn your festive leftovers into soups, stews, or sandwiches - reducing both food waste and your carbon footprint.
If you have food scraps you can’t eat, take advantage of East Lothian’s kerbside food waste recycling. The waste from this stream is composted or turned into heat energy through anaerobic digestion!
2. Choose and dispose of your Christmas tree thoughtfully
If you choose a real tree, try to pick one grown locally to reduce your tree miles emissions. After the holiday, don’t just throw the tree away. If you have space, plant it. Otherwise, compost it or take it to your nearest recycling centre. In East Lothian if you have a garden waste collection permit, present your tree beside your permitted brown bin on garden waste collection dates in January.
If you have an artificial tree, look after it so you can reuse it year after year. When it's time to get rid of it, think about donating it to a charity shop if it's in good condition. (Zero Waste Scotland)
3. Use reusable or recycled decorations and lights
Decorating can be wasteful, but there are more sustainable options:
- turn off or unplug your Christmas lights when not in use - this reduces energy consumption
- if you’re feeling crafty, make your own decorations. Use natural materials (pinecones, sprigs, etc.) or upcycle items you already have. This could be a great activity for the whole family!
- make your own Christmas crackers, wrapped in materials like recycled paper or even toilet-roll tubes rather than shiny plastic, so they can be more easily recycled
4. Wrap thoughtfully
Carefully unwrap gifts, remove tape and tags, and store boxes, bags, and paper for reuse.
If you're wrapping, think about using:
- fabric (for example scarves, cloth)
- recycled or plain paper and reuse last year’s paper where you can
- making your own gift tags from old Christmas cards
5. Recycle and dispose of waste properly
Even with the best intentions, some waste is inevitable - so recycling right is key. Rinse plastics and cans before recycling, flatten cardboard boxes, and bundle up any extra cardboard so it can be collected.
Seasonal waste and recycling arrangements for East Lothian can be found here.
6. Give experiences, not stuff
You can give great and meaningful Christmas gifts that are low-impact and low-cost! Try gifting experiences, memberships, or simply your time - volunteering, sharing an outing or creating something together.
A more sustainable Christmas doesn’t mean being less festive. By reducing waste and disposing of things responsibly, we can all celebrate joyfully for a long time to come.
Your key to greener business travel
Hiyacar pool cars are back
We’re excited to announce the relaunch of our electric pool cars for business travel. These vehicles are available for staff Monday to Friday during working hours, with convenient bases in Haddington, Dunbar and Musselburgh and they can be booked online and picked up using the Hiyacar app. No need for a key, just unlock with your phone and drive.
Outside of working hours, the cars can be hired by the public in the evenings and at weekends, making them a shared resource for the whole community.
Why choose electric pool cars?
Cut carbon emissions
Every mile driven in an electric pool car saves around 120g of CO₂ compared to a petrol car – helping us hit our climate targets faster.
Travel smarter
Use pool cars for business trips and commute sustainably – by bus, train, bike, or on foot – knowing you have a car ready for meetings or site visits.
Convenient locations
Vehicles are based in Haddington, Dunbar, and Musselburgh, so the majority of council staff are never far from a greener option.
Community benefit
When you’re not using them, these cars are available for public hire, helping more people access low-carbon transport. Tell your friends and neighbours in East Lothian and help spread the word.
To find out more about how to sign up, how to book a car and where to collect it search 'hiyacar' on our intranet pages.
Partnership
Making East Lothian equally safe for everyone
On 25 November, to coincide with the launch of the international awareness campaign, “16 Days of Activism to eliminate Violence against Women and Girls”, we launched our campaign to develop a locally focused Equally Safe Strategy.
Equally Safe, is a Scottish Government initiative that aims to create a strong and flourishing Scotland where all individuals can feel equally safe and respected, and where women and girls live free from all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation - and the attitudes that help perpetuate it.
Men and boys also experience abuse and exploitation.
The Equally Safe strategy aims to protect all genders and all ages.
If you are need of support, please click this link
Violence against women and children happens in East Lothian
Developing the Strategy
Tackling gender-based violence is everyone’s business. Our council is committed to ensuring that all women, children and young people across our communities live their lives free from violence and abuse and are supported to achieve the best possible outcomes.
In developing the Equally Safe Strategy, we are committed to identifying opportunities to embed outcomes and actions across relevant community planning policy and service areas.
Get involved!
You can get directly involved in the development of the East Lothian Equally Safe Strategy:
Share your views anonymously via the equally safe engagement survey
Be part of the bigger planning strategy discussions, by attending an engagement workshop:
Tuesday 9 December 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Regent Room, Brunton Hall, Musselburgh
Click here to register your interest in attending this event
We can all take action!
Across all of our services, departments and teams we can collectively challenge and transform the attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate, excuse and seek to minimise gender-based violence.
Find out more: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/equally-safe
Christmas ELF needs your support!
East Lothian Foodbank (ELF) is asking everyone to get behind it’s Christmas campaign. The ‘Let’s end 2025 with 2025’ campaign is aiming to collect 20,000kg of food and raise £25,000 this winter.
You can help by buying a virtual tree ornament or by donating food and dropping it off at the warehouse at: 3 Civic Square, Tranent (Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm).
You can also support the campaign by spreading the word with friends, family and on social media. #filltheshelves2025 #20000kgofhope #baublesofhope #£25kofkindness
Wallyford fundraiser is a great success
Wallyford Community Centre staff hosted a MacMillian fundraiser on Thursday 9 October. The coffee afternoon raised a total of £416.00, which will go towards helping people living with cancer to manage bills, go through treatment, or help with how they're feeling.
The Connected Communities team worked in partnership with staff and pupils from the Brae at Rosehill High School to promote and deliver this successful event.
Pamela Martin, Community Development Officer said:
"Hosting the coffee afternoon was great fun, it was cakes for a very worthy cause. Connected communities staff, teachers and pupils worked together to make this event such a success".
Staying safe this festive season
Our Health and Safety Team want all colleagues and their families to have a safe and happy festive season!
Please take a few minutes to review some of the advice provided by our partner agencies. There might just be a few tips on safety in the home or when you’re out and about that you’ve not considered.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has lots of advice on everything from Christmas lights, decorations and candles to cooking and smoke and heat alarms.
Food Standards Scotland has all you need to know about cooking up a (safe) storm this Christmas.
And Police Scotland colleagues have advice on everything from road safety to planning your night out and, of course, not drinking and driving.
HWL and Learning
Meditation and mindfulness sessions in December
There are still two opportunities this year to join a free lunchtime meditation and mindfulness session at John Muir House.
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Mindfulness
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Wednesday 10 December
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12.15pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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Meditation
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Thursday 18 December
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12.30pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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The lunchtime meditation sessions are led by Jill Alexander from Heartfulness and the mindfulness sessions by Joyce Lukkes. Free to attend in John Muir House, colleagues can enjoy a guided meditation session designed to reduce stress and increase wellbeing.
No booking is required - just turn up on the date and time and join in!
Please email Kate McCracken in Children's Services if you have any questions.
Mental Health First Aid training
Limited spaces are available to take part in Scottish Mental Health First Aid training. This course is designed to help you understand common mental health conditions, spot signs of distress and provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis - just like physical first aid, but for mental wellbeing.
Why take part?
Most people don’t know what to do in a mental health crisis. The course will build your knowledge and give you the confidence to put that knowledge into action.
- you will learn how to recognise when a person might need help and the best way to approach them
- you could save a life by learning basic suicide intervention skills
- you will learn how to protect your own and other people’s mental health
Completing the SMHFA course is an essential requirement for anyone hoping to become one of our Listening Ears providing support for colleagues who need to talk about challenges they are facing at work or home.
The course takes place over six Thursday evenings in January and February. There are no costs for council colleagues.
Please only sign-up if you can attend all six sessions.
Course details:
Dates: January 15, 22, 29 and February 5,12 and 29
Time: 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Venue: Musselburgh East Community Learning Centre
Please check in with your manager before signing up, especially if the course times coincide with your working hours.
To request a place on the course or ask any questions, please email hwl@eastlothian.gov.uk
Quick Quotes users encouraged to attend Community Wealth Building sessions
Staff engaged with Quick Quotes are invited to join an information session in January explaining its link with Community Wealth Building. This follows on from our report in November highlighting the importance of working with local and new suppliers.
Quick Quotes are smaller procurement exercises carried out by our staff when goods, services or works are required (goods and services between £15k and £50k, and works below £500k in value). Examples may include design services, gardening services or building maintenance works. Quick Quotes are important to Community Wealth Building through the requirement to select at least one local supplier from those approached to quote. They form part of the Progressive Procurement pillar to support local firms to engage in council contracts and help them develop and grow.
Legislation on Community Wealth Building is progressing through the Scottish Parliament and will likely be in place by Spring 2026. We are ahead of the curve, with Community Wealth Building at the centre of the East Lothian Local Economy Strategy 2024-34. It is cross-council and is being woven through important council and regional strategies.
Staff engaged with Quick Quotes are being contacted to invite them to attend. If you have not been invited and it is of interest to you please contact our Community Wealth Building Officer.