News
Stoneyhill Primary pupils discover the Wee Forest
Primary 4 children from Stoneyhill Primary School have been exploring the ‘Wee Forest’, which is part of the Queen Margaret University Outdoor Learning Hub. The pupils, with their class teacher Samantha Gallagher, spent their time exploring the natural environment and learning about how the trees and plants create a habitat environment for mammals, insects and birds.
“P4 had a great day at the Wee Forest. The children had the opportunity to explore what animals and insects live in the forest, linking numeracy and maths to find the length and width of the trees and identifying good and bad mud by experimenting with water,” said Samantha.
The Wee Forest project which is part of the global Tiny Forest initiative, assesses the impact of trees and forests on urban areas and invites local people to come in and engage with the forest helping with monitoring and evaluation.
“I think this space is brilliant. I would bring my class up at any opportunity possible. We can come and learn about all the things that are here, all the nature, all the environment, the biodiversity, conservation, the list is endless,” said Stoneyhill Depute Head Teacher Rachel Gallagher.
The children also got the chance to work with Jocyelyn Timperly, from BBC future who will soon be publishing an article on the Wee Forest and P4's experience of it.
The class will be returning in a few weeks to focus on the variety of life resident in and around the pond.
For more information:
Tiny Forest
QMU Outdoor Learning Hub
QMU Discovery Trail Videos on Youtube
Mandatory training for a safer East Lothian
A new core mandatory training module has been added to learnPro to help all staff contribute to a safer East Lothian.
Equally Safe
Together for Gender Equality supports Equally Safe in Practice (ESiP), a national project to create an environment for long-term culture and behaviour change in society to eradicate violence against women and girls. It was developed by Scottish Women’s Aid to support the Scottish Government’s Equally Safe Strategy.
“Insightful and clear”
The module is relevant for people across all council roles and responsibilities to build a shared understanding and language across teams, organisations and local areas. It aims to increase knowledge and understanding about gender and violence against women and girls by highlighting the dynamics and scale of the issue making the link with gender inequality and increasing the understanding of who is affected and how. It also provides staff with information on what they can do to make a difference.
Together for Gender Equality is mandatory for all colleagues and people who have already completed it have pointed to its usefulness:
“It was very insightful and clear”
“The module has good examples of gender inequality in everyday interactions and I think would be suitable for all council employees”
“[It] provided a safe environment for a sensitive topic to help recognise situations.”
Access the module
It can be found on learnPro under the Public Protection category. Together for Gender Equality is core mandatory for all council colleagues and must be completed by May 2026.
It is important to look after yourself when doing any training, and some of the content of this training may be challenging to hear or read. Please use your professional and personal supports and access this self-help guide for more information.
More information
If you need more information please contact Jenny Mair, Co-ordinator for Protecting Women and Girls against Violence, East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Office: email Jenny.
Are you staying Informed?
Make sure you’re keeping up-to-date with the latest information for colleagues.
Check your email settings
Outlook offers the chance to separate your inbox into two tabs – focused and other. Make sure that your Inform and Email Alert emails are delivering to your focused inbox so that you don’t miss out on important news, vlogs and emergency alerts.
You can choose how your emails are organised and apply the settings quickly and easily. Find out more from Microsoft support.
Keep Informed on the move!
Did you know you can read Inform from non-council devices? This makes it ideal for keeping up to date when you’re out and about for work, or for colleagues who don’t have a council phone or laptop. Visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/Inform on your laptop, tablet or phone.
Managers Update Teams channel
People managers at all levels can join the ‘Managers’ Update’ teams channel administered by Organisational Development. It shares useful, supportive information and updates on a wide range of topics including leadership development opportunities, online learning and guidance on using learnPro as a manager. Email organisationaldevelopment@eastlothian.gov.uk to ask that you're added to the channel.
Shaping Our Future: we want to hear from you!
Do you have a spark of inspiration that could make a real difference? Whether it’s a small tweak or a bold new approach, your ideas could help shape our future and the communities we serve.
Why your voice is vital
We’re committed to delivering high-quality, essential services across East Lothian. But like many public sector organisations, we’re facing tough financial challenges. Over the next five years, we need to find savings equal to nearly 25% of our annual running costs. That’s no small feat.
To meet this challenge, we need to think differently. We need to work smarter. And most importantly, we need your insight.
Real feedback, real change
Thanks to your contributions through the 'Shaping Our Future' initiative, we’ve already uncovered key areas for improvement. One major theme has been manual processes that slow us down and frustrate colleagues.
Here’s what you said:
“Manual completion of forms – repeated keying of information. Lots of rekeying of information – Word documents – nothing pulling data or being prepopulated.”
“Contract letters are generated, filed in Civica EDRMS, and then manually entered into iTrent.”
“Experiences of downloading forms, using them, and issuing to HR only to be told they are outdated and a new version is available – mostly with the same information.”
This feedback led to focused work by the Transformation team, who found that outdated forms and inefficient systems were a major pressure point across the organisation.
Turning ideas into action
As a direct result of your input, a new project has been launched to tackle manual work head-on. The Transformation team is now working closely with HR to streamline processes, reduce duplication and eliminate unnecessary paperwork.
This is your impact in action. Your voice is shaping how we work.
Be part of the change
You know your job better than anyone. You understand the needs of your team and the communities you serve. That’s why your ideas are so powerful.
We’re calling on everyone - no matter your role or department - to share your thoughts, suggestions, and creative solutions. Whether it’s a new way of working, a digital tool or a simple fix to an everyday frustration, we want to hear from you.
Ready to share?
Join the conversation and help us build a more innovative, efficient, and sustainable organisation. Click the link on the intranet homepage to submit your idea today.
Together, we can shape a better future - one idea at a time.
Domestic abuse policy: have your say
Our Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence Policy is open for employees' views.
The policy defines our organisation's position on domestic abuse and all forms of Gender Based Violence which may affect employees in the work place. It also sets out our procedure for supporting employees affected and perpetrators of abuse.
The consultation will close on Friday 20 June 2025 and all feedback is welcomed.
We are a zero-tolerance employer. Should you or a colleague face any of the issues outlined within the policy you can speak in confidence to HR, your line manager, Trade Union Representative or contact our Employee Support Programme (EAP) for support and advice.
A list of a range of support services available is also available on the council’s intranet by searching the A to Z for 'Gender based violence services directory' or 'Domestic abuse'.
Candidates sought for Scottish Youth Parliament by-election
Young people in East Lothian are being encouraged to stand as a candidate for the Scottish Youth Parliament by-election to make a real difference to other people's lives.
Scottish Youth Parliament is a charity that gives young people in Scotland a voice and a platform to discuss and change things at a national level that affect them. The Scottish Youth Parliament is really important to children and young people as it can give them a chance to change and influence law, campaign and share their views. They also collaborate with charities which gives the parliament a huge range of people with so many different backgrounds.
Giving children a voice at national level
“The Scottish Youth Parliament is a great thing to give children a voice at national level. It is also one way that young people can exercise their rights,” says Emma Laverie from Connected Communities. She points to some of the amazing things that the Scottish Youth Parliament has been involved with over the years, including free bus travel for under 22 year-olds and free period products in toilets, which are really making a difference.
East Lothian is allowed three MSYPs (Members of Scottish Youth Parliament) for the area. Olivia Brown, who is also the vice chair of The Scottish Youth Parliament, and Katie Fairfull are both MSYPs and, following Finlay McIlwraith’s decision to step down from the position, a by-election is being held to fill the vacancy and to elect a third MSYP until the next full election in 2026. Finlay loved the role and says: “Being an MSYP is an amazing opportunity. It’s a great space to hear different lived experiences and meet lots of different young people who have decided to do this unique thing.”
Find out more!
MSYP candidates need to be between 14 and 25 years old. Find out more:
Applications close on 12 June 2025.
Lunchtime meditation and mindfulness sessions in John Muir House
Free meditation and mindfulness sessions are available all staff to attend in John Muir House.
The lunchtime sessions are led by Jill from Heartfulness. 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.
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Time
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Location
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Wednesday 11 June
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12.30pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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Wednesday 2 July
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1pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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Wednesday 16 July
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12.30pm
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JMH Saltire room 2
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Wednesday 6 August
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1pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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Wednesday 20 August
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12.30pm
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JMH Saltire room 2
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Wednesday 3 September
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12.30pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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Wednesday 10 September
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12.30pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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Wednesday 17 September
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12.30pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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Wednesday 1 October
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1pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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Thursday 16 October
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12.30pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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Wednesday 5 November
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1pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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Thursday 20 November
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12.30pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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Wednesday 3 December
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1pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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Wednesday 10 December
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12.30pm
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JMH Saltire room 1
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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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Shopfront improvement grant scheme launched in Dunbar
A new initiative has been launched to complement the ongoing regeneration of Dunbar town centre.
The Dunbar Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme has been developed to provide support to business owners and community organisations to repair or enhance the visual appearance of their property within the historic town centre.
We are currently delivering the Dunbar Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) in the town centre with funding from Historic Environment Scotland, focusing on providing grant funding towards the appropriate repair of traditional buildings.
The Dunbar Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme will provide an additional source of grant funding to support town centre businesses to create a positive impact with the aim of encouraging more people to visit and use the town’s fantastic shops and services. The scheme is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
Grants of up to 75% of eligible costs are available, up to a maximum of £3,000. As the fund is limited, all applications received will be assessed in terms of the fund priorities, including how any proposals meet the objectives of Dunbar CARS and the enhancement of the historic town centre.
Funded works can include redecoration, new signage, repairs to shopfronts, reinstatement of missing architectural details or replacement of the shopfront with a new frontage. The fund is now open for applications with an initial deadline for submissions of Friday 13 June. A second round of funding will open in July for submissions in early August.
This scheme follows on from the recent Shopfront Improvement Grant Schemes in Prestonpans and Haddington, with more shopfront improvement grant schemes being planned for delivery across the county, working with local communities to ensure the investment is delivered to benefit each settlement, town centre or local area.
For further information on the Dunbar Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme or Dunbar CARS, or visit our website to download an application form and guidance notes.
Planning Committee approves new council homes at Wallyford
East Lothian Planning Committee met on Tuesday 3 June and discussed three applications; one relating to new council houses and a children’s home at Wallyford and two involving new homes at Blindwells.
The Wallyford application refers to a section of land next to Wallyford Learning Campus, on the wider Wallyford development site, which will accommodate 29 houses, six flats and a children’s home.
The 29 houses will be a mix of eight semi-detached and 21 terraced houses ranging from two to four bedrooms. There will be 12 cottage flats with one or two bedrooms and three-storey flatted blocks will contain one, two and three-bedroom homes. The children’s care home will be a residential home registered with the Care Inspectorate. It will be operated as a residential facility with 24/7 staffing with children staying for varying lengths of time. The home will accommodate four children and one live-in staff member. All of the homes will be owned and managed by East Lothian Council.
No representations had been received on the application and committee members voted unanimously to approve the plans.
Committee members also voted unanimously to approve two applications at Blindwells. No public representations had been received for either application. One, from Hargreaves Services, involved a slight amendment to the mix, house types and position of some properties in a development of 96 houses and 39 flats on the site, for which planning consent had already been granted. 93 of the homes are for private sale and 42 are affordable housing.
The other application, from Bellway Homes Ltd and Hargreaves, contained the detail of a development of 197 houses and 20 flats on part of the Blindwells site, 65 of which will be affordable housing. There will be a mix of two to five bedroom homes; 96 detached and 101 semi detached or terraced. The flats will be eight one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom.
The relevant application numbers are: Wallyford, 23/01052/AMM and Blindwells 24/00777/AMM, 24/00931/AMM and 21/01580/PM.
Celebrating East Lothian's young volunteers
Did you know that, in 2022, young people contributed 9.7 million hours of formal volunteering?
That’s why, as part of Volunteering Week (2-8 June), we're celebrating all of our young volunteers.
Important contribution
Young volunteers bring so much to the community helping at community projects, local libraries, sports clubs, youth clubs and charities. Their contribution is so important: many organisations rely on young volunteers to keep going and, through their involvement, they also gain new perspectives, a different range of skills and different backgrounds to support their work.
It’s not just the groups that benefit from young volunteers: the volunteers themselves benefit greatly from the time that they give. They can gain more social skills, build new relationships and, what's more, they also get valuable experience that can help with future job or college applications.
Great experience
Sharon Young from Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) explains: “Volunteering helps young people to understand the community that they are a part of; it gets them involved nice and early. It also helps them in their careers. It goes without saying that you need experience to work in certain organisations and volunteering can help with that step and employability.
“As well as helping their community it can help them with mental health, making new friends and gaining new skills. There are so many benefits that can help young volunteers.”
VCEL’s mission is to: ‘To inspire, support and enable people and organisations to develop and advance as active members of their community.’ Not only does the team help groups to find volunteers, they are also available to help volunteers discover the right opportunity for them.
“We can help you find an opportunity that suits you whether that’s the type of activity you enjoy, such as gardening or working with animals or with an organisation that is close to your heart,” explains Sharon.
“We have a matching system so young people can come to the centre or set up a meeting online or over the phone, they can fill in an interest form and we can contact them with opportunities. It can be as simple as sending an email or we can help them fill out the form. We are here as an organisation to help young volunteers from start to finish.”
Here, two young volunteers share their experiences with Inform.
Dan’s story
“I would definitely recommend volunteering to other young people”
Dan started his volunteering journey with 1st Musselburgh Beavers as part of his bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. He found he loved it so much that he stayed on after he’d completed until the unit closed down.
He now volunteers at 1st Musselburgh Cubs and says he has learnt a lot about working with younger children and how to keep them engaged in activities. He has also increased his confidence and communication skills.
When asked about challenges, Dan mentions building confidence while trying to take on more responsibility but has overcome these issues, saying: “At first, I wasn’t sure how much I should take the lead or step in to help, but over time I’ve learned to trust myself more. I’ve also learned how to stay calm in busy situations and support the leaders without needing to be told what to do.”
Dan would recommend volunteering to other people: “It’s a great way to build skills, meet people, and do something meaningful,” he says. “Even just a few hours a week can make a big difference both for the group you’re helping and for your own personal growth.”
Anwen’s story
“Find somewhere you love and you will enjoy it”
When Anwen had to find a place to volunteer for her Duke of Edinburgh award it was a very easy decision for her to go and help at her local parkrun. She said: “My family do parkruns and parkrun can’t do it without volunteers so I wanted to help just to keep it going.”
It wasn't always easy as the weather wasn't always on her side but she kept going and had a great time while doing so.
Anwen volunteered at her local parkrun for five months and, in that time, she gained new connections, better communication skills and more confidence.
Anwen’s message to anyone thinking about volunteering is clear: “The hardest part is getting in touch and the fear of someone saying no but what's the worst that can happen? Once you have been for the first few weeks and met some new friends, it is just a great experience.”
Council Leader Norman Hampshire marks Volunteers’ Week 2025
To mark the start of Volunteers' Week on 2 June, Council Leader Norman Hampshire paid tribute to volunteers and the amazing contribution they make.
Cllr Hampshire praised all those who donate their time and effort, including the many volunteers who are colleagues within East Lothian Council.
He said: "I'd like to thank the volunteers who work for community groups across East Lothian. Without volunteers, many community groups would not be able to deliver the activities that people in the county enjoy.
“Volunteering makes the quality of life within our communities so much better and the more volunteers we can have, the better the community will be.
“We benefit from having volunteers of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest. They care for our elderly, help those facing financial hardship by running foodbanks, beautify our public spaces, and organise groups to empower and inspire our young people.
“Whether it’s through sports clubs, In Bloom groups or community councils, we are fortunate to have people who volunteer and give so much back. I see their hard work and dedication in my ward and across East Lothian and we are lucky to have them. I offer them all my warmest thanks for their incredible efforts.
“And if you’re considering volunteering, there are many great causes available to give your support.”