News
Council budget for 25/26 approved
East Lothian Council's budget for 2025/26 has been set with a focus on supporting vulnerable residents and giving children the best start in life.
The cross-party budget was been developed in the context of significant ongoing demand and cost pressures arising from East Lothian’s growing population, alongside wider economic challenges. Despite being one of Scotland's fastest growing areas, analysis from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) of the provisional 2025-26 local government finance settlement shows that East Lothian receives the third-lowest funding settlement in Scotland per head of population at 81.4% of the Scottish average.
Members approved a 10% rise in council tax following a freeze in the current year. For people living in a band D property this represents a £2.76 weekly increase. After consultation with council tenants, a 6.5% increase was agreed – an average of £5.25 per week.
Investment in services
Councillors also agreed:
- a commitment to invest over £211 million in infrastructure over the next five years including education estate
- an increase of £7.5million investment to support the delivery of vital adult social care services
- an additional £1 million for council home modernisation
- increase in roads and property renewal budgets of £1m each
- planned savings of £8.9 million over the next five years with a commitment to identify further measures to close the budget gap over the medium term
Investment will also continue in local infrastructure and schools through its capital programme, whilst helping to support and protect the local environment.
The uplift of £1 million to the roads budget in 2025-26 brings overall investment in roads over the next five years to £22.7 million.
The capital budget also includes significant investment in the school estate including improvements to security, increasing Additional Support Needs (ASN) provision space and the completion of three new primary schools which are due to open in 2025.
Although a balanced budget was set for 25/26, elected members heard that the rise in Government funding was not enough to cover ongoing cost pressures to the authority including the rise in employer national insurance contributions which are not fully funded.
Tackling the budget gap
Taking account of planned savings and council tax increases, the budget gap for the council and Integrated Joint Board has reduced to £45.911 million (from £79.718 million) to 2029/30. Officers will carry out further work to develop a range of options to meet the future funding gap. Work will incorporate effective and meaningful engagement with the public and other key stakeholders.
Find out about what our budget for 2025/26 means for residents and services from our website.
Car lease scheme extended to teaching staff
We are excited to announce that we have extended our partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions to offer more employees the opportunity to join our salary sacrifice car lease scheme. Teachers and associated professionals who are members of SPPA pension scheme now have the opportunity to give up some of their gross salary (before tax) to lease a new low emission car for a period of three years (previously the car scheme was only available for members of LGPS pension scheme).
You pay nothing up front and can save money through reduced tax, NI and pension contributions. During the lease period the car will be fully maintained, taxed and insured, and the cost of the lease includes insurance for up to five drivers, road tax, breakdown cover, servicing, windscreen and tyre cover.
Entering this scheme means that you are agreeing to reduce your gross pay for the period of the lease i.e. three years, and you will pay for the lease via monthly salary deductions. Whilst savings are achieved on your Tax, NI and Pension contributions, the reduction in your gross pay will impact on your pension and may affect any benefits you are in receipt of.
This scheme is a great cost effective way to get a brand new low emission car but it's important before making a decision you read the appropriate section in the FAQ's on the intranet and seek appropriate advice.
Find out more by logging on to the intranet, select 'pay and benefits' on the homepage, and then 'salary sacrifice for cars'.
To contact us about this scheme email employeebenefits@eastlothian.gov.uk
Brunton Hall update: staff moves
We are progressing plans to relocate services from the Brunton Hall, Musselburgh.
Significant parts of the building remain out of use due to the presence of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete). In October, elected members decided that the building was to be closed and mothballed.
From Monday, 10 March 2025, the Housing Options Team will be based at John Muir House, Haddington. Any existing clients will be contacted directly to advise of any changes to existing arrangements.
Plans for the relocating the main council location for face-to-face contact in Musselburgh to the former Citizens Advice Bureau at 141 High Street continue. It is expected that this will open in the summer and serve as a base for Customer Services, the Musselburgh Community Housing Team.
Plans for the relocation of the remaining social work teams in the Brunton Hall are ongoing.
Officers have been in touch with any external organisation that currently holds a leased space within the Brunton Hall.
What are the future options?
Because of the significant challenges that would be associated with repairs to the Brunton Hall, a place-based project - consistent with the council’s asset strategy and management plan - is to be undertaken to determine the most appropriate, sustainable and affordable way forward.
This could include potential colocation with community planning partners, developing a business case for replacement of the theatre and other performance spaces and seeking alternative locations in Musselburgh.
We are determined to work together with the community and local organisations to identify solutions and will keep the community updated in the weeks and months ahead.
High praise for social work teams in Chief Social Work Officer's Annual Report 2023-24
On Tuesday 25 February, East Lothian Council’s Chief Social Work Officer Lindsey Byrne presented her Annual Report 2023-2024 to elected members highlighting the level of need and complexity of the county’s most vulnerable citizens has never been higher.
Ms Byrne advised Council Members that residents are facing significant challenges that make day-to-day life increasingly difficult to manage. The cost-of-living crisis, barriers to accessing mental health support and with more people than ever facing poverty and disadvantage, demand for social work services in East Lothian continues to be significant.
As we know, Social Work is never an optional extra, it is a critical frontline service with responsibility for the care and protection of our most vulnerable citizens. We strive for positive outcomes, in very difficult circumstances.
High praise for staff
Both in her presentation and the detailed report, special recognition was made to the significant efforts of the social work and social care workforce who work tirelessly to protect people from harm and to support them to live safely and as independently as possible in their own homes and communities.
Ms Byrne commented: “I never take for granted the skills and commitment of our staff, who regularly go above and beyond to meet the needs of the people that we serve. I would like to take this opportunity to convey my gratitude to them, the relentless passion for the work that they do, and for continuing to make East Lothian a place where we can take real pride and assurance in our social work practices."
These sentiments were repeated by numerous Councillors following the presentation of the report, thanking staff, praising their dedication and commitment to the people of East Lothian.
Full press release is available to view here.
Annual report contents
The report provides an overview of the successes and challenges faced by each of the social work teams; children's services, adult services, justice social work and the mental health officers.
Read the full Chief Social Work Officer Annual Report 2023-2024 here
Presentation at Council Meeting
You can view the presentation by Lindsey Byrne to the East Lothian Council Meeting on Tuesday 25 February.
Web cast recording of Council Meeting (Agenda Item 3)
Crookston Care Home continues to shine with top care rating
It’s official - Crookston Care Home has done it again! For the eighth time in a row, the Tranent-based care home has received a ‘very good’ rating across all areas in its latest Care Inspectorate report.
This fantastic achievement is a testament to the dedicated and compassionate team at Crookston, who go above and beyond every day to make sure residents feel safe, comfortable, and truly at home.
The unannounced inspection, carried out in January 2025, praised Crookston for its warm and person-centred approach to care. Inspectors noted the strong relationships between staff and residents, the home’s well-established links with local healthcare professionals, and a high standard of care that promotes residents’ independence and wellbeing.
A home that puts residents first
One of the key strengths highlighted in the report was the responsiveness of staff to residents' individual needs. Regular assessments and ongoing checks ensure that residents receive the right support when it comes to nutrition, medication, and overall health. Relatives also expressed confidence in the care provided, with one family member commenting:
"She’s getting the right level of care. They don’t rush her; they encourage her independence. Always checking in on what she needs."
The introduction of a dedicated housekeeper role has also had a positive impact, allowing carers to focus more on direct support and meaningful interactions with residents.
A team to be proud of
The report also praised the teamwork and supportive environment at Crookston, with staff describing managers as approachable and responsive. Both staff and external professionals recognised the strong communication and collaboration that contribute to the home’s ongoing success.
Pauline Skead, Manager of Crookston Care Home, said:
“I am incredibly proud of the team at Crookston for maintaining such high standards year after year. Their dedication and commitment truly make a difference, not just in the inspection report but in the fantastic feedback we receive from residents and their families.”
Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, echoed this sentiment:
“We’re delighted to receive another glowing report from the Care Inspectorate. The staff at Crookston do an incredible job, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we thank them for their continued efforts and devotion to residents. Caring is such a personal role and often undervalued, but we know just how rewarding it is. For staff, residents are like extended family, and I’m pleased to see this recognised in the report.”
Looking ahead
As part of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, Crookston Care Home is committed to providing high-quality, person-centred care that allows residents to live with dignity, choice, and independence. This latest inspection confirms that the team continues to uphold these values, ensuring Crookston remains a place where residents feel safe, supported, and at home.
The full Care Inspectorate report is available at: www.careinspectorate.com
Click here for more information about Crookston Care Home
Council takes part in campaign to tackle rural crime
Vehicles belonging to East Lothian Council are taking part in a new police initiative aimed at tackling rural crime.
Under the scheme, waterproof stickers to display on tractors, excavators and other machinery are being provided to farming communities by Police Scotland.
The specially designed stickers encourage police officers on patrols to pull the vehicle over to verify ownership if they are being driven outside routine hours of use.
The aim is to catch thieves making off with stolen property on the roads network.
The scheme was launched during an event held last month at the council’s roads depot in the Macmerry Industrial Estate.
The stickers will be attached to selected vehicles and equipment in the council fleet.
In December last year the depot was targeted in a break-in which saw a rented pick-up truck stolen from the site.
Chief Inspector Ben Leathes with Provost John McMillan
Excellent initiative
Police Scotland have reported that rural thefts in the county increased during January and February 2025 compared with the same period last year.
Provost John McMillan attended the launch alongside the police’s local area commander, Chief Inspector Ben Leathes. Cllr McMillan said: “We are very pleased to support this excellent initiative from Police Scotland to help tackle rural crime in East Lothian.
“The theft of rural vehicles and equipment is a growing problem, and the council would encourage residents to attach these stickers to their property to assist police officers in catching thieves and to act as a deterrent.”
The stickers will be offered to people in rural communities free of charge, either during engagement at their properties or when police attend agricultural events in East Lothian.
Inspector Jordan Low, from Police Scotland’s Rural, Acquisitive and Business Preventions team, said: “Road policing officers and their local policing colleagues have been made aware of the scheme and throughout the course of their duties, should they come across a vehicle displaying one, they will stop and check the vehicle and driver ensure anyone driving is legally permitted to do so.”
12 months in Customer Services, Contact Centre, Libraries, Museums and Web
Laura Hall, Web Manager recently created a video showing Customer Services, Contact Centre, Libraries, Museums and Web data 2023 to 2024.
Raymond McGill, Contact Centre Manager said:
"The intention was to gather high-level data on the workload in these areas into a more viewer-friendly style so that all our team could quickly see an overview of their work over the previous year. The video also serves to show the wider council the scope and types of work in these areas. The original inspiration came from the 'your year in review' features on apps like Strava, Spotify and others."
He went on to say: "As is inevitable, the video just shows a flavour of the breadth and depth of our work," adding: "It is also important to note that whilst the video focuses more on quantity, separately and more importantly, we are regularly told by customers that the quality of the work carried out by our excellent colleagues and teams is of a very high standard."
Request for council volunteers to support emergency response
Our risk and resilience team is appealing for volunteers to be part of the response to a major incident in the county.
Supporting communities during large-scale emergencies is at the heart of our resilience plans. Although such incidents are rare, when they do occur, it’s important that we respond quickly and effectively, working with emergency services and partner agencies.
“There are lots of roles available and they all play an important role in our incident response,” explains Scott Kennedy, Team Manager – Emergency Planning and Resilience. “Council volunteers carry out vital administrative roles within our Emergency Coordination Centre, as well as potentially in-person support within a Rest Centre. Having a bank of people we can call on if needed is essential in case of an incident. This is why we’re currently looking to increase the number of volunteers. Training is offered and it’s a rewarding area to be involved in.”
Roles include:
Emergency Co-ordination Centre (ECC)
Work within the ECC, based at Penston House, would include supporting a service manager or equivalent to answer calls relating to any emergency and recording them on an incident log within the CRM system.
For those interested in volunteering, the Emergency Planning and Resilience team will be running awareness sessions during 2025, which will last no more than two hours.
These awareness sessions will be informal and explain to you the importance of the role and what it entails, with some initial training on the system and how to log incidents.
Rest Centres
A Rest Centre provides temporary shelter and welfare support including warmth, food and drinks during an incident or evacuation.
We have three main designated rest centres located at Bleachingfield Centre, Dunbar, Musselburgh East Community Learning Centre and Port Seton Community Centre.
We can also use community centres, sports centres, village halls and other council buildings as rest centres if required.
A rest centre exercise is planned for later this year. Anyone volunteering for this role will be able to undertake initial training at a rest centre and understand more about this activity.
Get in touch
If you could help as part of our emergency response in one of these vital roles, please email emergency planning. Include details of which volunteer post(s) you’re interested in and the team will be in touch with the dates of awareness sessions and rest centre training in 2025.
Planning Committee grants permission for new flats in North Berwick
East Lothian Planning Committee met on Tuesday 4 March and heard three applications – two of which related to the former house and Golf Hotel at Dirleton Avenue, North Berwick.
Planners had recommended refusal of permission to build 14 flats on the site but, following a debate, committee voted six to four to overturn that recommendation and grant permission for the development. A total of 35 objections had been received, with reasons for the objections including that the loss of the hotel would add to the struggle for accommodation for visitors in North Berwick and that the demolition of the building would not preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area.
Committee heard that the current building is not listed but is within the North Berwick Conservation Area. It has been vacant for four years. In a separate application, it was proposed that the building be demolished, to be replaced by the four storey, detached, flatted building. A total of 27 objections had been received.
The applications from Caledonian Heritable Ltd had been called off the Scheme of Delegation List by Councillor McFarlane for further discussion in light of East Lothian Council’s Affordable Housing Crisis. Following a debate, committee voted six to four in favour of granting permission for the demolition. Both applications will be brought back to committee for a final determination after a bat survey has been completed. Scottish Ministers will also be informed of the granting of consent to carry out the proposed demolition and may decide to call the application in for determination.
Retrospective permission for change of use of agricultural land to a dog exercise and day care business was granted eight votes to one but only for a year initially, after which the applicant will need to re-apply for permission. The development at Thorntonloch, Innerwick, has a condition applied, only allowing the operators to use the dog exercise facility between the hours of 8.30am and 1pm, Monday to Friday. The application had been called off the Scheme of Delegation List by Councillor Jardine due to local concerns. One objection had been received.
The relevant application numbers are: North Berwick, 24/01051/CAC and 24/01050/P and Innerwick, 24/00660/P.
East Lothian communities welcome new sculptures – part of a community covid memorial project
Port Seton
Remembering Together is a national project that seeks to give each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities the chance to reflect their unique experience of the Covid-19 pandemic with the help of commissioned artists and creative organisations. Over the past year, East Lothian Council’s Arts Service in collaboration with greenspace scotland has embarked on an extensive process of co-creation with the wider East Lothian community to create memorials that authentically reflect the experiences of residents, and creates a lasting space of gathering for future generations.
In stage one of the project, artists Barbara Gardner-Rowell and Sophie Ferguson co-created six walking trails and an audio archive with the communities of East Lothian. Now as the project reaches its final stages, sculptures - created by artist Gill White are set to be unveiled.
Gill's response to the theme of collective acts of reflection, remembering, hope and healing was to create a series of curved silver feathers that have been placed in the landscape of each trail walk.
Gill said:
“Each perched feather’s spine is curved upwards to the sun, as if just resting after flowing through the air, lightly touching, making contact with a sea wall, a seat, stream or rock. The intention is to respectfully reflect the experience of loss - of searching for reassurance in the natural world and the comfort that is often found in seeing movements of birds and butterflies in flight, which can bring comfort that a loved one’s presence is still near. Each feather is playfully placed in the landscape as a gentle reminder over time to slow down, be curious, and enjoy the simple pleasure of going for a walk”
The feathers have been installed on the walks in Musselburgh, Tranent, Prestonpans, Haddington and North Berwick, with details of the sixth near Dunbar, to be finalised soon.
Interpretation boards will also be placed at each walk with a QR code for walkers to scan to access a film - A Feather in Time, also created by Gill White.
Gill explained:
“The film invites audiences to follow the journey of a white feather as it floats through the landscape of East Lothian, accompanied by music and spoken word. Its journey has also been inspired by the community experiences held in the audio archive gathered in stage one of the project. The film aims to be nurturing and restorative - taking viewers on a gentle meditative journey of hope, exploring each walk, showing the tactile and sensory experience of spending time immersed in the rich nature of East Lothian landscapes.”
This Remembering Together public art experience aims to sensitively represent the act of memorial - as a walking journey to seek a place to remember loved ones, to reflect and be nurtured by nature, and see hope is on the horizon. Each sculpture’s playful placement is designed to reference the mediative, gentle and sensory experience of going for a walk.
A permanent community archive is now held at John Gray Centre in Haddington, to cement the legacy of the project for participants, as well as providing a valuable resource for future generations. The archive includes digital images, newsletters, journal entries, artefacts, books, artwork and audio recordings of lived experiences of lockdown from people of East Lothian.
Councillor Colin McGinn, Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure said:
“Remembering Together has been a far-reaching project which has allowed ordinary people in East Lothian to contribute their personal experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic - an extraordinary time, to reflect on how they came together in a time of crisis and persevered. The walking trails, audio archive, silver feathers and film provide an opportunity to reflect and remember while paying respect to those that we lost.”
Remembering Together East Lothian is delivered by East Lothian Council’s Arts Service and commissioned by greenspace scotland with funding from the Scottish Government.
North Berwick
What's On
What's on in Museums this March
Museums are a warm place with a friendly face
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.
John Gray Centre (Museum) 15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX.
Thursday and Friday 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm.
Saturday 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm.
John Muir's Birthplace 126 High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.
Sunday 1pm to 5pm.
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER.
Saturday 2pm to 4pm courtesy of Dunbar and District History Society volunteers.
NEW EXHIBITIONS
What’s the story?
This new exhibition brings together 35 art works including paintings, photographs, drawings and prints held in the collection of East Lothian Council. The earliest piece in the show is a watercolour drawing of the late 1700s showing Haddington Town Officers on parade with fife and drum; one of the most recent is a composite piece responding to the East Lothian landscape during the 2020 Covid pandemic. The Friends of the John Gray Centre have worked alongside museum staff to present this varied and exciting show. Volunteers will be present in the gallery to chat to visitors about the art on display.
John Gray Centre, 15 Lodge Street, Haddington EH41 3DX.
Thursday 13 February to Saturday 26 April 2025.
Admission free.
Open Thursday to Saturday.
A stitch in time. Recycle - Reuse - Create
A family friendly art exhibition which explores recycling materials in the context of an art project.
John Muir’s Birthplace, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
www.jmbt.org.uk
1 February to 9 March.
Admission free.
Working Lives at Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER.
October to March, Saturdays 2pm to 4pm.
Display open courtesy of Dunbar and District History Society. Free admission but donations welcome.
Dunbar’s Town House or Tolbooth is more than 400 years old and touched the lives of many people through the Town Council, Police Station, Library, Registrars, Tourist Information, Housing Office, MP and MSP Office, Museum and many more!
Do you know someone who worked here? Have you been to a wedding here? We would love to hear your stories and see your photos.
Step back in time as we help you discover the hidden past of this iconic building.
Visit past exhibitions or explore our local history from the comfort of your home or a local library!
John Gray Centre East Lothian History
What’s so special about bogs? An exhibition from one of our partner organisations, the John Muir Trust, as part of their Peatland Appeal. Discover more about this slow-growing, water-packed ecosystem that’s fast becoming recognised as an amazing collector of carbon, a rich archaeological site, and home to unique species of wildlife.
John Muir, Earth, Planet, Universe This exhibition focuses on John Muir’s legacy and his role as an environmental activist and successful campaigner and his relevance for our situation today in addressing the climate crisis.
Muir Houses Through Time Museum Assistant David Anderson spent part of the 2020 lockdown amalgamating all his research on the buildings occupied by the Muirs on Dunbar High Street. What has emerged are tales of commerce, greed and deceit as we follow the lives of those who have occupied the site from the iron age onwards. First published as a series of blogs June to August 2020
Gardens of East Lothian An exhibition by Sheila Sim Photography. East Lothian has a long and proud heritage of gardening and has produced several horticultural pioneers. With its good climate and fertile soil, the county has often been called ‘the garden of Scotland’.
125 Years of the Sierra Club This exhibition curated by Friends of John Muir’s Birthplace gave an overview of the history of the Sierra Club with an emphasis on John Muir’s involvement in the founding, and ethos, of the organisation.
John Muir and Geology Another exhibition from Friends of John Muir’s Birthplace John Muir and Geology explores the Scottish heroes who helped unravel Dunbar’s geological history.
What's on at The Brunton
As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring start to show, The Brunton is excited to introduce a fresh line-up of events that capture the vibrant spirit of the season.
Here’s to a month filled with creativity, connection, and the promise of new beginnings!
Corn Exchange, Haddington
At the Corn in Exchange in Haddington this March, The Brunton is kicking off the month with a visit from The Jersey Beats. A sensational show celebrating the wonderful music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons!
The Jersey Beats – Oh What a Nite Tour
Sunday 2 March at 7:30pm
Corn Exchange, Haddington
Click to book online
Join us in welcoming the incredible Ryan Corbett for a classical accordion concert in Haddington. Ryan Corbett will be joined by five accordionists of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Accordion Ensemble, for a programme that includes music by JS Bach, Reich, and Rameau.
Ryan Corbett and The Six Accordions
Thursday 6 March at 7:30pm
Corn Exchange, Haddington
Click to book online
Ryan Corbett
Film Fridays
Friday 7 March
Corn Exchange, Haddington
Click to book online
Film Fridays continues at the Corn Exchange in Haddington – a fortnightly programme of Family Films (1:30pm), Matinees (4:15pm), and Big Screen Favourites (7:00pm). Enjoy highly anticipated releases such as A Complete Unknown and Bridget Jones. As well as imaginative short films for the whole family to love.
Multi-award-winning Brandon McPhee will be performing at the Corn Exchange in Haddington this March.
After completing a series of shows across Scotland, McPhee will be bringing his love of music to audiences in East Lothian.
Brandon McPhee Show
Saturday 8 March at 7:30pm
Corn Exchange, Haddington
Click to book online
Get ready for an unforgettable evening, celebrating the music of global superstar and female icon that is Cher. The ultimate Cher tribute will be coming to Corn Exchange, Haddington on Friday 14 March at 7:30pm.
The Brunton has included an exclusive 20% staff discount off this performance. Use the code ‘Inform’ when prompted at checkout to redeem.
Strong Enough: The Ultimate Cher Tribute Concert
Friday 14 March at 7:30pm
Corn Exchange, Haddington
Click to book online
At the end of the month, audiences can experience a unique dance performance in Haddington. Bodies of Water invites you to immerse yourselves in an exceptional performance experience. Watch as they explore and celebrate the transformative element of water as it connects all living things on Sunday 30 March at 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Please be aware this is a limited capacity show, performed in the round.
Bodies of Water
Sunday 30 March at 2pm and 6pm
Corn Exchange, Haddington
Click to book online
Northesk Parish Church, Musselburgh
In Musselburgh, The Brunton’s lunchtime recitals continue with established and emerging, prize-winning performers. On Tuesday 11 March, Trio Chiara will be filling Northesk Parish Church with the Bohemian melodies of Dvořák and the charming tunes of Haydn. A light lunch of soup and a sandwich is served in the Church Hall adjacent to the church at 12 midday.
Dvorak and Haydn: Trio Chiara
Tuesday 11 March at 12 midday Lunch and 1pm Concert
Northesk Parish Church, Musselburgh
Click to book online
Also, at Northesk Parish Church this March, The Ali Watson Quartet. Originally hailing from the highlands, 25-year-old bass player Ali Watson has recently been making waves with his quartet compromising an all-star band of Glasgow musicians – Matt Carmichael, Alan Benzie, and Greg Irons. Catch them playing on Friday 14 March at 7:30pm.
The Ali Watson Quartet
Friday14 March at 7:30pm
Northesk Parish Church, Musselburgh
Click to book online
Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
Over at Loretto Theatre, The Brunton’s midweek movies will be showing Hard Truths (12A), a fierce, compassionate, and often darkly humorous study of family and the thorny ties that bind us on Wednesday 12 March at 7:00pm. Then, on Wednesday 26 March at 7:00pm, the highly anticipated fourth film in the series of British romantic comedies, Bridget Jones returns to our screens.
Hard Truths (12A)
Wednesday 12 March at 7:00pm
Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
Click to book online
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (15)
Wednesday 26 March at 7:00pm
Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
Click to book online
Re-live the sounds of the swinging sixties with The Counterfeit Sixties as they pay tribute to the fantastic music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and many more.
The Counterfeit Sixties Show
Saturday 15 March at 7:00pm
Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
Click to book online
Finally, National Theatre Live will be screening their world premiere adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece Dr Strangelove. Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in this explosively funny satire about a rogue US General.
National Theatre Live: Dr Strangelove (15)
Thursday 27 March at 7:00pm
Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
Click to book online
Drop-in, find out! Information event in Haddington
The John Gray Centre in Haddington is hosting an information drop in on Saturday 29 March from 12pm until 2pm.
The event is part of a series to offer the community local support on the issues that are important to them. A previous event was held in December at the Port Seton Centre.
People attending can find out about support for:
- Blue Badges
- boosting their finances
- services for young children
- mental health and wellbeing
The event brings together a number of council services and partners, including NHS Lothian. It is free for anyone to attend and confidential spaces are provided if required.
What’s the Story? exhibition at John Gray Centre
We are delighted to announce the opening of a fascinating new exhibition at the John Gray Centre Museum in Haddington, featuring paintings, photographs, drawings and prints held in the Council’s collection. 
Some of these works, which span several centuries, will not have been seen by members of the public for a while. The Friends of the John Gray Centre have worked alongside museum staff to present this varied and exciting show, in which artists have shown people working and at leisure.
The earliest piece in the show is a watercolour drawing of the late 1700s showing Haddington Town Officers on parade with fife and drum; one of the most recent is a composite piece responding to the East Lothian landscape during the 2020 Covid pandemic.
Visitors to the exhibition may recognise familiar landscapes, see intriguing glimpses into townscapes, lost working practices, and portraits of East Lothian characters recognised for their contribution to county life.
Michael Williams of the Friends of the John Gray Centre commented that working on this exhibition provided a fantastic opportunity for the Friends to contribute to the work of the centre, bringing together the efforts of staff and volunteers. He also emphasised the importance of exhibiting works held by East Lothian Council on behalf of those that live in East Lothian.
Jayne Stokes reflected on the creation of her watercolour, Day by Day, which is included in the exhibition. She noted: “I started the painting in March during lockdown and it documents the landscape experienced on the many daily walks, cycles and runs in East Lothian. It was a real labour of love and a piece which explores this strange period in our lives and the solace that can come from the small things around us. I am fascinated by our relationship with images, the value we attach to them and their ability to evoke emotion.
“This relationship has changed with the ubiquity of digital technology. I recall the enjoyment of looking at family photo albums as a child and reflecting on the places I had visited. Now we are more likely to store away endless files electronically after a brief glance. This process is mirrored by our increasingly transient relationship with places, as our lives become busier and less appreciative of our surroundings. The aim of my work is to make us stop and think carefully about the environment around us. Working on a miniature scale forces the viewer to look closely at the painting and having several small images in one large piece takes the viewer on a journey.”
What’s the Story? is on now until Saturday 26 April 2025. The museum is open Thursdays and Fridays 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm and Saturdays 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.
John Gray Centre, 15 Lodge Street, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3DX
Our People
Meet Karen!
Since joining facilities management in 2009, Karen Aitken has gained a new role, significant experience and has become one of the first people in her industry to complete a national scholarship.
Karen began her career in the council as a mobile toilet attendant providing vital cleaning services across several county facilities. She has since progressed to become an Assistant Area Officer working alongside Area Officers to manage staff across a wide range of services including cleaning, catering, janitorial and caretaking. She regularly carries out audits including checking compliance with organisational and legislative requirements, responding to changes in the delivery of the service and recommending ways to increase efficiency including developing new procedures and working practices.
Karen recently completed the first Assist FM Cleaning Scholarship. Assist FM works to promote best practice in the facilities management industry. The scholarship programme offered a blend of in-person and online sessions tailored to meet the current challenges in local authority cleaning services. Karen said, “I really enjoyed the scholarship. I learnt loads from the course around how volumes of products we should use, how much stock we should have and also how to measure a room to assess how long it should take to clean.”
The students were challenged with creating a tender for a building - detailing what machines to use, staff numbers and shift patterns, how many products and the overall price for the service. “I found this really hard as I had never done anything like this before,” admits Karen. “We had a few online Teams meetings regarding this part. I thought everyone else seemed to be doing ok going by the group chat, so I said that I must be stupid as I felt it was really hard and wasn’t sure what I was to do. I’m so glad I did, as it turned out everyone felt the same!”
“My senior officer Loraine Faulds was very helpful making sure I was putting time aside for this course and was always asking how I was getting on and offered help if I needed it.”
Since completing the course, Karen has started applying some of this learning to her job. Initially, she has chosen two of the schools she is responsible for and, using the floorplans, is calculating areas to make sure work is fairly distributed amongst the team as well as undertaking an audit of the stock.
Karen loves the variety in her work: “Every day is different, there’s also a mix of being in schools, in the office or working from home.”
Outside of her work duties, Karen is a keen bowler and has represented Midlothian on more than one occasion at the Scottish national championships, proving she’s a star both in and out of the workplace.
“We’re really proud of Karen and her achievements with the scholarship, and what a valuable contribution she’s making to help us run an effective and efficient facilities service as well as being a great colleague” said Lorraine Faulds, Senior Officer, Facilities Management.
Congratulations Karen!
Thank you! Celebrating staff compliments
Individuals, teams and departments across the council regularly receive compliments from residents, visitors, staff and businesses. Here's a selection:
Local resident: Waste Services. A heartfelt thank you to the lovely guys who were working the recycling truck this morning, picking up the brown bins around Burnside/ Clerkington on the morning of 26 February.
I saw my neighbour fall off his step and break his hip. When the men saw us, they stopped the truck and all came over to help. Luckily the ambulance came within five minutes, and all went smoothly.
They could have easily just driven on and continued their work, but even those 5 minutes showed they cared and were lovely and supportive. I know my neighbour was very appreciative.
Local resident: Customer Services. Many thanks to Hanita Ritchie for helping me on my quest to learn more about East Linton and my home.
Staff member: Print Unit. Compliments to the Print Unit for going out of their way to produce our report to a tight deadline.
Local resident: Adult Wellbeing. Thank you to Michelle Bradford in Social Work for all the hard work finding my mum a place in St. Annes.
Please forward any compliments your service receives to Inform and we can include them in future issues
Green Corner
A Ranger writes
Countryside Ranger Richard English shares his knowledge of blackthorn and sloes.
Here we go – it’s springtime! A time of joy, renewal and all that stuff. Whilst the season can sometimes seem to drag its feet a little, there are some plants out there that are getting into the swing of things this month.
Blackthorn
Blackthorn is a member of the rose family (the Rosaceae, in scientific terms) and is often found in hedgerows alongside its relative hawthorn. In this heavily managed form, it usually appears as a dense spiny shrub, but if left to its own devices it can grow up to about seven or eight metres. Much like other early-flowering tree species, such as hazel or elm, the flowers appear before the leaves. This can make the blackthorn relatively easy to spot in a mixed hedge in spring. During March hawthorn (and other species) will be greening up, as the leaves gradually open. However, blackthorn will be devoid of leaves but covered in blossom, making it stand out from the crowd.
The flowers themselves vary between a bright snow-white and a more subtle creamy-white (I’m starting to sound like a paint chart now) and have the classic five-petalled form of the rose family. There are very few wild roses that show variation from this form, although the native wildflower tormentil does exhibit only four petals.
Sloes
Later in the year blackthorn produces fruits known as sloes, which, as many of you will know, can be used to make sloe gin. We can argue the merits of this beverage (there are better uses of gin in my opinion), but more important is the blackthorn’s value to wildlife. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for early flying bees and butterflies, while the buds and leaves are food for a number of butterfly and moth caterpillars. The dense, thorny branches provide excellent cover for nesting birds, who will also feed on the sloes later in the year.
Small tortoiseshell on blackthorn
The sloes are technically a form of fruit known as a drupe. This consists of a soft, fleshy outer layer encasing a hard inner stone/pip, which in turn contains the seed. Drupes, unlike some fruit, do not split open to release the seed; instead, they commonly rely on being eaten by wild animals. The seed is either dropped during eating, or passes through the animal’s digestive tract and is dispersed in their droppings.
In folklore, blackthorn was used to make witches’ wands and wizards’ staffs. Unsurprisingly, it became viewed as a bit sinister or downright evil. In Scotland, it was linked to war and mortality, and was associated with the Cailleach – the Queen of Winter, or Crone of Death. The plant has a long tradition of culinary and medicinal use. In addition to sloe gin, the fruit has been used to flavour various alcoholic beverages across Europe and in jams and chutneys. Herbalists used sloes to treat a wide range of conditions and sloes were also said to be good as a purgative for “fluxes of the belly”. It’s probably better not to ask and definitely best not to eat many raw, particularly as the leaves and stones contain hydrogen cyanide. For now, simply enjoy the sight of blackthorn blossoms and other signs of spring.
Follow our Countryside Rangers on Facebook for images of, and insights into, East Lothian’s beautiful wild spaces.
Mud In Your Eye - Spring 2025
I have to say that spring is my favourite time of year.
The sound of birdsong in the air once more, early spring flowers emerging and days getting longer.
It’s the ideal time to get out and about in the countryside and notice wildlife changing with the seasons. Species such as the pink-footed goose returning to the Arctic and soon swallows will arrive from Africa to feed on our abundance of insects. Barns Ness is a great spot to find some of the first spring arrivals.
I hope you enjoy this Spring edition of Mud In Your Eye with other news of what’s happening around the county.
Laura Douglas
Senior Countryside Ranger