What's on in our museums
Exhibitions
Earthscapes
Thursday 5 February to Saturday 28 March.
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm. Free admission.
John Muir’s Birthplace, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
Aerial landscapes of East Lothian and Scotland by Emma Duncan show both man’s impact and ‘wilder’ areas and feature a range of landscapes including moorland, forestry, highlands and coastal areas. The viewer is invited to explore the diversity of our Scottish landscapes when seen from a different perspective and consider the fragile balances upon which our landscapes are built.
Visions of Haddington
Friday 16 January to Thursday 2 April. Free admission.
John Gray Centre - Museum, 15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX.
An exhibition combining mixed media images by local illustrator Thomas Small, with artworks from the East Lothian Council collection. Dating from the 1700s to the present day, they show Haddington people and places and are brought to life with fascinating captions by Haddington’s History Society.
Summers in Dunbar
Winterfield caravan park, Dunbar
Saturdays 7, 14 and 21 March 2pm to 4pm courtesy of Dunbar and District History Society. Free admission.
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER.
In this exhibition we celebrate Dunbar as a tourist destination and as a place where locals and visitors have all enjoyed summers in the past. Many still recall the heyday of Dunbar’s outdoor swimming pool, golf championships, horse events, pony trekking and children’s summer activities.
Dunbar and District History Society holds a large collection of early tourist brochures. The exhibition invites you to look at just some aspects of summers in our town, while also allowing the brochures to tell the story.
We would be delighted to receive new photographs or other material from the past, to add to this collection. All original images can be copied and returned.
Other opportunities
Historic records and online exhibitions
Our museums’ Collections Officer Dr Claire Pannell has been updating the John Gray Centre website information about the banner and flag collection. The oldest item dates back to 1761 and is a flag flown by Haddington Weaver's Guild. This flag was used for around a century after it was made in 1761. It was flown by Haddington Weaver's Guild when the membership was assembled on public occasions, such as parades marking royal events or other national celebrations. Weavers were one of Haddington's nine 'Incorporated Trades'.
Explore more historic records and online exhibitions at www.johngraycentre.org
The Museums Service Team have been exploring opportunities with the Eco-Museum of Scottish Mining Landscapes and are excited to highlight the first East Lothian contribution in the form of a self-guided walk that you can enjoy on foot, by bike or from a comfy seat!
Historic Wallyford
The ‘Wallyford Pug’ is a replica steam locomotive engine.
Take a step back in time as you walk/cycle the hidden history of Wallyford. From historic industries of coal mining and brick manufacturing to famous footballers, golfers, authors and the largest and last battle between Scotland and England (Battle of Pinkie Cleugh 1547). This route, mostly to the south side of Wallyford, is suitable for walking bikes, buggies with certain parts not suitable for wheelchairs and will take approximately two hours to walk. https://www.mining-landscapes.org/routes
East Lothian Council Museums:
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.
www.johngraycentre.org
John Muir's Birthplace
126 High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm.
www.jmbt.org.uk
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery
High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER.
Saturday 2pm to 4pm courtesy of Dunbar and District History Society volunteers.
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/dunbar-town-house
Exclusive 2 for 1 ticket offer and what’s on at The Brunton venues
Join The Brunton as we 'march' on into 2026 with more amazing programmes in Haddington and Musselburgh and an exclusive 2 for 1 ticket offer for council colleagues to see Milton Jones on Saturday 7 March.
Introducing Blazin’ Fiddles! One of the best-loved acts on the Scottish music scene, taking every audience they play to on a thrilling musical journey without fail. Come see them at Haddington Corn Exchange for an awesome Scottish music experience.
Blazin’ Fiddles, Thursday 5 March at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
Join us in Haddington for a stacked comedy line-up on Saturday 7 March. Milton Jones and Friends promises a night of riotous laughs and giggles, headlined by star of Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and his own Radio 4 series Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! Milton is the king of the killer one-liner.
Use the code ELCStaff for an exclusive 2 for 1 ticket offer:
Milton Jones and Friends, Saturday 7 March at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
On Tuesday 10 March Grim Twinkle is a sparkling collaboration of Scottish traditional music and the new generations take on melody and rhythm. Join them at Northesk Parish Church in Musselburgh for an awesome performance, accompanied by lunch.
Bite-Sized Concerts at Lunchtime: Grim Twinkle, Tuesday 10 March at midday (lunch)/1pm (concert),
Northesk Parish Church, Musselburgh
Coming to Haddington Corn Exchange to display his talents is Rob Kingsley, the supreme Elvis and introducing Evan King as young Elvis. Elvis fans across the world have been blown away by Kingsley’s performances, from stadiums of thousands, to more intimate venues like the Corn Exchange, he never disappoints.
A Vision of Elvis, Saturday 14 March at 2pm and 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
Que Sera Sera takes Doris Day fans on a wonderful journey through her star-studded career. International vocalists are supported by a team of professional dancers alongside video clips.
Better yet, a special ticket offer is available for council staff. We are offering two tickets for £32.40 (plus £2 transaction fee) using promo code ELC10.
Que Sera Sera, Sunday 15 March at 5pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
On Friday 20 March, the perfect tribute to Frankie Valli arrives in Haddington. Come see the bands story told and how they formed, fused with quality music and comedy.
Jersey Beats – Oh what a nite!, Friday 20 March at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
Attention all Swifties! The ultimate Taylor Swift tribute experience is returning to Haddington once again. Tickets for this fantastic performance sold out in 2025 so don’t miss your chance!
Taylor Fever, Sunday 22 March at 3pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
For a great night out why not come and experience this Scottish music extravaganza - The Sound of Scotland! These talented guys perform some of the biggest hits from Scottish favourites like The Proclaimers, Deacon Blue and from Runrig to The Bay City Rollers plus a whole lot more!
The Sound of Scotland, Thursday 26 March at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
Don’t miss out on our collection of Midweek movies being shown in Loretto Theatre this March:
Come and see The History of Sound (15), Starring Paul Mescal, Josh O’Conner and Chris Cooper, this film explores important human themes through the lens of folk music. We will also be showing Is This Thing On? A brilliant comedy, starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern and directed by Bradley Cooper. And for fans of theatre, we are showing The Audience. A hit production captured live from the West End, starring Helen Mirren.
The History of Sound, Wednesday 11 March at 7pm, Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
Film: Is This Thing On?, Wednesday 25 March at 7pm, Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
National Theatre Live: The Audience, Thursday 26 March at 7pm, Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
Keep up to date with The Brunton’s events at www.thebrunton.co.uk and follow @thebruntonmusselburgh on Facebook and Instagram.