News
Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is on Thursday15 May. The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than one billion people with disabilities/impairments.
As council employees it is important we understand digital accessibility when creating public information.
What is digital accessibility?
Digital accessibility is about providing people with the opportunity to use technology in the way that works for them. This means that when we are creating information in digital file formats or for the web, we need to include things like descriptions of images, captions on videos, transcripts of audio files, uncluttered layouts and use Plain English.
Why does digital accessibility matter?
Digital accessibility is crucial to ensure that all residents, including those with disabilities, can access public services online. Not only do we have legal responsibilities around website and mobile applications, prioritising seamless customer access to services enhances the experience for all residents.
What can I do?
Supporting services to introduce improvements
New resources have been created to help colleagues introduce improvements in their services and then share the benefits of their work widely.
From project planning to supporting staff and reporting outcomes, a range of materials are available on new streamlined intranet pages to help services across the council. They were developed by the Transformation Service, which has gone through its own change recently as organisational development and data and performance, which were previously part of policy, joined the service in July 2024 following Paolo Vestri’s retiral.
For service manager Michelle Cockburn, the move allows the authority to harness our greatest asset when it comes to delivering change: our staff.
“90% of change relies on people so organisational culture and behaviours are essential,” explains Michelle. “Performance and data informs where we need to improve, transformation can develop or support projects and organisational development then supports the culture and behavioural change that will help us reach those goals by removing barriers, addressing any gaps in knowledge and helping people through.”
Michelle describes the resources, which are available from the intranet as “dynamic. They will be reviewed and feedback taken on board.”
“All of the resources have been developed based on best practice and can be used in a proportionate and pragmatic way,” she explains. “The size and scale of the project will determine what is needed and our service is available to offer advice. By managing projects in a consistent way and determining how the outcomes will be captured at the very start of the process, we can clearly report the benefits of our work to elected members and communities.
“The financial pressures that the council faces underpins the need for change alongside a desire to improve things for our customers and communities. Having colleagues on board and supported to make improvements is key to achieving these goals,” says Michelle.
About the team
Portfolio Management Office (PMO)
Offering help and guidance on all aspects of portfolio and project management, the team developed a framework that supports delivery of the transformation programme but can also be used by any service to implement change in a consistent way. The intranet pages include templates, toolkits and guidance which can be used by all services.
Organisational Development (OD)
Organisational Development helps teams to adopt new ways of working, identify improvement opportunities and embrace change. The new intranet pages include resources on learning and development, change management framework and practical support to help embed sustainable approaches within services.
Data and Performance
Data and Performance colleagues support continuous improvement through the East Lothian Council Improvement Framework ensuring Best Value. The pages provide insight into how the team monitor, review, and report progress towards council objectives to staff, the public and communities.
Find out more
Search transformation programme in the intranet A-Z to:
- easily access guidance, templates and support for transformation projects
- learn about change management, service design and process review
- learn about learning and development opportunities to support change
- discover how you can contribute to continuous improvement within the council through Shaping our Future
- learn about the East Lothian Way and watch the video
or contact the Transformation Service for further advice.
Community Heritage Grant Fund launches in Dunbar
The Dunbar Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) has launched a Community Heritage Grant Fund to encourage local groups and organisations to apply for funding to undertake small scale community heritage projects in Dunbar.
The aim of the fund is to support the delivery of activities or creative projects that improve the local knowledge, legibility and understanding of Dunbar High Street, its history, buildings, closes, and their stories.
Community benefits
Applications are sought from local community groups, organisations or in some cases individuals, who are keen to deliver heritage engagement activity that will benefit the local community.
Examples include projects that deliver community research, perhaps towards a walking tour or audio trail; development of a booklet, map or interpretation looking at the history and stories of the High Street; supporting the formation or continuation of a regular group project researching some aspect of the high street history; or the development of a creative response to the town centre with some creative output to showcase to the wider community.
The outputs may be virtual, digital, visual or physical, with each application being assessed to ensure they meet the aims of Dunbar CARS and support the continued regeneration activity within the town centre.
The Community Heritage Grant Fund will open for applications on Thursday 1 May with a closing date for submissions of Friday 30 May. Successful first round projects must be delivered by Saturday 20 December 2025. It is anticipated that there will be a second round of funding in early 2026. Grants are a maximum of £1,000.
The Fund is a complimentary component of Dunbar CARS - a heritage led regeneration initiative with a focus on the repair of historic buildings within a defined town centre area and the delivery of traditional skills training to support future upkeep of the town’s rich historical building fabric.
To receive a Dunbar CARS Community Heritage Grant Fund application pack and guidance notes, please email the team.
Brown Bin permit registration opens 12 May
Registration for East Lothian Council’s 2025/2026 garden waste collection service opens on Monday 12 May.
Permit applications can be made using a myeastlothian account on our website until the sign-up window closes at 3pm on 4 July.
The garden waste permit charge is £35 - the same cost as last year when around 24,000 householders registered to use the scheme. Collections will run fortnightly between 1 September 2025 and 28 August 2026.
Permit stickers
Permit stickers will be delivered in August to every household which signs up showing the address and permit number for the registered property. Collection crews will only empty brown bins with a valid sticker clearly displayed and they will check the sticker details match the address. There is a strict limit of one brown bin per household.
For flats with shared areas, residents are responsible for organising registration and payment for the service. This may be done by splitting the cost but only one person should order the permit and pay the full amount.
Sign-up to LGIU for free updates and events
LGIU Scotland is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that provides councils with timely, practical insights into the key news stories and policy issues shaping local government. Council colleagues can sign up to access a wide range of resources, briefings, events and training designed to support informed decision-making in our varied roles. It’s quick, free and simple to use.
Toby Renouf, Executive Officer - Corporate Support said: “I use LGIU’s daily news bulletin to stay on top of the key issues affecting local government – it’s quick, convenient and gives a great snapshot of what’s going on across Scotland, the UK and beyond. Their varied resources and events are also well worth investigating. I’d definitely recommend signing up if you haven’t already.”
LGIU content is available to everybody at member councils and organisations and can be accessed through email or from the website by signing up.
LGIU member content includes:
- daily news bulletins summarising what the media saying about local government across Scotland
- weekly policy briefings, reports and other content written by sector colleagues, academics and international associates
- future Local Lab is a holistic programme of resources to help local government prepare for and respond to the emerging challenges facing the sector internationally
- participation in events such as the Future Local Executive Panels; as well as policy and training events
- full access to an extensive online catalogue of Scottish, UK and international local government content
- sector leading research with projects spanning across the UK, Ireland and Australia
- 25% discount on all LGIU training, both our online courses, and in-house sessions
Contact the training team at training@lgiu.org for more information, or head to lgiu.org/events.
Working to deliver better mobile and broadband connectivity
Work is currently underway to deliver an ambitious two-phase plan to significantly improve digital connectivity in Prestonpans.
The project is split into two delivery phases, with phase one improving upon existing infrastructure to drastically improve broadband and mobile connectivity at the Pennypit Centre.
The project has been initiated, developed, and is being delivered by our authority in conjunction with GoFibre, Wavemobile, and public sector infrastructure body, the Scottish Futures Trust. It is funded by a Scottish Government grant with no cost to council budgets.
GoFibre has installed a brand new ultrafast full fibre connection to the centre as a gesture of support to the community of Prestonpans and Wavemobile has contributed their vast knowledge and expertise as the UK’s fifth mobile phone network to develop the technical approach to solve a long-standing problem with service at the centre.
Improvements to wi-fi and mobile signals
Phase two will deliver much needed improvements to available Wi-Fi and mobile signals on Prestonpans High Street and around the wider area.
The project follows on from recent council-led Digital Connectivity projects over the last two years which have brought superfast fibre-to-premises broadband to Whittingehame, Bolton, Gifford, Garvald and Morham. These projects have significantly benefited around 2500 homes and business owners in the county.
Councillor John McMillan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism said: “Our Economic Development Team has taken a proactive approach to identify areas in East Lothian where connectivity falls short and, more often in very rural areas, they would not normally attract commercial investment to drive forward these improvements. This is where the team’s work, led by Economic Development Officer Billy Agnew, has proved invaluable in attracting alternative solutions and funding to make a tangible difference to residents and business owners.
“We are continually working to make East Lothian the best region in Scotland in which to live, work and do business, and expanding connectivity to even our most rural areas is crucial to achieving this.
“The Prestonpans project continues this great work. While Prestonpans is one of our main towns, residents reported to us that – despite not being in a rural location – there were large sections of the town where mobile connectivity was poor or non-existent. It was great to bring on board and GoFibre and Wavemobile to address this issue for the benefit of the community, businesses and users of the Pennypit Centre.”
Keith Matthews, Centre Head at The Pennypit, said: “The installation of WiFi at our community centre marks a vital step forward in bridging the digital divide for our local area. It allows our diverse groups, from young learners to older residents, to better access online resources, connect with others and fully engage with the digital classes and support we provide. This simple connection is opening up new opportunities, learning and community growth where it’s needed most.”
Surveying connectivity across the county
Meanwhile, a groundbreaking survey of mobile connectivity in East Lothian is currently underway. For the first time, real-time testing of the mobile signal is being measured right across East Lothian in another council-led project.
A state-of-the-art device on loan from Streetwave via the Scottish Government has measured the mobile signal across all of East Lothian. This important survey work is an essential first step on the road to improving the connectivity of the whole region.
This data will help the Scottish Futures Trust and the Scottish Government gain a clearer understanding of mobile coverage at a local level, enhancing the currently published estimates supplied by mobile network operators.
The strength or otherwise of the mobile signal is used to determine where and when masts are built in Scotland by the Scottish Government, and until now this has been determined via estimates supplied by the mobile phone companies.
East Lothian communities have played a vital role in developing these projects. We would welcome further input from residents or business owners who are experiencing any form of issues with Digital Connectivity on mobile or broadband. If you have an issue you need help with, please contact Billy Agnew by email: digitalsupport@eastlothian.gov.uk
Good progress and social impact at former Cockenzie Power Station site
Work to create a new link road and prepare new development platforms at the former Cockenzie Power Station site is progressing well.
The first phase of enabling works started in September 2024 and was completed in March this year, a month ahead of schedule. It involved the transferring of 175,000 cubic metres of earth (the equivalent of 1,750 double decker buses) from the bunds surrounding the former coal store, across the Edinburgh Road to infill the void in the power station site.
Phase Two includes the construction of the new link road in which several community benefits have already been produced. This has demonstrated positive wider social impact being made locally.
Phase Three is imminent and includes demolition of the existing concrete towers, tunnels and bridges then regrading of the coal store into three development platforms. All material will remain on site.
Our development partner, Hub South East, appointed Balfour Beatty to deliver the project as principal contractor.
Supporting opportunities for pupils and the wider community
The project is supporting opportunities across the curriculum, with two senior phase pupils from Preston Lodge High School undertaking Foundation Apprenticeships in Business Skills, having worked with the site team to create a newsletter on construction progress. The live site has also been used as an educational setting, offering 30 S4 pupils an insight into careers in construction. More than 200 S1 pupils have taken part in site visits (pictured), allowing first-hand experience of urban regeneration and sustainability challenges.
The wider local community is also benefiting as the site team have been working closely with Connected Communities colleagues to support local community group Cockenzie and Port Seton In-Bloom, donating equipment, replacing planters and getting involved in local tidy-ups of community spaces.
Redeveloping the site
Works to progress the redevelopment of the former Cockenzie Power Station site are ongoing, with completion due by the end of 2025.
The new road will link the Alder Road junction on the B6371 approach to Cockenzie with the existing B1348 road. Much of the route will follow an existing service road to the former coal plant and be complemented by a lane, largely set back from the main roadway, to encourage safe walking and cycling.
The enabling works are 90% funded by UK Government; the remaining 10% and full funding for the link road have been allocated from council budgets.
Investment Minister visits Prestongrange Heritage Park
Tom Arthur, the Minister for Employment and Investment, has visited Prestongrange Heritage Park to hear about the exciting plans for the future of the site and to visit the Engine Shed, a purpose-built home for a fascinating collection of steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock.
The construction of the Engine Shed and ongoing redevelopment of the Park has been made possible by grants from the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. The new Engine Shed opened in April 2024 and has proved to be popular with all ages. A dedicated group of volunteers is helping to preserve and conserve the collection, which can be viewed when the museum is open.
Councillor John McMillan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, gave Mr Arthur a tour of the site along with colleagues from our Community and Infrastructure teams. Councillor McMillan said: “It was great to welcome Mr Arthur to Prestongrange, which is a unique and nationally important site in terms of heritage and tourism. We enjoyed a tour of the new Engine Shed and were able to discuss how heritage-led regeneration on the site and across the Preston Seton Gosford area has enhanced the area for local communities, will increase visitor numbers to the area and can provide a boost for the local economy, including employment.”
Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “We are providing Prestongrange Heritage Park with £1.2 million to develop a community hub with space for businesses to grow.
“To help communities prosper, the Scottish Government is investing £62.15 million in regeneration projects in 2025-26. This will help to revitalise green spaces, town centres and derelict sites to benefit people across Scotland.”
The opening of the shed was a key milestone in an ambitious project to regenerate Prestongrange, the next stage of which will see the renovation of the Bath House – expected to start later this year. The overall vision of the project is to deliver a new, accessible carbon neutral community hub as well as commercial and indoor community education space primarily within the derelict pit-head baths and outdoors in the surrounding parkland.
This will include a multi-purpose activity room, accommodation for local groups, stores, accessible toilets and showers. It will also provide development space in support of new revenue generation, education, and employment uses, as well as improving access to a nationally important landscape, green network and heritage site.
Prestongrange Museum opened for the 2025 season on 2 April and is open 11-14:30 Wednesday to Sunday. Visitors can see the locomotives and rolling stock as part of a guided tour of the site.
Photo shows (left to right): Caroline Rodgers (Head of Communities and Partnerships), Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur, Councillor John McMillan, Tom Reid (Head of Infrastructure) and Andy Robertson (Archaeology/Heritage Officer) pictured in front of Locomotive No 7, a saddle tank locomotive that was built by Grant Ritchie of Kilmarnock in 1914 for the Lothian Coal Company to work at the Lady Victoria Colliery in Midlothian. The locomotive worked at Lady Victoria until the mid 1970s when it came to Prestongrange where it once ran during steam demonstration days.
Tourism takes the spotlight in East Lothian
More than 90 tourism businesses from across East Lothian gathered at The Marine Hotel in North Berwick recently for the Visit East Lothian “East Lothian Talks Tourism” conference, held as part of Scottish Tourism Month 2025.
Hosted by Marc Crothall MBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, the half-day conference offered a valuable opportunity for local tourism professionals to hear the latest insights, data and strategic thinking driving the industry forward.
Speakers included Duncan Stewart of 56 Degree Insight, who shared key findings from the recent East Lothian visitor survey, and Richard Macdonald of Global Tourism Solutions, who explored the economic impact of tourism in the region.
Meaningful approaches to sustainability
Attendees were also inspired by Professor Xavier Font from the University of Surrey, who discussed meaningful approaches to sustainability, and Shaon Talukder, CEO of GeoTourist, who showcased digital storytelling to boost visitor engagement.
VisitScotland’s Neil Christison highlighted the ongoing collaboration between VisitScotland and Visit East Lothian and gave some examples of current partnership activity.
The event concluded with an insightful panel discussion and audience question and answer session.
The visitor economy is an important sector in East Lothian with the Scottish tourism economic impact modelling figures from 2024 showing it generated 2.98m visitor days, delivered an economic impact of £379 million and employed a workforce of 4626. The county’s destination, marketing and management organisation, Visit East Lothian is delivered by the council’s Economic Development Team and plays a key part in ensuring that tourism continues to thrive in East Lothian.
Council colleagues carry out A1 litter collection
Colleagues from amenity services conducted a litter collection along the A1 between Dunbar and Thistly Cross.
Seven workers, supported by trunk roads contractor BEAR Scotland, removed 120 bags of refuse from the roadside which included car tyres, food wrappings, and numerous empty bottles of alcohol.
Transport Scotland has responsibility for litter removal on the majority of the A1 in the county, which is carried out by BEAR under a special order contract.
The road sections between the Edinburgh boundary and Old Craighall and between Thistly Cross and the Scottish Borders boundary are not included. Whilst maintenance including grass cutting and road defects is part of the BEAR contract, litter management defaults to the council under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The litter collection was completed on Thursday, 24 April. On the following Tuesday, a meeting of full Council agreed a letter would be written to Scottish Ministers asking for the present arrangements to be assessed.
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “The council clears over 3500 tonnes of litter and debris from roads and streets every year. Our team completed this latest litter collection along the A1 with their usual diligence under difficult conditions.
“The A1 is a main arterial route through the county and presents a unique challenge for staff to safely gather discarded waste. It also meant diverting finite resources to the roadside instead of tackling litter in our population centres.
“That is why the council has asked Scottish Ministers to review litter management on the A1 to see if the public would be better served by the appointed trunk road specialist contractor assuming responsibility for the sections not currently part of their contract.
“Such a change would allow us to provide the best service possible to residents while ensuring the A1 is kept as clean as possible.”
Due to the risk to staff from high-speed traffic, the council has a safe operating procedure (SOP) in place for litter clearances on the A1 which includes the need for lane closures. BEAR Scotland, which undertakes litter management between old Craighall and Thistly Cross, can plan litter picks in conjunction with other works so lane closures are minimised.
Planning Committee approves first phase of homes at Herdmanflat
East Lothian Planning Committee met on Tuesday 6 May and discussed three applications, including 51 homes – phase one of development at the former Herdmanflat Hospital site in Haddington.
Planning permission in principle had been granted in November last year for 145 units of affordable housing for older people on the site. The development includes the conversion of existing buildings and construction of new ones; an active travel link to the A199; new pedestrian access points and open spaces including woodland, pétanque pitches, community garden and orchard; a SUDS drainage system; tree removal and compensatory planting; biodiversity planting and woodland play locations.
This first phase, which was unanimously approved by committee, will be in the southern section of the site and will feature four three-storey buildings and one two-storey building, accommodating the 51 homes. The units are all designed for an aging population including dementia friendly design. There will be 31 one bedroom and 21 two-bedroom homes. Each of the four blocks will have access to a private courtyard garden space and clothes drying area as well as bin, cycle and mobility scooter facilities. No representations had been received in relation to this application.
Read the full report of planning committee's decisions.
Parking consultation update
We are holding a series of public consultations seeking views on ways of improving the management of parking in many of East Lothian’s town centres.
There are common challenges in many locations and it can often be very difficult to find a space, particularly during busy periods.
The proposals being put forward are generally focused on making it easier for residents and visitors to park as well as encouraging greater turnover of parking spaces to provide better access for all to businesses and services.
We previously held a consultation focused on North Berwick and, at the December 2024 meeting of East Lothian Council, following significant engagement with the community over a number of years, elected members approved plans for controlled parking zones, permits for residents, time restrictions and charges for parking on some streets and car parks in the town.
In recent weeks, consultations on similar proposals have been launched in Tranent in Dunbar. The latest consultation, looking at Haddington, is being launched today and runs until 30 June.
Engagement has taken place with the community council and area partnership to consider how best to address Haddington parking challenges. This has identified issues such as:
- Lack of parking enforcement and low visibility of attendants
- Poor car park signage
- Need for public access to the John Muir House car park (Neilson Park Road)
- The impact of the free car parking offered by the out-of-town retail park and how the introduction of parking fees may deter visitors and shoppers from visiting Haddington
- A general misuse of parking facilities, for example, drivers abusing free car parking spaces by parking for extended periods and school traffic causing congestion around the areas of Victoria Road, Neilson Park Road and Mill Wynd
- Parking issues at Church Street and Hardgate junction, blocking pedestrian visibility
- Vehicles parking on grass at Haddington Athletic FC 3G pitches (Whittingehame Drive)
Based on engagements to date, proposals for Haddington are based around solutions such as:
- Controlled parking: Designate areas for short, medium, or long-stay parking, with limited free parking time followed by a charge for short-stay parking
- Resident parking permits: Review the existing scheme allowing residents unlimited parking in designated areas but with a likely annual fee
- Enhanced enforcement: Would improve pedestrian safety by reducing illegal parking and ensuring the proper use of disabled parking bays and loading zones throughout the town
- Healthcare worker permits: Healthcare providers would need to apply to the council to receive permits for their staff
- Improved car park signage
Most of the John Muir House car park would remain designated for council employees during the working week, with a section (the part accessed from Neilson Park Road) available for public use.
This is an important opportunity for as many people as possible, including East Lothian Council employees, to have their say on ways of improving the management of parking
A questionnaire is available for those wishing to respond to the consultation. You can also find details of the other consultations via this link.
While no decisions on measures for Haddington have been taken at this stage, consulting on possible ways forward can help us address the current problems, whilst improving access, supporting the local economy and enhancing the environment.
New approaches to parking management can also help to protect and enhance the environment whilst supporting provision for active travel and public transport and enhancing safety in and around town centres.
People can also attend a drop-in event to provide feedback:
Venue: Haddington Corn Exchange, Court Street, Haddington, EH41 3DS
Date: Thursday, 12 June
Times: 2-4.30pm and 6-8.30pm
Separate consultations for Musselburgh and Prestonpans will take place in due course.
Tom Reid, Head of Infrastructure
Next stage of place making project gets underway
We are seeking views on potential new ways in which some council buildings could be used to deliver face-to-face services.
The council is carrying out a place making project to review properties that deliver, or have the potential to deliver, general face-to-face services. This includes buildings that offer customer facilities where the public can speak face-to-face with an advisor, libraries with access to computers, bookable rooms and buildings which have the potential to be a community hub.
While there are no plans to stop or reduce these services, new approaches to the operation of buildings could help ensure the council has good quality, well used assets within local communities offering modern and flexible facilities to meet the needs of local residents.
This could be achieved by using buildings differently, for example in some communities co-locating services which might currently be delivered from different buildings under one roof.
There could also be opportunities for communities to take over the running of some buildings – such as by leasing them, community asset transfer or looking at opportunities with community planning partners and others.
An online questionnaire is now open from 19 May until 29 June.
Paper copies of the questionnaire will be available in libraries.
Respondents are being asked about their use of buildings, what works well and what services could be provided in future.
Events
Drop-in events, when people will have the opportunity to review building information and provide feedback, will be held at:
- Bleachingfield Centre, Dunbar: Tuesday, 10 June from 2-5pm
- John Gray Centre, Haddington: Wednesday, 11 June from 2-5pm
- Prestonpans Library: Friday, 13 June from 2-5pm
- Musselburgh Library: Monday, 16 June from 2-7pm
- George Johnstone Centre, Tranent: Tuesday, 17 June from 2-5pm
- North Berwick Library: Thursday, 19 June from 2-7pm
Engagement
Workshops with community organisations, including key building stakeholders, have already taken place to discuss the principle of these approaches and hear views on the opportunities and challenges faced for community buildings.
The current questionnaire is intended to build on the information gathered during these workshops.
Based on independent analysis and the community feedback, the council will develop proposals for ways in which buildings can be used differently to maintain services. A report would be submitted to councillors for approval before any changes are made. There will also be discussion with community planning partners.
The place making project is in line with the council’s Property Asset Strategy and Management Plan, which was published in June 2024 and will take account of evidence-based data analysis including building usage. Other information such as building condition, energy performance, fitness of purpose, proximity to alternative service provision and adaptability to net zero carbon will also be taken into account.
Savings requirement
The council has approved a number of savings which includes £3.6m from reducing current operational running costs, alongside £23.4m capital receipts. In order to support these challenges, it is hoped this placed based asset review will ensure the council operates good quality and well utilised buildings with modern facilities in a sustainable and efficient way.
Tom Reid, Head of Infrastructure, said:
“After holding workshops with community organisations including those who use local buildings, the upcoming workshops are an opportunity to listen to the views of residents within our communities.
“While there are no specific proposals at this time, getting feedback can help us to develop options for the use of buildings which enable us to achieve a balanced budget whilst delivering high-quality services.
“In what is a very difficult financial climate for local government generally, East Lothian Council is required to deliver previously agreed budget savings on its use of buildings. While we have already taken steps to reduce office space that is no longer required, there is more work to do.
“We are focused on continuing to provide the face-to-face public services which local residents require, at the heart of our communities. We need to identify smarter ways of accommodating these services, so that any space which is surplus to requirements can be identified and considered for the potential creation of community hubs, where some services can be co-located under one roof.”
Council housing strategies and targets agreed by Cabinet
Good progress is being made towards achieving targets set out in the Local Housing Strategy 2024-2029, including delivery of new affordable housing units and a reduction in homelessness cases, Cabinet heard at its meeting on Tuesday 13 May.
Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, every council in Scotland must prepare a Local Housing Strategy (LHS) for their area, supported by an assessment of housing need and demand, and it must be kept under review.
The LHS is the sole strategic document for housing, bringing together a wide range of housing-related priorities into one place and enabling a coordinated response in terms of action. The current LHS approved at Cabinet in January 2024 and implemented from April 2024, sets out the strategy, priorities and plans for the delivery of housing and related services across East Lothian from 2024-2029.
In the report presented to Cabinet, covering April 2024 to March 2025, key achievements were highlighted including:
- The delivery of 126 units of affordable housing during 2024/25 including 38 council properties for social rent, five open market acquisitions and 83 housing association properties for social rent (new build council properties have been delivered in Haddington, Musselburgh and Tranent while housing association properties have been delivered at Blindwells, Elphinstone and Dirleton)
- A reduction in the number of live homeless cases between January 2024 and March 2025, from 667 to 463.
- Several measures put in place in early 2024/25 to address high void (empty property) levels, have resulted in a reduction by over 25%.
Cabinet also agreed key priorities for 2025/6, including:
- Maximising the delivery of affordable housing
- Developing an Empty Homes Strategy
- Undertaking a review of rent level setting for council homes
- Delivering the Homelessness Action Plan
- 10% of the total supply of affordable housing will be wheelchair accessible, with a minimum of 100 units delivered over the five years
Councillor Andy Forrest, Council Spokesperson for Housing and Property Maintenance, said: “Our Housing Team has achieved a huge amount over this past year despite enormous pressures on East Lothian’s social housing sector, which led to us declaring an Affordable Housing Emergency in November 2024. We know from our close partnership working with our tenants and partner agencies that increasing council housing stock, improving turnaround times for void properties and achieving a reduction in active homelessness cases were top priorities for our residents so to be able to report real improvements in these areas cannot be understated.
“Cabinet agreed to continue a range of measures aimed at bringing forward even more positive results. Working closely with tenants’ groups and other social landlords, we have ambitious targets around achieving vibrant and connected communities; increasing housing supply and affordability; preventing and responding to homelessness; improving the availability of adapted or new build properties to meet the needs of people with disabilities and delivering high quality, energy efficient, sustainable homes.”
Cabinet also noted positive results from the East Lothian Homelessness Action Plan 2024-26 and agreed to continue interim amendments to the council’s Housing Allocations Policy, that were approved on 10 September 2024, as these have been proving effective.
One interim change was put in place to allow qualifying single homeless households to access two-bedroomed properties, as there is a significant shortage of one bedroom homes available to the council and partners in East Lothian, which was increasing the time some people were spending in temporary accommodation.
Another change to be kept in place is the removal of the six-month policy in terms of a homelesshousehold’s areas of choice and house types. Homeless households now must select a main town straight away, to maximise their choices and avoid delays. Housing staff have reported that this is working well, and the action has enabled improved flow through the system.
Both of these measures will continue to be closely monitored and will become part of a wider Housing Allocations Policy review, where they will be subject to full public consultation.
A third Housing report to Cabinet detailed council house allocations targets for 2025/6, which sit alongside the Allocations Policy to ensure the council meets its legal obligations according to national Allocations and Homelessness legislation. The policy, along with other associated actions, will also help the us make best use of council housing stock, while achieving balanced and sustainable communities through local lettings plans.
There were a total of 662 allocations from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, which means we have exceeded our target for two years running. Allocation percentages will remain unchanged for 2024/5 at 70% from the General Needs group, 25% from the Transfers group and 5% from Sustainable Communities. These percentages continue to help us support those with the greatest need first while, through Local Lettings Plans, we can offer homes to those from different groups in certain areas to achieve balanced communities.
Tyne & Esk community fund open for applications
East Lothian and Midlothian rural community projects can now apply for the latest round of grants from the Tyne & Esk Rural Communities Development Fund.
As part of the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) funding stream from the Scottish Government, grants are available to all communities in East Lothian and Midlothian with the exception of the urban centres of Musselburgh and Dalkeith.
There are two types of grant available: Capital Grants of £5,000 up to £30,000 (75% initial payment and then 25% at end of project) to acquire, upgrade, and maintain physical assets such as property, plant, buildings, technology, or equipment; and Revenue Grants of up to £5,000 (100% Payment upfront) to cover every day operating and administration costs such as salaries, office costs, stationery, travel & subsistence.
Online funding surgeries are running on 19 & 20 May to help answer any questions you might have about what can be funded and how to apply. Applications close on Monday 2 June. Successful funding announcements will be made on 14 July.
Full information is available on the Tyne Esk website.
What's On
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day
Council colleagues are invited to join the nationwide two-minute silence at midday on VE Day, Thursday 8 May, offering an opportunity to remember and thank those who fought for our freedom.
In addition, a series of activities has been planned throughout 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2, the contributions of the generations who lived and served through it and its legacy in East Lothian.
East Lothian held an important strategic position in both the First and Second World Wars. Its location along the Forth and next to Edinburgh meant that it played a key defensive role by both sea and air. The conflict impacted communities through conscription, lives lost during service and families forever changed by their wartime experiences.
'Dig for victory'
A ‘Dig for Victory’ competition has been launched in East Lothian Council schools for pupils in primaries 5 to 7 and S1 to S3 in secondary schools. The Dig for Victory campaign encouraged people across Britain to grow their own food during wartime. The competition invites young people to explore the spirit of the campaign—resilience, resourcefulness, and community—through art, writing, gardening, and history.
Entries will be judged for their creativity and originality, understanding of the theme and effort and presentation by a panel including council representatives who have served in the Armed Forces. A selection of entries will be displayed in libraries.
Libraries and museums
Haddington, North Berwick and Tranent libraries are hosting an exhibition of photographs while John Gray Centre is highlighting the World War 2 items in its collection online with some of the items on display in the museum’s foyer. A display of information and images on the role of Polish soldiers is available to view on the John Gray Centre website www.johngraycentre.org
WW2 walking trail
Finally, a walking trail launching in summer months to East Lothian’s unique WW2 anti-tank defences along the county’s coast will give people an opportunity to pause and reflect on the impact on the landscape which remains visible today.
What's on at The Brunton
As the warmth of summer approaches, The Brunton offers a new and exciting programme of events in Musselburgh and Haddington to get audiences ready for the season ahead.
Corn Exchange, Haddington
In Haddington this May, Scotland’s answer to Pink Floyd, MacFloyd, bring their new show for 2025 to the Corn Exchange celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s classic ‘Wish You Were Here’ album.
Also in Haddington this May, The Brunton is offering a unique opportunity to meet one of the most successful rugby coaches of the modern era, Warren Gatland. Listen to Gatland’s coaching ethos and find out what the future has in store for this coaching legend.
For the comedy lovers, ex-MP Mhairi Black makes her way to the Corn Exchange as she embraces her trademark dark sense of humour to reflect on her time in Westminster.
The story of music legends Simon and Garfunkel as you’ve never seen it before. With standing ovations at every performance that Art Garfunkel himself loved, you don’t want to miss this international sensation!
Celebrate the sensationally strong female leaders of rock with a cast of world-class musicians and vocalists that promise to deliver a blistering performance, you’ll be singing, dancing, and rocking out to hit after hit.
Finally at the Corn Exchange this May, join Artie’s Singing Kettle – Scotland and relive the original repertoire that made the show famous. Something for the whole family to enjoy!
Musselburgh, Loretto Theatre
You can still enjoy The Brunton’s programme in Musselburgh this May, watch a moving untold story of how Rich Jenkins became Richard Burton, the biggest star in Wales has ever produced, in Mr Burton (12A) coming to Loretto Theatre.
Musselburgh’s Midweek Movies continue with an epic retelling of Homer’s Odyssey starring Ralph Fiennes in The Return (15) also at Loretto Theatre.
Experience live theatre at Loretto Theatre as part of The Brunton’s programme, this highly praised, moving, and often humorous one-man play bravely challenges assumptions about what drives populist politics to show how they can seduce the disillusioned and disaffected.
Musselburgh, Northesk Parish Church
Expect stunning vocals and lyrical songs performed by one of Scotland’s most celebrated folk singer-songwriters, Siobhan Miller, as she performs alongside Innes White on guitar and Charlie Stewart on fiddle in Musselburgh’s iconic Northesk Parish Church.
This May, The Brunton’s lunchtime recitals invites Iyad Sughayer to offer audiences a musical journey from the classical poise of Mozart through to the encompassing romanticism of Khachaturian. A light lunch of soup and a sandwich is served in the Church Hall adjacent to the church at midday.
Lastly at Northesk Parish Church this May, The Brunton are offering the chance to see Cuba’s internationally acclaimed guitar duo performing together in Musselburgh.
What's on in our museums
This May there are lots of exciting events and new exhibitions at the museums in Prestonpans, Haddington and Dunbar.
Events
Wee Wednesdays
Prestongrange Museum Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX.
Wednesday mornings at Prestongrange Museum, 10 to 10.30am, Bookbug for 0 to 5s and their parents/carers, no charge. Followed by craft activity, £1 per child.
New Exhibitions
East Lothian Vision 2040 Climate Creativity
23 April to 1 June
John Muir’s Birthplace, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
Exhibition of inspiring artwork, stories and poems on climate and nature by secondary school students.
People and Places an exhibition by Martha Ellis
2 April to 11 May
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER.
Inspired by people and nature around her, Musselburgh based artist Martha Ellis exhibits a selection of work and research drawings made during the creation of her Queen Margaret University 150th Anniversary sculpture.
Making and Music
3 April to mid June
Musselburgh Museum, 65 High St, Musselburgh EH21 7BZ.
The centenary and creative life of Fisherrow-born artist and musician James Burnet Munro (1925-1990) and his family is being celebrated this year with art exhibitions and events in Musselburgh, Haddington, Edinburgh and across Scotland.
Coming Soon
Far from the 'Floating World' an exhibition by Kenneth Wilson
16 May to 22 June
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER.
Following where the rocks lead; permanence and change. Paintings, prints and sculpture influenced by geology.
Creative Journey - A Hundred Years of Family Creativity
15 May to 16 August
John Gray Centre (Museum) 15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX.
An exhibition celebrating the centenary of artist, musician, and educator, James Burnet Munro (1925-1990) who lived and work in Musselburgh. Eight artists from his extended family present paintings, music, sculpture, prints, photography and film from their own diverse creative practices alongside work by James Munro. Each of the artists was trained and some have worked at Edinburgh College of Art from the 1930s to 2025.
James Burnet Munro, Nancy Munro Curran, Alex Munro, Kenny Munro, Gordon Munro, Sheena Watson, Jane Hyslop, Kerry Watson and Rosalind Thomson.
A public trail accompanies the exhibition. www.jamesbmunroartist.co.uk
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)