Chief Executive, Laurence Rockey

I’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone involved in ensuring everything ran smoothly for the Scottish Parliament election.  

This includes everyone from our Democratic Services team who handled everything from liaising with candidates and recruiting staff to work at polling stations and at the counts; all the teams involved in preparing the count venues for the big day; everyone who helped with postal votes and those working on polling day and at the count in every capacity. Thanks also to those of you who ensured our own services kept running as normal while staff were engaged with the election process.

It was a massive effort, particularly so this year as we were responsible for two separate constituencies - East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs and Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent as well as the Regional List count for both of those constituencies. As it was my first time in the role of Returning Officer, I was especially grateful to everyone for helping me with this huge responsibility.

And my congratulations, of course, to our newly elected MSPs - Paul McLennan for East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs; Kate Campbell for Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent and our Edinburgh and Lothians East (Region) MSPs, Kate Nevens, Angela Ross, Irshad Ahmed, Miles Briggs, Q Manivannan, Katherine Sangster and Kayleigh Ferguson Kinross-O’Neill. You can see the full results on our website and the Regional List results on the City of Edinburgh Council website.

Meanwhile, progress continues on the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme. You can read a full report in this month’s Inform and on our website but, in short, not only is the team preparing for the forthcoming Scottish Government Public Local Inquiry but we had agreement from Council to start the detailed design of the scheme early due to uncertainty around a funding cap on the national flood protection scheme programme and deadline changes. Starting this work early will help ensure the scheme’s delivery if it gets the go-ahead from Scottish Ministers following the Inquiry.

Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to some light relief. There’s a fantastic exhibition on until September at the John Gray Centre giving everyone the rare chance to see some of one of Port Seton’s most famous son’s formative and lesser-known works. Whether you’re already a John Bellany fan or new to his work, it’s a fascinating insight into one of Scotland’s best-known artists and a real must-see. It’s free entry too. Well done to our Museums colleagues for setting this up with the Royal Scottish Academy and curators Helen Bellany and Alexander Moffat.

We’re also fast approaching the Silver Arrow shoot in Musselburgh on Saturday 16 May. It’s reputed to be the world’s oldest sporting trophy still competed for. Amazing! Let’s hope the sun’s shining and it’s a great turnout. You can still see a special exhibition on the tournament at Musselburgh Museum until Thursday 14 May.

 

Scottish Parliament election 2026

East Lothian took to the polls on Thursday 7 May for the Scottish Parliament elections.

Our council co-ordinated voting and count arrangements across two new constituencies: Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent and East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs. This followed a review of electoral boundaries to take account of Scotland’s changing population and create constituencies that are roughly equal in size.

Paul McLennan (SNP) was elected to represent the East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs Constituency while Kate Campbell (SNP) was elected to represent Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent.

Both constituencies are part of the Edinburgh and Lothians East Region which is represented by:

• Kate Nevens - Scottish Green Party
• Angela Ross - Reform UK
• Irshad Ahmed - Scottish Labour Party
• Miles Briggs - Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
• Q Manivannan - Scottish Green Party
• Katherine Sangster - Scottish Labour Party
• Kayleigh Ferguson Kinross-O’Neill - Scottish Green Party

Constituency Depute Returning Officer Hayley Barnett paid tribute to everyone involved, saying: “Facilitating elections across two constituencies was an immense challenge. With a combined electorate of 120,488, over 25,000 postal votes were issued while 248 polling staff worked across 39 polling stations. I’d like to thank everyone who worked at and supported the election and especially our core Elections Team for their dedication and professionalism to ensure the efficient and accurate delivery of results.”

The ballot boxes were delivered to Meadowmill after polls closed at 10pm on 7 May and the pre-count verification process – where checks are carried out to make sure that all boxes have been returned and accompanying paperwork is complete – were undertaken. The boxes remained sealed and were held securely overnight. On Friday 8 May, nearly 200 people came together at East Lothian Indoor Bowling Centre and Meadowmill Sports Centre to count the ballot papers before the results were declared in the bowling centre in front of candidates and their teams.

In figures

Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent constituency

• electorate: 60,707
• total votes cast: 31,645
• turnout: 52.1%
• total number of rejected ballots: 172

East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs constituency

• electorate: 59,781
• total votes cast: 35,789
• turnout: 59.9%
• total number of rejected ballots: 137

Edinburgh and Lothians East Region

• electorate: 564,571
• total votes cast: 320,286
• turnout: 56.7%

Full results are available from our website.

Whitecraig Primary School finalist for design award

Whitecraig Primary School has been nominated for a prestigious design award.

The Scottish Design Awards celebrate Scotland’s most inspiring architecture, creativity and the talented people behind it. The judges consider the best projects across 34 categories to recognise and reward design excellence.

Whitecraig Primary School is a finalist in the ‘Education Building or Project’ category alongside four other projects. The building, which was designed by our in-house architect team, opened to pupils in January and draws on the village’s mining heritage with a modern twist through charcoal grey brick reminiscent of coal and industrial-inspired copper coloured cladding. Calm colours and textures within provide a soothing environment for learning while light-filled spaces and ample use of glass offers views throughout the school and outside.

The Scottish Design Awards take place on 24 June at the Double Tree Hotel in Glasgow.

Good luck to everyone involved in the project.

North Berwick parking scheme to go live on 1 June

The enforcement of measures to improve parking management in North Berwick town centre will begin on Monday, 1 June.

The measures include the introduction of three Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ), waiting restrictions and parking charges, and a permit system. Under the scheme, time limits and charges will vary across three zones to address different parking demands in the town with a recognition that many trips into the town centre are very short:

• charges across the zones is from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and Sundays 1pm to 4pm. Tantallon Terrace is 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 1pm to 6pm on Sundays.
• High Street and Kirk Ports car park offer free parking for up to 45 minutes. Parking for up to 75 minutes will cost £1 while there will be a £2 charge for parking up to a maximum of 90 minutes to help incentivise the turnover of parking spaces in these central locations
• in other locations within the town’s Controlled Parking Zones, including Imperial, Lodge, Glebe and Castle Hill car parks, parking will cost 50p for 30 minutes, with Glebe car park offering 15 minutes free parking before charges apply
• Sewage Works and The Haugh car parks are designated for cars, campervans and motorhomes and offer up to 60 minutes for 50p. It will then be 50p for each 30 minutes thereafter up to eight hours (or £15 for up to 24 hours)
• parking at the community centre and museum/library will be free of charge but restricted to their customers only with a tablet to sign-in on entry. Parking outwith the Controlled Parking Zones will remain free, including the car park at the Recreation Park
• Imperial, Glebe and Lodge car parks will continue to provide free parking from last Sunday of October to last Sunday of March

Parking permits

Parking permits are available to purchase online at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/NB-parking. Information on permits was shared directly with residents in the CPZs.

Permits are available for: 

• residents and their visitors
• Short-term lets
• Health and social care workers - employers can apply on behalf of their workers
• RNLI - the Station Manager can apply on behalf of volunteers and staff

All permits are linked to the car's registration. Parking attendants will use handheld devices to check for a valid permit or parking ticket. 

Full details of the scheme, its hours and parking options are available from the website: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/NB-parking 

Website replacement project: preparing for launch in June 2026

Our website is often the first point of contact residents have with us - whether they’re paying council tax, reporting an issue, booking a service, or simply looking for information. That’s why we’re excited to be preparing for the launch of our new website on Tuesday 16 June 2026.

The new site has been designed around resident needs, creating a modern digital gateway to council services that is clearer, easier to navigate and simpler to use.

Getting ready for ‘go-live’

Thanks to the significant work carried out across services, the majority of website content is now ready for review, testing and refinement ahead of launch.

Selected services are currently testing the new site to check:

• accuracy and consistency of information
• ease of navigation
• common customer journeys

We’ve also involved local library users in testing, helping us gather valuable feedback directly from residents and communities.

This milestone reflects the huge amount of work completed by our Web Editors and Web Team, whose dedication and ongoing support have helped bring the project to this stage. Thank you to everyone involved.

Helping us deliver a smooth launch

If you are aware of anything taking place around the launch date that could be affected by the website change - such as a council meeting, consultation launch or communications campaign -  please let the Web Team know as soon as possible by emailing webteam@eastlothian.gov.uk.

Similarly, if you manage or own a form (including Liberty Create forms) that contains links to council webpages, please contact the Web Team with details of the form and related links. Early visibility will help us put redirects in place and minimise disruption for users.

Sneak peek of the new website

Employees can now get a first look at the new website, with more walkthrough videos of the most popular user journeys to follow.

This preview introduces the new look, structure and user experience residents will soon see.

If you would like to view your service’s pages before launch, please speak to your departmental web editors about arranging a short demo at a team meeting.

What employees can expect

Ahead of launch:

• guidance will be shared on available support and how to raise feedback once the site goes live
• communications will be issued through partner networks and social media to help residents prepare for the change
• the website address will remain the same, with redirects in place to guide users to the correct pages

The new website has already been described as “clean, clear and calming”. While it will look different from the current site, it has been designed to feel intuitive and easy to use.

To help build familiarity and confidence, employees are encouraged to:

• explore the new website, particularly the service areas relevant to their role
• take a quick look after launch if they work in customer-facing roles, helping them confidently support residents and answer questions

Find out more

Our Website Replacement Intranet Site includes:

• project updates
• information on the benefits of the new website
• videos showcasing the new design and functionality

You can also find details of your departmental web editors on the intranet.

For any specific queries, please contact the Web Team directly at webteam@eastlothian.gov.uk.

Together, we’re opening a new digital front door for East Lothian - thank you to everyone who has helped us get here.

Get your free ticket! Young Carers Film Premiere

A new film created by young carers in East Lothian will premiere at the Fraser Centre Cinema on 11 June – and staff and partners across the community are invited to attend.

Produced by young carers aged 9 to 17, the film aims to help schools, services and the wider community better understand the vital role young carers play and how they can be supported.

The project was led by the Young Carers Advisory Group, which successfully secured funding through the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership and the Youth Lead Fund.

Explaining their motivation for creating the film, members of the group said they wanted to ensure “everyone is aware of Young Carers”, adding that “everyone needs to know that we always care.” One young person also shared that the project “gave me the opportunity to work with some great people to make a great change.”

Raising awareness and understanding

The film features young carers speaking openly about the practical, emotional and medical support they provide for family members, as well as the challenges and opportunities they experience. It also highlights the impact caring responsibilities can have on education and shares what young carers would like schools and services to do to better support them.

Combining live interviews with original animations, the film was planned and created by the young people themselves, who also composed and recorded some of the background music.

The premiere will take place on Thursday 11 June 2026 from 4:30pm to 5:30pm at the Fraser Centre Cinema in Tranent. Four young carers will introduce the screening, followed by light refreshments and an opportunity to meet those involved in the project.

To reserve a place, email mprior1@eastlothian.gov.uk.

ICO helps parents to be switched on to children's privacy

The Information Commissioners’ Office (ICO) has launched a new campaign to help parents keep their children safe online.

Switched on to privacy was developed to help parents and carers of 4- to 11-year-olds to talk about online privacy.

“Just as parents would talk with their children about road safety or speaking with strangers, online privacy is another life skill children need as they grow up. Small, regular conversations can help children understand what personal information is, how it’s used, and how to make safer choices online,” an ICO spokesperson explains.

Three steps for parents

The campaign is built around three steps:

• chat with your child about online privacy
• choose actively what personal information to share
• check the settings whenever your child uses a new device or app

Small conversations now can make a big difference as children grow up.

Open conversations

Our Infrastructure & Security Team Manager Graham Burke was part of the campaign’s launch. Although Graham and his wife have an ‘offline only’ policy for their primary-aged daughter’s tablet, the family has already started having open conversations about what to share and what not to share.

"I want her digital footprint to be as small as possible at the moment. I think it’s important to let it be her decision, so when she wants to do it, it’s her choice what to share,” says Graham.

“My advice to other parents is to be really open and honest, give your children the tools to evaluate what is appropriate to share, make their own decisions about what to post, and then trust them.”   

Find free tips, videos and conversation starters from ICO switched on to privacy website.

 

Sign-up window is open for garden waste collection permits

The registration window for the garden waste collection service opened on Monday, 11 May.

Permit applications can be made using a myeastlothian account on our website until the sign-up window closes at 4pm on Monday, 6 July.

The garden waste permit charge will increase to £40 this year after remaining at £35 since their introduction in 2024.

Around 24,000 householders registered to use the scheme last year.

Permit holders will benefit from fortnightly collections between 31 August 2026 and 27 August 2027.

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. 

Residents will also receive a calendar with the permit pack displaying the day and week of their bin collection.

Email reminders were sent out to anyone who signed up online to last year’s service through a myeastlothian account.

I need a brown bin

If you do not have a brown bin at your property, register for a permit first then contact wasteservices@eastlothian.gov.uk to order a bin and we will arrange to have one delivered to your address.

Can I opt out?

Households do not have to use this service, and residents can dispose of garden waste free of charge at our recycling centres.

Garden waste including grass cuttings, leaves, bark, flowers, plants, hedge trimmings, weeds, twigs/small branches are all accepted materials in brown bins.

For flats with shared areas, it is the residents’ responsibility to organise 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.

Detailed design work set for Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme

Comprehensive design work will be undertaken on the proposed scheme to reduce flood risk in Musselburgh following a full Council meeting.

Elected members approved starting Stage 6 of the project (detailed design) early due to “continuing uncertainty” caused by a recently imposed funding cap on the national flood protection scheme programme and deadline changes.

In their report to the meeting held on 28 April, our officers recommended advancing to this stage to “help ensure the scheme’s delivery” if it receives consent from Scottish Ministers following an upcoming public local inquiry (PLI).

This work on the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme (MFPS), which aims to reduce flood risk for up to 3,200 properties in the area, will now begin while the PLI is ongoing.

The report set out the legal requirement to advance the detailed design for the full scheme as approved by Council last September. This will enable us to satisfy the criteria for Scottish Government funding and also meet deadlines imposed by recommendations from COSLA (the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities).

The scheme’s funding cap of £35.6 million was announced in February 2026 by the Scottish Government and COSLA after a review of Cycle 1 flood protection projects across the country.

Following the PLI, Scottish Ministers are expected to make their final decision on whether the scheme progresses in late 2026 or early 2027.

Head of Infrastructure Tom Reid said: "We remain fully committed to delivering the scheme as notified to Council in January 2024 but given recent decisions by the Scottish Government and COSLA, a signed construction contract must be in place by around February 2028 to maintain its eligibility for national funding.

“By starting the detailed designs to proceed concurrently with the PLI and preparing for procurement, we can address these delivery challenges within the constraints of available funding and meet this deadline.

“That work can proceed while the PLI is giving anyone with an objection to the current proposals the opportunity to express their concerns before Ministers make an independent decision on its future.

“A phased construction approach and business case, which will be recommended to Council, should make it eligible for future national grant funding awards for flood protection programmes.”

Elected members voted unanimously to approve moving to Stage 6, detailed design, which is expected to begin around August and take 24 months to complete at an estimated cost of £6m.

Last September a preliminary decision was made to confirm the proposed MFPS without modifications during a special Council meeting. Ministers decided to ‘call in’ the scheme last December and subsequently appointed a Reporter to conduct the PLI.

Planning Committee seeks more detail on repowering of Crystal Rig windfarm

East Lothian Planning Committee met on Tuesday 5 May and heard two applications; the repowering of Crystal Rig windfarm, and details of a new home in Dirleton. 

Committee members debated an application from Fred Olsen Renewables Ltd for construction and operation of a repower of Crystal Rig One wind farm, consisting of up to 10 wind turbines including six turbines with a maximum overall height of up to 230 m and the remaining four turbines with a maximum overall height of up to 200 m, at the existing windfarm 10km south of Dunbar in the Lammermuir Hills. 

The application will be determined by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit. East Lothian Council is a consultee on the application. The consultation was called off the Scheme of Delegation by Councillor Jardine due to the community interest. 

The proposed development refers to the existing Crystal Rig One site, which was established in 2003 as one of Scotland’s first onshore commercial-scale wind farms. Its operational life of 25 years ends in 2027. The site currently comprises 25 turbines which will be decommissioned to enable the construction of the proposed development, which will have an operational period of 35 years. 

Environmental Impact Assessment Report omits surveys

While the windfarm itself is mainly in the Scottish Borders, access roads for the transportation and construction work lie in East Lothian. Our Biodiversity Officer highlighted several omissions from the developer’s Environmental Impact Assessment Report including up to date ecological surveys for the entire route and an up to date tree survey. It was also a concern that the Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan provided did not specifically mention the access route within the East Lothian Council boundary.

Objection submitted

Following a debate, members voted unanimously to submit an objection to the Energy Consents Unit (ECU) at this stage. They also agreed that the our Chief Planning Officer be authorised to undertake discussions with the ECU to seek to resolve these objections and that conditions be agreed and attached to the consent if required. 

Members also voted unanimously to approve conditions for the erection of a house on land north of Speedwell House, Main Road, Dirleton, which had been approved at a previous Planning Committee meeting in March 2026.

You can read the full article on our website. 

What’s on at The Brunton venues

The Brunton’s programme continues with a wonderful line-up of incredible performances in their venues across East Lothian.

This May The Brunton has a programme for everyone! Have a glance to see what shows are coming to you in Haddington and Musselburgh.

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Legendary Scottish football player and coach, Gordon Strachan is coming to the Corn Exchange on 7 May. He’ll be sharing stories and insights from his abundant career and life, in what promises to be an entertaining evening, with host Gerry McDade.

Gordon Strachan: My Life In Football, Thursday 7 May at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington

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Join Stewart Hardy (fiddle) & Frank McLaughlin (guitar) a spectacular duo performance, heavily inspired by the rich traditions of Scotland and Northumberland. As they take the stage to perform a range of traditional music and their own compositions, in Musselburgh.

Bite-sized concert at lunchtime: Stewart Hardy, fiddle and Frank McLaughlin, guitar, Tuesday 12 May at midday/1pm, Northesk Parish Church, Musselburgh

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Newton Faulkner is taking the stage at Corn Exchange, Haddington this May! Over his phenomenal 15-year career, his discography has amassed huge popularity and recognition from his debut album Hand Built by Robots to the surging triumph of Write It On Your Skin; from Studio Zoo.

Newton Faulkner: Feels Like Home tour 4, Friday 15 May at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington

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Performed by Thistle Brass - Children's Classic Concerts' brass quintet and presented by Owen Gunnell alongside an astonishing Magic Circle magician. This promises to be an unforgettable performance that will entertain the whole family. 

Children’s Classic Concerts: Big Top Brass, Saturday 16 at 3pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington

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Glasgow's acclaimed Company of Wolves present an earth-shattering solo retelling of the myth of Dionysos: an epic of rejection, vengeance and rebirth told through story, dance and ancient song.

Company of Wolves: The Bacchae, Tuesday 26 at 7:30pm, Loretto Theatre, Haddington

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Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synge’s riveting play of youth and self-discovery.

National Theatre Live: The Playboy Of The Western World, Thursday 28 at 7pm, Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh

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Scotland’s own hilariously cheeky comedian Craig Hill is back at The Brunton this May to deliver another riotous night of laughs and entertainment! For ages 18 plus.

Craig Hill: Wait ‘Til You See My Entrance, Friday 29 at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington

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The Brunton is delighted to be collaborating with Haddstock once again to bring three uniquely talented Scottish acts to the stage, each with their own thrilling performances. Alice Faye, Man of Moon and Sarah/Shaun have delighted audiences at venues and festivals across the country with sounds influenced by folk to synth pop, industrial rock to progressive rock.

Haddstock Headliner: Alice Faye, Man of Moon, Sarah/Shaun, Saturday 30 at 7pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington

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The first of our Midweek Movies this May is The Drama, a romantic comedy, starring Zendaya Robert Pattinson and Zoë Winters is about a happily engaged couple put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails. Followed by Glenrothan, a story of family, forgiveness, and the possibility of healing, set in the Scottish Highlands, starring Alan Cumming, Brian Cox and Shirley Henderson.

Film: The Drama, Wednesday 13 May at 7pm, Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh

Film: Glenrothan, Wednesday 27 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

 

 

The Brunton Summer School - audition announcement

Young people aged 11 to 18 are invited to step into the spotlight and audition on Sunday 17 May 12.30pm to 4pm, to be part of The Brunton’s Summer School this July and August, in Haddington.

  

Over two fun weeks, the group will learn Chicago Teen Edition script, songs, dances and theatre skills bringing the show to the stage for six public performances at the Corn Exchange in Haddington. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people who love to perform. Whether a singer, dancer, actor or all three, this is a chance to bring passion, creativity and confidence to the stage in an unforgettable summer experience.

Those wishing to join the free audition must book a place via The Brunton’s website at https://www.thebrunton.co.uk/whats-on/auditions-chicago-teen-edition/ .

The audition takes place at Corn Exchange, Court Street, Haddington. There’s nothing to prepare in advance, all material will be taught on the day, in a relaxed and informal workshop format.

Participants will be asked to take part in short acting exercises, join a vocal warm up, sing music from the production and learn and perform a short section of choreography. 

Chicago Teen Edition is filled with iconic music, slick choreography and serious attitude. Fast, fearless and full of edge - this is not a fairy tale. It’s bold, confident and unapologetically theatrical.

The Brunton and David Ross invite young performers aged 11 to 18, to warm up, strike a pose, bring that old razzle dazzle and get ready for a summer filled with all that Jazz!

The Chicago Teen Edition Summer School takes place from Monday 27 July to Saturday 8 August at Corn Exchange, Haddington. Total cost to participate in the summer project is £240.

A limited number of funded places are available for children from families on low incomes, underrepresented groups or other eligibility criteria. To find out about funded places email BPAN@eastlothian.gov.uk .

Taking part in creative activities is fun and helps build confidence, fuels the imagination and develops skills that are useful in all areas of life. As well as developing a range of acting and performance skills, it is a great way to meet new people, build confidence, and above all, have fun!

What’s on in our museums

Our museums are free to visit and open for the summer season through until the end of September. Look out for our exciting new exhibitions, events and drop-in activities for families.

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Exhibitions

Landmark exhibition at John Gray Centre

John Bellany HRSA

Internationally renowned artist John Bellany HRSA, born in Port Seton, painted large scale, distinctive and often deeply personal works exploring themes including East Lothian’s fishing communities.

Curated by John’s wife Helen Bellany, and his lifelong friend Alexander Moffat RSA, the exhibition combines works on loan from the Royal Scottish Academy with private collections and works held by East Lothian Council. It includes large and rarely seen work.

This exhibition is part of the RSA200: Celebrating Together partnership project. Throughout 2026 the Royal Scottish Academy, the oldest artist-run institution in Scotland, is celebrating its 200th birthday.

Friday 17 April to Saturday 19 September

Open Thursday and Friday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm.

Free admission.

John Gray Centre - Museum, 15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX.

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Glory Days by Catriona Simpson

A series of paintings informed by archival photographs, community stories and personal recollections connected to Dunbar Pool. Through figurative imagery and shared moments, the work examines memory and place, reflecting on the role of communal spaces in shaping collective experiences.

Wednesday 1 April to Sunday 10 May

Open Wednesday to Sunday 1 to 5pm. Free admission.

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER

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A Gude Fechter – John Muir the Campaigner

Farmer, inventor, botanist, geologist, explorer, mountaineer, writer and pioneer of nature conservation.

 (John Muir. The Story of My Boyhood and Youth, 1913)

“The battle we have fought, and are still fighting for the forests is a part of the eternal conflict between right and wrong...” John Muir

A love of nature, which began at an early age as a young boy growing up in Dunbar sparked a lifelong passion and desire to protect wild places; John’s fight for the environment earned him the title of father of the National Parks and pioneer of the conservation movement, and continuing inspiration for millions.

Here we look at some of the early influences and campaigns in Dunbar, at the later battles that he fought, and we will be considering some of the local environmental issues facing the town of his birth today.

April to June. Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1 to 5pm.

John Muir’s Birthplace, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.

Free admission

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Summers in Dunbar

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.

April to June courtesy of Dunbar and District History Society.

Open Wednesday to Sunday 1pm to 5pm.

Free admission.

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER.

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The Royal Company of Archers

Coinciding with the annual competition for the historic Musselburgh Arrow - believed to be the oldest sporting trophy in the world still competed for annually. The exhibition explores the competition’s origins, which date back to 1603, and its long association with The Royal Company of Archers since 1676.

April to the end of May.

Thursday to Saturday 10.30am to 4pm. Free admission.

Musselburgh Museum, 65 High St, Musselburgh EH21 7BZ.

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Coastal Communities Museum

Agricultural life is an important part of the Coastal Ward in East Lothian and we are showcasing a new display of farm implements from the past including seed broadcasters, sheep shears, a hand plough and even a ‘foster mother.’

Come along and find out more about this curiously named device! These tools offer a fascinating glimpse into the working lives and rural traditions that helped shape our local community.

Have a look in our Collectors’ Corner, Children’s Area, see the detailed models of the old shops in Aberlady, the exhibit celebrating North Berwick’s award-winning Gaelic choir and video footage of the North Berwick Law Race continue to be a particular favourite with visitors.

We are excited for the new season ahead and look forward to welcoming you to the Museum soon.

Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm. Free admission.

Coastal Communities Museum School Road, North Berwick, EH39 4JU.

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Events

Wee Wednesdays

Wednesday mornings at Prestongrange Museum, 10am to 10.30am, Bookbug for 0 to 5s and their parents/carers, no charge. Followed by craft activity, £1 per child.

Prestongrange Museum, Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX.

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Sketchwander

Explore nature connections and pathways around Dunbar High Street with artist Lynn Fraser (Fantoosh). Enjoy a gentle ‘sketchnoting’ walk then use the materials and ideas you have gathered to make a communal fanzine.

Saturday 23 May 10am to 12.30pm /1pm - ‘Sketchnoting’ walk

Sunday 24 May 2pm to 4pm - Fanzine workshop

For further information please email museumseast@eastlothian.gov.uk

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Our museums:

John Gray Centre (Museum)

15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX
Thursday and Friday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
Saturday 10am to 1pm and 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
Wednesday to Sunday 1pm to 5pm
(from Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 28 September)

Prestongrange Museum

Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX
Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4.30pm
(from Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 28 September)

Coastal Communities Museum

School Road, North Berwick, EH39 4JU
Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm
(from Wednesday 9 April to Saturday 25 October)

Musselburgh Museum

65 High St, Musselburgh EH21 7BZ
Thursday to Saturday 10.30am to 4pm
(from Thursday 3 April to Saturday 27 September)

Children's Services' Caroline retires

After 28 years of dedicated service, Caroline McCorkindale from Children's Services retired on Thursday 30 April.

In her role as Senior Business Support Officer, Caroline led on the administration of our fostering and adoption panels. Her expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment made a lasting contribution to the service and to the children and families we support.

Children's Services' Lisa Shine said: "Caroline is truly loved and valued by everyone in Children’s Services, not only for her exceptional work but also for her kindness, support and positive spirit. She will be greatly missed by colleagues old and new. We wish Caroline every happiness, good health, and fulfilment in her well‑earned retirement."

Team profile: Emergency Planning and Resilience

Keeping the organisation prepared for the unexpected is the role of our Emergency Planning and Resilience (EPR) team.

Led by Scott Kennedy, the team has grown from a two-person Emergency Planning function into a broader resilience service covering business continuity, risk management, events and community resilience. Working closely with partner agencies, they ensure contingency plans are in place, exercised and ready to be put into action when needed.

Scott said: “We have a statutory duty to ensure we effectively respond to any emergency or disruption which involves working with our partner agencies including the emergency services, SEPA, Met Office, utility providers and the voluntary sector amongst others.”

He joined the Emergency Planning team in 2009 and was promoted to team leader in 2023.

“One of the areas of work I get the greatest satisfaction from is the work we do with our community groups which includes community councils, sports hubs, area partnerships and various other local groups… It’s great to see our communities become more resilient as they are key to response in large scale incidents as they have shown during ‘Beast from the East’ and COVID.”

A team built on experience

The team brings together decades of frontline experience across the armed forces, emergency services, and specialist resilience roles.

Jon Fleetwood, Emergency Planning and Events Officer, joined the council in 2021 following a career in the Army and more than 30 years in policing. He now plays a key role in overseeing safety at public events across the county.

“I chair the Multi-Agency Safety Advisory Group, which oversees safety standards for all the county’s public events. It’s a role that brings together a lot of different partners to make sure events are safe and well managed.”

From local events to major international fixtures like the Genesis Scottish Open, Jon’s work ensures that large-scale events run smoothly and safely.

Steven Bosworth, Emergency Planning and Risk Officer, is one of the team’s newest members, joining in 2026 after nearly 30 years with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“My role is about working with services to make sure risk registers are up to date and to ensure community readiness through planning and exercising.”

Steven is already embracing the shift into local government, focusing on strengthening relationships across services and communities.

“I’m excited about becoming an effective team member and building strong working relationships, both internally and externally.”

Lee Wright, Emergency Planning and Resilience Officer, joined in 2023 and brings experience from both the British Red Cross and the nuclear sector.

“I support our wider emergency planning responsibilities, helping prepare for and respond to incidents such as extreme weather, mass evacuations and a broad range of other emergencies.”

Lee also leads on business continuity, working closely with services to ensure critical functions can continue during disruption.

“I’m particularly excited about continuing to strengthen the council’s preparedness and resilience… making sure we’re well placed to protect our communities when it matters most.”

Preparing for the unexpected

No two days are the same for the team. Their work ranges from developing and exercising emergency plans to supporting major events and responding to real-time incidents.

Last year, the team dealt with a fire at Eskmills Industrial Estate which required a multi-agency response, with road closures and communications being put in place. Our EPR team hosted meetings to ensure all agencies were working together and communications were coordinated.

Another example of their coordinating role happened in November 2024 when emergency gas repairs resulted in St Gabriel’s School being evacuated, closed and the children being relocated for several weeks. The EPR team worked with Scottish Gas Networks, Education and several other council services via an Incident Response Group to ensure joint working and the relocation of school staff and children, with as little disruption as possible, according to the school's business continuity plan - whilst keeping all those affected updated via joint communications and responding to any queries from parents and teachers.  A debrief of this incident was completed afterwards to ensure any learning was captured.

Currently the team is working on various resilience/preparedness projects including counter terrorism work with Police Scotland.

Whether it’s severe weather, large-scale events like the above, or unexpected disruptions, the team works behind the scenes to make sure our organisation - as well as the wider community - is ready and prepared for the unexpected.

Congratulations Caroline!

Congratulations to Caroline Messer, our Team Manager for Libraries and Customer Services, who has made the shortlist of three in the running for Scotland's Library and Information Professional of the Year 2026.

What's even more special for Caroline is she has been nominated by her peers for the CILIPS (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland) award. Each year, members nominate colleagues from across the sector to be shortlisted. CILIPS said: "Caroline’s collaborative and constructive style of leadership has supported her team to strengthen community engagement, expand access to a diverse range of services, and ensure that their libraries remain welcoming, inclusive, and responsive spaces for all. From supporting early years literacy through family learning cafes to championing digital inclusion, making partnership working possible across the wider community, and developing targeted outreach for isolated or vulnerable residents, Caroline’s approach is described by colleagues as ‘kind and empathetic’, grounded in a ‘commitment to equitable access’."

Caroline told us: "I’m thrilled to have been nominated by colleagues in the sector, and the shortlisting recognises how hard the wider Libraries and Customer Services team work to support their local communities and schools."

Eamon John, our Head of Communities and Partnerships, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to see the recognition for Caroline from her professional sector and wish her the very best in the final three. Whatever happens it is excellent and well deserved recognition – well done and good luck Caroline!"

The winner will be announced at the CILIPS conference on Monday 1 June.

A Ranger writes: stars of the shore

Our Countryside Rangers have a wealth of knowledge on the places, plants and species that call East Lothian home. In this issue, Ranger Richard English dips his toes into a rockpool to tell us about starfish.

Summer’s nearly here and people will be heading for the seaside, often to look in rockpools to search for resident beasties. Rockpools can be tricky places to live in. Not only do plants and animals here have to deal with waves, tides, pollution, desiccation, salinity and small children, but they also have to avoid some fairly fearsome predators. The latter includes gulls and other birds, dog whelks and, occasionally, small children.

One predator that most will recognise is the Common starfish, with its familiar five arms and warty, orange-brown upper side. On the underside, things get very interesting. Along each of the arms are many small tube-feet which allow the starfish to attach itself to rocks and other surfaces. These help the animal to move around, but are also used in feeding. Sometimes the tube feet will simply pick up scavenged bits of food and pass it into the mouth, located in the middle of the central disc. However, the tube-feet can also be used to pick up larger prey and even to pry apart the two halves of mussel shells; and this is where things get really macabre. Once the shell is open, the starfish pushes part of its stomach out through its mouth and starts to digest the mussel. Once the prey is suitably liquefied, the stomach will be pulled back in, bringing the remains of the mussel along. Don’t try this at home.

Another starfish found on our coastline is the delightfully titled Bloody Henry – the name being derived from its vivid red-purple colour. There are actually two separate species of Bloody Henry, but they are difficult to tell apart even for the expert.

This is a less predatory starfish which feeds mostly on plankton and other floating bits and pieces, although they have been known to prey on sponges. Females show a lot more maternal instinct than many invertebrates. They lay eggs wrapped in mucus on the sea bed and then actively guard them, rather than the usual approach of just letting them get on with things.

A close relative of the starfish are the brittle stars. A quick glimpse of one of these will demonstrate how they got the name. Their long, thin arms appear very fragile and will indeed begin to disintegrate with even delicate handling. This isn’t the disaster that it may seem, since both brittle stars and starfish are able to regrow lost limbs. Sometimes brittle stars will actively shed parts of their arms to avoid predators.

Brittle stars come in a variety of colours, ranging from dull browns to purples, reds and blues. They can occur in large numbers, sometimes forming “beds” of thousands on the sea floor. We’re far more likely to see them under rocks, but even here you can find several individuals together.

Rockpools are always worth checking out as they’re home to some weird and wonderful creatures -please treat them with the respect they deserve. If you’re looking under rocks, remember to replace them gently; you don’t want to squash any living thing underneath. Or your toes.

Keep up to date

Keep up to date with all things Countryside Ranger on the service’s Facebook or Instagram pages. You’ll find news and information to help you make the most of your time in our coast and countryside spaces as well as beautiful photography of the species that live here.

Facebook: @ELCrangers

Instagram: @elcrangers

Working together to help with cost-of-living increase

The increased cost-of-living is affecting us all. You might know friends or family members who are struggling or you might be struggling yourself. And those we support in our work are telling us about issues they are having on an almost daily basis.

If you or someone you know or work with is worried about money and living costs, you're not alone. Anyone can find themselves overwhelmed by financial pressures for a number of reasons and this can impact on your health the wellbeing.

Working across council teams, and local organisations and community partners, we have updated comprehensive guidance on maximising income and dealing with financial difficulties. 

The downloadable cost-of-living guide and the pages on our website are designed to help you access advice and the support you’re entitled to when you need it most.

They contain a huge range of information on everything from ensuring you're claiming all the benefits you're entitled to, to help with heating your home and support if you're struggling with bills. You can also check what you’re entitled to using the free independent online benefits calculator. 

You can find all this information on the website. 

Showcasing East Lothian to international tourism markets

Visit East Lothian attended the VisitScotland Connect travel trade show in Glasgow earlier this month, working alongside local tourism businesses to promote East Lothian to the global travel trade. 

Scotland’s flagship travel trade event brings together tourism businesses and international buyers to generate new business opportunities and strengthen existing relationships. The event plays a vital role in increasing Scotland’s share of global tourism in a sustainable way, while supporting long-term economic growth. 

Seven tourism businesses from East Lothian attended the event, which we supported. Carberry Tower Hotel & Mansion, Carfrae Farm, Jerusalem Farm Pods, the Scottish Seabird Centre, The Leddie, Ocean Vertical and NB Distillery connected with 330 buyers who plan inspirational Scotland trips for their clients. The buyers represent 20 countries including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the UK domestic market. 

Attendees connected with travel trade buyers who design and deliver Scotland itineraries for domestic and international markets, providing valuable opportunities to raise awareness of East Lothian as a high-quality visitor destination and to develop new commercial partnerships.

The full story is on our website.  

Planning for the unexpected: why having Power of Attorney in place matters for us all

We often think of "future planning" as something to tackle later in life. However, life can be unpredictable, and ensuring your wishes are respected shouldn't be left to chance.

On Wednesday 22 April, East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP) highlighted the importance of Power of Attorney (POA), as part of a nationwide effort to encourage everyone to "start the conversation." The national campaign aims to share why POA matters, not just for our service users, but for staff and their families too.

What is Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust (such as a family member or close friend) to make decisions on your behalf if you ever lose the capacity to do so.

A common myth many people believe is that their next of kin automatically has the legal right to manage their bank accounts or healthcare decisions if they become unwell. However the reality is without a formal POA in place, this is not the case. This can lead to significant stress and legal hurdles for loved ones during an already difficult time.

Why act now?

Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer of ELHSCP, comments: "We want to ensure that every individual in East Lothian feels empowered and in control of their future. Getting this in place early gives you piece of mind that your wishes will be honoured if the unexpected happens and avoids extra stress at a difficult time.  POA may be a temporary measure, if you're going into hospital and need help with everyday financial tasks like paying your bills or it may be part of long-term planning. It’s important to remember that Power of Attorney isn't just for the elderly, it’s an insurance policy for adults of all ages.”

Starting the conversation

Discussing these topics can feel a little daunting, but it doesn't have to be a heavy or "out of the blue" conversation. Here are a few tips to help you or your loved ones get started:

• the best time to think about POA is 'sooner rather than later,' as you must have the mental capacity to grant POA
• try to bring up the topic during general discussions about future hopes, wishes, or when updating other documents like a Will
• try to avoid bringing it up out of the blue. Mentioning a recent news story, film or a friend's experience can be a helpful way to open the dialogue sensitively
• think of POA like a fire extinguisher - you hope you never have to use it, but you’re glad it's there

Helpful resources

If you are ready to take the next step or simply want to learn more, there are excellent resources available to East Lothian residents:

• MyGov.Scot: A comprehensive step-by-step guide to the process in Scotland
• Carers of East Lothian (CoEL): Our local partners at CoEL run a free monthly clinic to support local carers with writing and registering for a POA

Practical skills for incident investigation

Over the past two years, our Health and Safety Team has been working closely with services and schools to strengthen how we report and investigate incidents.

A comprehensive audit programme was carried out across all non-education service areas, high schools, and several primary schools. These audits reviewed how well teams are following our council’s Health and Safety Management Arrangements for Incident Reporting and Investigation.

As a result, a number of actions have been identified and assigned to Service Managers and Head Teachers, alongside updates to the existing management arrangements. This work is helping to ensure a more consistent, robust approach across the organisation.

However, the audits also highlighted an important gap.

Strengthening incident investigation to improve safety

Many colleagues are allocated incidents to investigate through Sphera - our health and safety management information system, but not everyone has had formal training in how to do this effectively.

To address this, the Health and Safety Team has developed a new Incident Investigation – Practical Skills Workshop.  

This short, face-to-face session is designed to give staff the confidence and practical tools they need to carry out investigations in a structured and meaningful way.

What the workshop covers

The two-hour session focuses on practical skills that can be applied immediately, including:

• understanding why incident investigation matters
• taking a structured approach to incidents and near misses
• identifying root causes and not just what went wrong on the surface
• asking the right questions and gathering useful evidence
• developing clear actions to prevent recurrence

The workshop also includes real-life examples and group discussion, giving participants the chance to learn from others and share experiences.  

Importantly, no previous experience is required - making it accessible to anyone who has been, or may be, allocated incidents to investigate.

Why it matters

Good incident investigation is about more than compliance. It plays a key role in:

• improving safety across our workplaces
• supporting a positive learning culture
• ensuring we meet our legal responsibilities
• preventing similar incidents from happening again

By building confidence and consistency in how investigations are carried out, we can continue to improve safety outcomes for staff, service users and the wider community.

Judith Wood, Team Manager, Corporate Health and Safety said: "Following up on incidents that occur is essential to identify the root causes and to prevent them occurring again, particularly near misses where no one was injured but there was the potential for someone to be injured. We need to close the loop in investigating incidents and updating our risk assessments and work practices."

Book your place

The first session, part of a planned rolling programme of workshops, will take place on:

• Friday 19 June 2026
• 9:30am to 11:30am
• Garleton Rooms, Penston House

Further sessions will be scheduled throughout the year, making it easier for staff to attend at a convenient time.  

If you are allocated incidents through Sphera, or may be in the future, this workshop is highly recommended.

To book a place, email: healthandsafety@eastlothian.gov.uk

PREVENT (Counter Terrorism) eLearning Module

The Prevent (Counter Terrorism) eLearning module is a core mandatory module for all colleagues and is automatically applied to your Learning Plan in learnPro. The module content is provided directly by GOV.UK and the related module hosted within learnPro is for access purposes only.

You must read the module content carefully and follow the correct link within the module to complete the appropriate training. Upon successful completion, a PDF certificate will be issued and should be saved as evidence.

Please note that learnPro will only record the module as complete once users have also selected the completion statement within learnPro. This acts as the user’s formal acknowledgement of completion. Failure to do so will result in the learning record not being updated within the learnPro system. The completion statement is in the same area as the module launch.