December and January pay dates and deadlines

December 2026 and January 2027 salaries and wages will be paid earlier than usual.

While every effort will be made to ensure payment, employees and managers should ensure that all claim forms are submitted by the dates below. Claims which arrive after these dates cannot be guaranteed for payment given the reduced working days.

Date of submission	Timesheets required	Payment date
8/12/26	Actual hours for week ending 6/12/2026	17/12/2026
15/12/2026	Actual hours for week ending 13/12/2026	7/01/2027
5/01/2027	Actual hours for week ending 20/12/2026   Plus amendments only for w/e 27/12/2026 & 03/01/2027.	14/01/2027

 Note – any overtime worked over New Year will be included in your pay on 14/01/2027.

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4 weekly pay

Pay date Thursday 26 November 2026 - normal payment, no amendment required

Next pay date due Thursday 24 December 2026 will be paid early on Tuesday 22 December 2026.

To ensure an accurate payment all relevant information must be with Payroll Section on or before Wednesday 2 December 2026.

Next pay date: Thursday 21 January 2027.

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Monthly salary (including Permanent Teachers/casual and supply claims)

Pay dates Tuesday 22 December 2026 and Wednesday 27 January 2027.

To ensure accurate payment all relevant information must be with Payroll Section on or before Wednesday 2 December 2026 and Tuesday 5 January 2027 respectively.

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Please email hr@eastlothian.gov.uk if you have any queries about these deadlines.

Christmas 2026 - last posting dates for UK and international services

Royal Mail Customer Services has confirmed the last posting dates for this Christmas.

Last posting dates for inland services

Date	Service
Friday, 18 December	2nd Class 2nd Class Signed For
Saturday, 19 December	Royal Mail Tracked 48®*
Monday, 21 December	1st Class 1st Class Signed For
Monday, 21 December	Royal Mail Tracked 24®
Wednesday, 23 December	Special Delivery Guaranteed®

Last posting dates are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change by Royal Mail.

International delivery

You can find a list of Royal Mail's published delivery aims in its Country Sending Guide. If you are sending gifts or goods to the USA, please note, that recent changes to customs procedures may affect delivery times. For more details about these changes and how they may affect items you send to the USA, visit the dedicated web page.

To see all the last posting dates please visit Royal Mail's Get ready for Christmas page.

WIN! Two tickets to Peter Pans, the Brunton's panto 2026

If you're looking for the perfect way to kick off the festive season, the Brunton has an exclusive competition to get you in the Christmas mood.

You can win two tickets to Peter Pans at 7pm on Friday 4 or Saturday 5 December at the Brunton Corn Exchange, Haddington.

Join the cast of professional actors and a talented chorus of young local performers for a swashbuckling adventure packed with laughter, favourite songs and magical panto mischief!

To WIN simply complete this phrase to tell us how to get to Neverland:

"Second star to the right, and...."

Send your answer to Inform mailbox (inform@eastlothian.gov.uk) by 5pm on Friday 27 November.

A winning entry from all correct answers received will be selected at random and the winner will be notified by email; their details will be passed to The Brunton marketing team to make necessary arrangements. The winner will be able to choose which performance they wish to attend either 7pm on Friday 4 or Saturday 5 December 2026. The tickets are not transferrable to any other dates and there is no cash alternative.

Armistice Day: two-minute silence at 11am on 11 November

On Wednesday 11 November at 11am, colleagues will join people across the country in observing the traditional two-minute silence, a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made in the past and the importance of peace in the present.

A ceremony will also be held that morning for veterans and those with connections to the armed forces within our council.

Our Armed Forces Champion, Provost John McMillan said: “Each year, Remembrance gives us an opportunity to come together to honour all those who have served and sacrificed, and to reflect on the impact of conflict, both past and present.

“Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day are important moments for communities across East Lothian to come together and reflect on the sacrifices that have been made.

"The two-minute silence is a simple but powerful act of remembrance, connecting generations and reminding us of the importance of working to build a peaceful world. I would encourage everyone to take part wherever they may be at 11am on 11th November.”

Remembrance parades

Communities across East Lothian came together at a series of remembrance parades and services which took place on Sunday, 8 November to honour the service and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in conflict.

Events were held in Pencaitland, Tranent, Elphinstone, Haddington, Ormiston, Prestonpans, North Berwick, Cockenzie and Port Seton, Wallyford, Longniddry, Musselburgh and Inveresk, offering residents the opportunity to reflect and pay tribute to the men and women who have served in the armed forces.

Armed Forces Network

Colleagues who are veterans or who have a connection to the armed forces and have not yet received an invitation can find out more about the special reception on 11 November by emailing armedforcesemployeenetwork@eastlothian.gov.uk

Council-wide collection for East Lothian foodbank

Thanks to everyone who responded to our appeal for volunteers to support a council-wide collection for East Lothian Foodbank in last month's Inform.

Collection points will operate between Monday 23 November to Friday 4 December in the following locations:

• Blindwells Primary School
• George Johnston Centre
• John Muir House - ground floor (revenues), first floor, second floor (PA Hub and Children's Services)
• Penston House - ground floor (reception), first floor (roads and Contact Centre)

The East Lothian Foodbank has suggested the following items for any donations, which will be gratefully received by them and the people they work with:

• tinned soup
• long-life milk or fruit juice
• tinned fruit and vegetables
• tinned meat or fish
• pasta and pasta sauces
• baked beans
• rice
• cereals
• rice pudding or custard
• tea or coffee
• basic toiletries

Look out for posters appearing soon around workplaces soon. 

Could you coordinate a donation point in your area?

We're keen to reach as far as we can across our council. Contact inform@eastlothian.gov.uk and we'll continue to update this list.

Community engagement review, proposed visitor levy and planning decisions: committee round-up

Recent meetings have focused on our council's response to Public Sector Reform proposals, an independent review of community engagement, a proposed visitor levy and to make planning decisions. Papers are available to read online and recording of all public meetings can be found on our public-i system. 

East Lothian Council – 27 October

Independent review of community engagement

The findings of an independent review of our council's approach to community engagement, carried out by Professor Donna Hall CBE, were recently presented to elected members.

The review recognises many of the strengths already in place across East Lothian, including strong community spirit, dedicated council employees, positive partnership working and the important contribution made through structures such as Area Partnerships, community councils and locality planning.

The report also identifies opportunities to strengthen how we work with communities in the future. Key themes include building stronger relationships, supporting greater community influence in decision-making, strengthening partnership working and embedding community engagement more consistently across the organisation.

At the recent full council meeting, elected members noted the review findings and agreed that further work will be undertaken to consider the recommendations, their implications and potential next steps.

This work will involve engagement with council services, elected members, community representatives and partners, and will help inform future discussions on how community engagement continues to develop across the organisation.

A further report setting out proposed responses and recommendations will be brought to a future Council meeting.

East Lothian Visitor Levy

Councillors approved the next phase of work on a potential East Lothian Visitor Levy.

Members voted unanimously to agree to further research and an assessment of all options (including not introducing a Visitor Levy) plus an independent review of evidence and additional economic analysis. 

A draft Visitor Levy Scheme for East Lothian was agreed in June 2026 and a 12-week period of consultation and engagement followed. 

A Visitor Levy offers the potential to generate significant additional investment in the infrastructure, facilities and services that support tourism, enhance the visitor experience and benefit our local communities.  

A further report will be presented to Council at a later date, consolidating the independent review and the council’s assessment work, together with scheme options, recommendations and any further consultation requirements. 

The full report is on our website.

You can read the news article here. 

Planning committee – 3 November

An application for a multi-use community, leisure and entertainment space at Dunbar was approved by East Lothian Planning Committee on Tuesday 3 November.

TheSpace Scotland Community Interest Company applied for the facility on land West of Broxburn, Dunbar – a triangular piece of agricultural land between the A1 and the East Coast mainline, known as Dunbear Point.

Committee members voted unanimously to approve the application with additional conditions including around transport planning, a walking and cycling route and drainage solutions all to be agreed at December Planning Committee. 

The second application was from Harbour Business Centres Ltd for a student residence building at Harbour Point, Newhailes Road, Musselburgh. Planning permission was sought for the demolition of the existing office building and the construction of purpose-built student accommodation. The proposed C-shaped building would be between five and six storeys in height, stepping down to four storeys on the north boundary, with 270 student studios with kitchens and en-suites.

Committee members voted five votes to three to refuse the application. The grounds for refusal were that the scale and design were not in keeping with the area, there was inadequate parking provision, inadequate amenity space and there was noise impact for potential student residents of the development from surrounding uses. 

You can read the full article on our website. 

Housing news: rent consultation begins and Landlord report published

Consultation with tenants ongoing as our landlord report is published.

Landlord report to tenants published

Our latest landlord report to tenants has been published.

Covering 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 the report provides an insight into the work of our housing teams during that period.

Positives include the delivery of 71 new build properties, good performance on emergency and non-emergency repairs and a high level of tenant satisfaction.

New policies and strategies to reduce the number of empty properties and reduce the re-let turnaround times are showing improvements and we will continue this positive work.

Homelessness remains a challenge as we continue to find ourselves in a housing emergency, however the team will continue to do their best to reduce the time people spend in temporary accommodation. 

Read the full report online and the news release here.

Rent consultation process

Council tenants are being asked for their views on a proposed minimum 6.5% increase in rents during 2027/28 as part of our rent consultation for the next financial year. This equates to an average of £6.09 per week and is below last year’s 7% increase.

The resulting investment would allow us to continue to provide housing services and invest in our existing and new council housing. Our rents remain some of the lowest in Scotland for council housing.

All council tenants have been sent a letter or email explaining the proposals for a rent increase for 2027-28 and asking for their feedback. 

The views of tenants and the East Lothian Tenants and Residents Panel (ELTRP) will be considered and a report then taken to the special council meeting in February 2027, when councillors will take a decision on the wider council budget – with the rent increase forming part of that process. 

The consultation runs until Sunday 15 November.

Read the full story on our website. 

 

Seasonal parking charge suspension in three North Berwick car parks

Parking charges are suspended at three car parks in North Berwick as part of seasonal parking management arrangements.

Charging at the Glebe, Imperial and Lodge car parks was suspended on Sunday, 25 October and will not resume until Monday, 29 March 2027.

Under the Traffic Regulation Order, these car parks are free to use during the winter period with charges not applying between the last Sunday in October and the last Sunday in March.

The remaining parking restrictions and charging arrangements introduced in the town on 1 June will continue to operate as normal.

The seasonal charging suspensions at the Glebe, Imperial and Lodge car parks form part of the parking management scheme in North Berwick approved by Council. 

Our officers arranged for the payment machines at these car parks to be switched off and covered until 29 March.

Any impact resulting from this seasonal change, including any effect on parking patterns and displacement, will be monitored.

More information can be found on our North Berwick parking scheme page.

Music, movies and calling all dancing queens! November at the Brunton

This November, The Brunton has an exceptional line-up of programming to get you in the festive spirit. From film to dance and music, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

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In Musselburgh this November, join Amy Karensa and Catriona MacKenzie as they perform a song and piano recital for The Brunton’s Bite-Sized Concert Series. Take a break from life’s hustle and bustle and listen to a programme that traces a path from Romantic to twentieth century song, exploring women’s experiences of love and life through the ages.

Includes works by Robert Schumann, Carl Loewe, and Madeline Dring.

Bite-Sized Concert: Women in Love and Life | Tue 10 Nov at 1:30PM | Northesk Parish Church, Musselburgh

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The Brunton’s Midweek Movies continues in Haddington. Pay what you can for your ticket from £3-£10 and enjoy a great night at the movies!

In plague-ravaged 14^th century England, a peasant triggers a rebellion against King Richard II and unintentionally becomes a legend of resistance. Starring Andrew Garfield, Jamie Bell and Stephen Dillane.

The Uprising (15) | Wed 11 Nov at 7PM | Corn Exchange, Haddington

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The smash-hit Irish music show One Night in Dublin is coming to the Corn Exchange in Haddington! Join whiskey-loving fisherman Danny and his straight-talking wife Rosie for a night of laughter, music and mischief in this brand-new production. Featuring songs from The Pogues, The Dubliners, The Fureys and so many more!

One Night in Dublin | Thu 12 Nov at 7:30PM | Corn Exchange, Haddington

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Calling all Dancing Queens, this is your night to say "Thank You for the Music"! This international extravaganza tribute show brings all of ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The party of the year that you do not want to miss.

Thank You For The Music | Fri 13 Nov at 7:30PM | Corn Exchange, Haddington

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Find the full programme online and book your tickets now: https://www.thebrunton.co.uk/

 

What's on in museums: November

All our museums are FREE to visit. We have some fantastic exhibitions and annual events to look forward to.

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VISIT

John Muir's Birthplace

"Inspiring, interactive and deeply moving, John Muir’s Birthplace connects visitors of all ages with the life, legacy and environmental vision of one of Scotland’s most influential figures."

Visitors say the museum is:

• family-friendly and engaging for all ages
• informative, interactive, and inspiring
• beautifully curated with high-quality displays
• a moving celebration of John Muir’s life and legacy
• a place that inspires care for nature and the environment
• worth returning to and recommending to others

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

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

Free admission.

John Gray Centre

“Welcoming, engaging and full of discovery, the John Gray Centre brings East Lothian’s history to life through fascinating artefacts, inspiring exhibitions and stories that connect past and present.”

Visitors say the centre is:

• welcoming, friendly and accessible
• filled with fascinating artefacts and local stories
• beautifully presented and thoughtfully curated
• engaging for both adults and children
• an excellent place to learn about East Lothian’s history
• full of surprises, with much more to discover than expected
• a rewarding and memorable visitor experience

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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EXHIBITIONS

NEW EXHIBITION: John Muir Country Park 50th Anniversary

Exhibition of photography and reflections by staff, volunteers and junior rangers.

October to December.

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

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

Free admission.

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Cinematic East Lothian

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of East Lothian Libraries’ Local History Centre, this exhibition showcases a brief history of the old picture houses of East Lothian, popular film locations in the county, nostalgic items in the Museum collection as well as items in the private collection of local residents and groups, and screenings of short films with a local history theme. This exhibition aims to evoke treasured memories of Saturday matinees, crowded foyers and nights spent lost in the visual pleasures of the silver screen.

Friday 2 October 2026 to Thursday 8 April 2027

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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NEW DISPLAY: Working Lives at Dunbar Town House

Dunbar’s Town House or Tolbooth is more than 400 years old and touched the lives of many people. Through the Town Council, Police Station, Library, Registrars, Tourist Information, Housing Office, MP & MSP Office, Museum and many more!

Do you know someone who worked here? Have you been to a wedding here? We would love to hear your stories and see your photos.

Step back in time as we help you discover the hidden past of this iconic building.

October to March

Open Saturday 2pm to 4pm courtesy of Dunbar & District History Society.

Free admission.

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

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Place-names of East Lothian: A journey through time

East Linton. This settlement was recorded as Lintun in 1127, which means 'farm by the torrent', from Old English tūn 'substantial farm' and hlynn 'torrent'. The hlynn is the waterfall which tumbles over what are now called the Linn Rocks. By about 1840 the village had become known as East Linton, to distinguish it from Linton in Peeblesshire, now known as West Linton.

Dunbar? Lamer Street? Friarscroft?

What does it mean?

Where did the name come from?

Dunbar and District History Society’s latest exhibition is based on the online publication, Place-names of East Lothian: A journey through time, researched by History Society member Liz Curtis. The exhibition presents a selection of names and their meaning from North Berwick to Dunglass and is supported by artefacts and historical images.

As Liz explains: "Over thousands of years, a succession of different peoples arrived in East Lothian, mostly seeking the excellent agricultural land. They spoke different languages – Brittonic, Old English, Old Norse (Scandinavian), Gaelic, and Norman French. Then Scots developed locally, based on Old English. Each group named the land in their own way. They adopted the place-names of their predecessors or adapted them or created new names. As a result, East Lothian has a wonderfully varied collection of place-names, which illuminate our history."

The full version of the online publication can be found on the Scottish Place-Name Society’s website: https://spns.org.uk

Courtesy of Dunbar and District History Society

Open Saturday 2pm to 4pm.

Free admission.

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

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Events and activities

Family drop in activities

Our museums all have free admission and have drop-in craft activities for families.

                                                                                                                                     

Autumn and Winter museum opportunities

• explore historic records and online exhibitions at johngraycentre.org or pop in for a visit to discover the history of East Lothian in 1000 objects in this innovative, interactive museum at John Gray Centre in Haddington. Uncover how ordinary and extraordinary people earned their living and spent their time from the Stone Age to the present day. Temporary exhibition about local D Day veteran, fisherman, husband, father and great dancer Charlie Horn!
• visit John Muir’s Birthplace and discover how a boy born in Dunbar became one of the driving forces behind the global conservation movement. His life and work continue to inspire people all over the world. Today his legacy helps connect with wellbeing, sustainability and communities. jmbt.org.uk
• explore the woods and grounds of Prestongrange Museums using the mobile phone tour as a guide through 400 years of local industry. The harbour, glass works, pottery, colliery and brickworks have all left their marks on the landscape including winding gear, a vast brick kiln and a Cornish beam engine. eastlothian.gov.uk/prestongrange
• take a tour of Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery with Dunbar & District History Society. The Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century and is home to a local history display and the temporary exhibition about shopfronts. eastlothian.gov.uk/dunbar-town-house. Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER

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Our museums

John Gray Centre (Museum)

15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX.               

Thursday & Friday 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm.

www.johngraycentre.org

John Muir's Birthplace

126 High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.

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

www.jmbt.org.uk

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER.

Saturday 2pm to 4pm courtesy of Dunbar & District History Society.

www.eastlothian.gov.uk/dunbar-town-house

Prestongrange Museum

Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX.

Visitor Centre closed until April 2027.

Site still open for outdoor visits using mobile phone tour.

www.eastlothian.gov.uk/prestongrange

Coastal Communities Museum

School Road, North Berwick, EH39 4JU.

Closed until April 2027.

www.coastalmuseum.org

Musselburgh Museum

65 High St, Musselburgh EH21 7BZ.

Closed until April 2027.

www.coastalmuseum.org

Inspire Awards 2026 - view more photos and a video of the event

Congratulations again to all of our winners and nominees at this year's Inspire Awards, which took place in Haddington's Corn Exchange on Monday, 26 October.

Here's a video of the event and you can also find more photos below.

If you would like copies of any of the photos please drop us an email at inspire@eastlothian.gov.uk

The full list of finalists and winners can be found in October's Inform, available here. 

Here are some more great photos from the evening:

Big ideas and small typos: living with dyslexia

Kari-Ann Johnston and Stevie McKinlay were both mature students at Edinburgh University when they received their dyslexia diagnoses. While Kari-Ann was receiving feedback on spelling and grammar in written work, the potential that Stevie was showing in class discussions wasn’t translating to his essays.

“Diagnosis is a double-edged sword,” Stevie (pictured right) explains. “In some ways I’d always known and it’s good to have an explanation but then you revisit experiences in your past and wonder what life would have been like if you’d had support earlier.”

For Stevie that includes a ‘miserable’ school life at a time when dyslexia was not as well understood as it is today. “That had a big impact on my character; it affects your identity as a learner,” he says.

Despite the challenges associated with dyslexia, Stevie graduated with a First Class honours degree. He brings experience, enthusiasm and a creative approach to any project, a significant advantage in his role as Team Manager – Community Empowerment.

Discovery, invention and creativity 

In fact, researchers from Cambridge University have identified that people with dyslexia have enhanced abilities in certain areas including discovery, invention and creativity.

Creative was not a term Corporate Parenting & Children's Rights Officer Kari-Ann Johnston (pictured right) would have previously used to describe herself, associating it with art and design. However, she’s come to see it as a strength alongside her ability to take deconstruct big ideas into an accessible way is key in her role.

“Dyslexia has given me a visual literacy that I’m grateful for,” she explains. “I can see the pattern connecting legislation, how it connects with theory and then with lived experience. It’s given me real insight.”

Stevie agrees: “One of my big strengths is that I’m very intuitive, having learned to pick up cues from what’s happening around me. In group problem solving situations it can give me an edge because I’m imaginative and won’t necessarily go down the same route as others.”

Focus on strengths and resilience

This focus on strengths is something that Jenny Wright, Knox Academy’s Principal Teacher of Support for Learning is keen to instil in the young people she works with. “We have over a hundred pupils at Knox Academy who are dyslexic,” she explains. “I want them to know that we recognise all their strengths and resilience and are working hard to support them to achieve everything they are capable of.” Both she and Kari-Ann highlight dyslexia as a ‘superpower’ with Jenny adding: “their creativity, ability to problem solve and innovation is something to celebrate.”

Jenny points to the progress that has been made when it comes to understanding dyslexia in learning, and the supports that are now available in schools. Her Support for Learning team holds year-round weekly groups for dyslexic pupils help them to explore strategies to manage homework, classes and exams. She also points to the positive impact that the roll out of one-to-one devices in secondary schools is having for dyslexic pupils. “This has been an amazing step forward for our dyslexic pupils. The accessibility tools on the Chromebooks are really supportive.”

The right tools for the job

Knox Academy recently marked Dyslexia Week in October with awareness-raising activities. The theme for 2026 was The Right Tools for the Job, which aims to highlight all the things that can help people with dyslexia to work and learn at their best.

Dyslexia is a disability so employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to enable employees to carry out their roles. Although there are common traits, dyslexia affects everyone differently and can impact reading and writing, information processing and working memory. This means the adjustments that people may need will also vary and may change when roles and responsibilities do.

It’s something that Jenny is passionate about: “I feel it is my job to help our dyslexic young people for the future. People need to be able to ask for and receive reasonable adjustments that help them work and learn.”

For Kari-Ann, the introduction of Co-Pilot and other AI tools has helped her: “If I’m doing engagement I can use AI and I can be present and more responsive and attuned to what people are saying rather than all the different plates spinning in my head at the same time.” Stevie favours a more old-school approach: “I find it difficult to read and take in information,” he says. “I have to actively read, write down notes and highlight. And I’ve found my brain works much better in the morning.” Extra time to consider information helps although he notes that it’s not always possible.

Stevie and Kari-Ann are open about their dyslexia as evidenced by their email signatures stating ‘I’m #MadeByDyslexia – expect big thinking, small typos and creative grammatical errors’. Although they both intended the signature to explain any errors in their writing using, as Stevie explains “a wee bit of humour”, they’ve found it’s opened-up discussions with colleagues across the council, some of whom have now adopted the same approach.

When asked about what he would tell his younger self, Stevie is reflective. “I was embarrassed and thought there was something wrong with me. I’d now say to talk about it. All the things you think are really important, aren’t. You’ll learn in your own time and in your own way. It won’t hold you back.”

Find out more

Addressing Dyslexia: free online learning modules for teachers 

British Dyslexia Association

Made by Dyslexia

Our first Aspiring Future Leaders graduates

Over the past six months, 24 colleagues have invested in their personal and professional development, strengthening their leadership capabilities, broadening their understanding of effective leadership practice, and building valuable networks across the organisation.

For these graduates, this marks the beginning of the next stage of their leadership journey. Some will continue to develop within their leadership roles, others will progress into new leadership opportunities, and many will remain actively engaged in development initiatives such as our council's Mentoring Programme. 

The Aspiring Future Leaders programme reflects our commitment to developing talent from within, creating opportunities for colleagues to realise their potential and building a strong pipeline of future leaders who will help shape the organisation's success for years to come.

Nicole Mckerracher – Leadership Development Officer praised all of the graduates, saying: "Congratulations and thank you, to all of the graduates for the commitment, enthusiasm and openness you have brought to the pathway. It’s been a pleasure to support you on your leadership development journey, and I am excited to see where it takes you next."

What do the graduates say?

“I joined the programme because I was ready to take the next step in my development and challenge myself in a supportive environment. It has helped me build confidence, connect with colleagues across the organisation, and gain a deeper understanding of leadership. The blend of practical activities, theory and guest speakers brought the learning to life, and I've taken away valuable insights both personally and professionally.

Thanks Nicole and East Lothian Council for giving us the opportunity to be involved and invest in our development.”  

Gail Raselli – Service & Information Officer, Child Services

For more information on what’s available for your Leadership Development visit the dedicated intranet pages.

Roll of honour: 

Congratulations to all graduates:

• Kay Baillie
• David Braid
• Keith Forbes
• Fiona Glass
• Emma Goven
• Isla Haigh
• Alan Halliburton
• Cheyne Hamm
• Janette Horsburgh
• Sarah Jones
• Amy Law
• Sophie McFadzean
• Craig McMillan
• Richard McNeil
• Liana Mihailova
• Lauren Nicolson
• Jennifer Oliver
• Gail Raselli
• Amy Robinson
• Alex Tarasovs
• Arran Waldman
• Chris Wiseman

Tree planting marks 50 years of John Muir Country Park

A commemorative tree planting took place at John Muir Country Park to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of its founding.

The 1763-acre site, which lies near Dunbar and West Barns and stretches across eight miles of coastline, was designated as a Country Park in October 1976.

The park was named in honour of John Muir, the naturalist and conservation pioneer, who was born in Dunbar in 1838 before emigrating to the United States.

Managed by us under an agreement with the landowners, the park is famed for its rich biodiversity and sweeping landscape.

Countryside Rangers were joined by Councillor Colin McGinn and members of the John Muir Advisory Groups for last month’s commemoration event. Representatives from NatureScot, Wild About West Barns, Sustaining Dunbar, the East Lothian Antiquarian and Field Naturalists’ Society, the community councils of Dunbar, West Barns and Dunpender, and other volunteers helped plant three silver birches and two Monterey pines, a tree to represent each decade of the park’s history.

John Muir Country Park is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Ramsar site for its biological, geological and coastal significance.

It is renowned for its array of habitats which include saltmarshes, mudflats, sand dunes, woodlands, scrub, permanent grassland, and both rocky and sandy shorelines.

The park plays home to an abundance of bird life including greenshanks, whimbrels, little tern, kittiwakes, skylarks, lapwings, ringed plovers and gannets. In addition, a variety of insects and other wildlife are supported there while around 400 plant species have been recorded.

John Muir Country Park was registered by the Countryside Commission for Scotland as a Country Park on 12 October 1976 to afford the public’s “enjoyment of the countryside or open-air recreation” under the Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967.

Key location

The park is a key location along the John Muir Way, the long-distance walk between Dunbar and Helensburgh.

John Muir was a naturalist, environmental philosopher, botanist, zoologist and glaciologist who became one of the earliest and most influential advocates for wilderness conservation in the US. Before his death in 1914, his writings and campaigns helped shape the modern conservation movement and played a key part in the creation of several national parks, including Yosemite.

John Muir’s Birthplace museum on Dunbar’s High Street is hosting a new exhibition of photographs to celebrate the park’s anniversary along with reflections from staff, volunteers and Junior Rangers. The free exhibition, which will run until 10 January 2027, is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday between 1pm and 5pm. Find out more about this and other museum events in this month's What's On.

Fully and part funded home energy improvements for homeowners now available in East Lothian

If you own a home in East Lothian, our Home Energy Team could help you make it warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

We have Scottish Government funding to offer fully and part funded home energy improvements for:

• solar panels and battery storage
• cavity and external wall insultation
• loft insulation

This financial year we are concentrating on homes in Tranent and Prestonpans but we are also happy to take enquiries from other areas.

We will help at every step, from advice on what will help your home to funding and arranging the work through one of our trusted contractors.  Our straightforward approach makes the process easy while delivering high-quality workmanship and a warmer home.

You may qualify if you meet one or more of the criteria below:

• own your own home
• live in a Council Tax band A-C property
• have an EPC of D or below*
• spend more than 10% of your net income on fuel costs**

*If you don’t know what your Energy Performance Certificate rating is, we can find out for you.

**Net income is your monthly income minus childcare, energy and mortgage cost. If you’re unsure how to calculate this, we can help.

If you would like more information for yourself or any clients you work with through your council role, contact our Home Energy Team to check eligibility. The application deadline is 31 May 2027.

Email: energyteam@eastlothian.gov.uk

Phone: 01620 827325

Report highlights improvements to recycling services

A new report has highlighted improvements to our council's household recycling services in East Lothian in recent years and the resulting benefits.

The update report presented to Council detailed operational changes, performance successes and environmental initiatives delivered by Waste Services.

New figures showed East Lothian is a UK leader among local authorities in kerbside recycling with the collection system achieving contamination rates below five per cent.

Elected members heard service improvements helped the county attain the third highest recycling rate among Scotland’s 32 councils at 54.3 per cent.

The report also highlighted the contribution of residents who separate recyclable materials prior to collection, increasing their value within recycling markets as well as bolstering environmental sustainability. The disposal cost savings from good recycling practices by householders saved our council around £1.5 million in 2024.

Councillors were told recyclable materials are sold into national markets, generating around £250,000 in annual income to fund our much-needed services.

Since becoming a signatory to the Scottish Government Household Recycling Charter in 2016, our council has introduced significant changes to boost recycling and reduce waste sent for disposal. To comply with the Charter, weekly kerbside recycling collections were brought in for all households in 2021. In April 2024, three weekly residual waste collections were implemented, reducing weekly residual waste capacity from 120 litres to 80 and raising participation in recycling.

Successful recycling

Every domestic household receives 17 non-recyclable waste collections and 52 recycling collections each year, with around 24,000 households benefiting from 24 garden waste collections under the permit scheme introduced in 2024. This amounts to up to 93 collections per property annually, equating to almost 4.4 million individual collections.

In addition, the report outlined a range of our successful recycling programmes.

In 2024, 3296 tonnes of food waste was sent for treatment through anaerobic digestion, a process where organic material is broken down to produce both biogas, which is used to generate renewable energy, and digestate, a nutrient-rich by-product used as an agricultural soil conditioner.

Some 4371 tonnes of paper, card and cardboard were supplied for specialist reprocessing in the same year while 1951 tonnes of mixed cans and plastics were delivered to a Material Recovery Facility for sorting and separation.

Another 3157 tonnes of glass was supplied to a local reprocessor in 2024 where the glass was transformed into filtration media used in water treatment systems, including applications to provide access to clean and safe drinking water in developing countries.

Our recycling centres at Kinwegar, Dunbar and North Berwick record just over 500,000 visits each year while more than 9,000 bulky uplift collection appointments are offered to residents annually.

A Ranger Writes - tar spots and leaf life cycles

Countryside Ranger Richard English talks tar spots and sheds new light on the difference the environment makes to a leaf's life cycle.

If you’re out and about near sycamore trees, take a look at their leaves (which may involve looking at the ground, given the time of year). You’re likely to find that they are covered in black, or very dark brown, spots. These are caused by the tar spot fungus, Rhytisma acerinum. This is a very widespread species, found throughout the UK, Ireland, northern and central Europe and North America. It affects a range of trees belonging to the genus Acer – basically maples and their relatives. This broad distribution has led to the fungus having different names in different places. Here, you might hear it referred to as sycamore tar spot, whereas in America it’s more likely to be called tar spot of maples.

Complex life cycle 

This fungus belongs to a group called the ascomycetes, which don’t produce the classic mushroom-type fruiting body. Instead, the spores are borne in tiny sac-like cells called asci. The tar spot has a very complex life-cycle, which is perfectly adapted to the changing seasons. The tar spot lesions start to form in spring, as spores from the previous year’s fungi colonise young sycamore leaves.

At first, these appear as pale green or yellow patches, which gradually spread. As the summer progresses, these develop into the characteristic black spots, although they often retain a yellow fringe. The darkening of the spots results from the development of fungal tissue known as mycelium, through which the fungus is able to absorb nutrients from the leaf.

During late summer, asexual spores are produced within the lesions, although the purpose of these spores in unclear, as they don’t seem to have any real function in the reproduction of the fungus. I’m sure that the fungus has very good reasons for doing this – we just haven’t sussed them out yet.

An admission  

However, it’s in the autumn and winter that the really cool stuff happens. Cup-shaped bodies, called apothecia, which contain the asci (remember them?) develop within the spots. These apothecia survive the winter on fallen leaves and it’s during this period that sexual spores develop within the asci. As things warm up in the spring, the spores are released, just when there are lots of lovely new sycamore leaves waiting for them.

Right, enough technical stuff and on to an admission. It used to be widely thought that tar spot fungus was indicative of good air quality. This was due to the fungus being rare on urban trees and also, in lab tests, being vulnerable to damage from certain pollutants common in towns, particularly sulphur dioxide. However, it now appears that the absence of tar spot in urban areas is likely due to road sweepers and diligent gardeners clearing away fallen leaves, thus interrupting the life-cycle.

I have to hold my hands up to having told people about the air quality thing in the past – I may have even written about it in these pages in previous articles. It just goes to show that even an old ranger can learn new things.

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

Support for job seekers

Did you know? Our council offers a range of supports for jobseekers.

While these opportunities are primarily aimed at job seekers and prospective candidates rather than existing employees, we recognise that many colleagues may have customers, friends, family members, or others in their communities who are looking for work and could benefit from this support. Please share this information with anybody you feel may benefit from these supports.

Free rail travel for job seekers

Individuals registered with Jobcentre Plus may be eligible for discounted rail travel to support their job search, including:

• two free return train journeys to attend job interviews
• one month of free travel after securing employment

More information is available from ScotRail: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/tickets/railcards/jobcentre-plus-travel-discount-card-scheme

Interview clothing and preparation support for women

There are also organisations that provide free interview clothing, confidence building and interview preparation support for women seeking employment.

 Dress for Success Scotland

• professional interview clothing
• career development and interview support

https://scotland.dressforsuccess.org/about-us/what-we-do/

Smart Works Scotland

• high-quality interview clothing
• one-to-one interview coaching and preparation

https://scotland.smartworks.org.uk/

These services are available to support women who are preparing for interviews or returning to work, helping to reduce barriers to employment and promote greater equality of opportunity.

East Lothian Works

East Lothian Works is our employability service working with East Lothian residents. Services include job search support, interview preparation, sector specific training and qualifications. The teams offered targeted support for young people who have left school and parents as well as adults looking to return to work or upskill. Please contact elworks@eastlothian.gov.uk for further information.

Keeping the Promise - national advisor visits East Lothian

Fiona Duncan, the Independent Strategic Advisor – the promise recently visited East Lothian to find out how the promise is being kept here in East Lothian, including:

• what is working well, and why
• what is proving harder to achieve, and why

The promise, made in 2020, is that all of Scotland’s children and young people will grow up loved, safe and respected - so that they will realise their full potential.

Over 80 recommendations

This was made following the Independent Care Review, which spoke to over 5,500 children and adults with experience of care and members of the paid and unpaid workforce. The Care Review, which was chaired by Fiona Duncan, set out over 80 recommendations on what must be done to overhaul the ‘care system’.

Scotland's then First Minister promised that that the country would implement these recommendations in full, by 2030. That commitment got the support of all the Scottish Parliament, local government, COSLA, corporate parents, the wider public sector, charitable sector, private service providers and others.

Strategic direction

Following the promise being made, Fiona Duncan became the Independent Strategic Advisor. She sets the strategic direction and culture of all work to keep the promise, chairs The Promise Scotland, sustains relationships with Ministers, and gives advice to those who require it.

Fiona’s meeting here is one of 32 she is having across this year. The meetings will help to ensure that local change informs and contributes to national change.

Watch a video from Fiona's visit.

Following the final catch up Fiona will be producing a series of mini reports, linked to Plan 24-30 route maps and the Promise Story of Progress. The mini reports will be her reflections and perspectives on what she has heard. The aim will be to help overcome the barriers, and ensure that where good practice is happening, it can be replicated.

Plan 24-30 is a shared planning framework for Scotland to keep the promise by 2030. It is made up of two parts:

• 25 route maps, which turn the vision of the promise into a deliverable plan by creating clear, measurable outcomes with timebound milestones.
• The Promise Story of Progress, which supports understanding of progress and impact, by answering three questions around:
  • national change (what is shifting over time)
  • organisational learning (how change is happening)
  • the impact on the care community (how change is being felt)

Working hard every day

Fiona said: “I know that there are thousands of people out there working hard every day to keep the promise. But I also know that this can be against a difficult backdrop of slow structural and system change. Being able to hear from them, learn from them, and share that is so important.

“We are over halfway to when the promise must be kept, there is not a minute to waste in creating change, so it’s vital that good practice can be replicated, and barriers can be understood and overcome.”

Find out more: https://www.plan2430.scot/ 

New active travel route set for Prestonpans

A new active travel route to provide safer and more accessible walking, wheeling and cycling between Prestonpans and West Pans is set to begin construction in the New Year.

Made possible by £1.5 million in funding from the Scottish Government, our project will improve connections to local communities, services, public transport and the wider active travel network.

Alongside this work, improvements will take place within Levenhall village to widen the pavements and create better crossing points for pedestrians.

Since its inception in 2024, the scheme has evolved following extensive engagement with residents, businesses, community groups, and public transport operators.

Feedback received during consultation helped shape the final design, with particular attention given to maintaining bus access, minimising impacts on traffic, preserving local views and ensuring the route is suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

Climate change objectives

The final design for the West Pans to Prestonpans Active Travel Route includes:

• improved walking, wheeling and cycling facilities along the B1348 corridor from West Pans to Prestongrange Road, Prestonpans
• a new Toucan crossing for pedestrians and cyclists in Prestonpans, close to the Bowling Club
• enhanced links and infrastructure improvements between Levenhall roundabout and Prestonpans
• connections to National Cycle Network Route 76 and the John Muir Way along with the proposed Musselburgh Active Toun scheme
• improved access to bus stops and community facilities

We're developing and delivering the project in partnership with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, with support from lead consultants AECOM. It will play an important role in expanding East Lothian's active travel network, helping to support meeting our climate change objectives.

Subject to final approvals and procurement processes, construction is expected to begin in January 2027 and continue for around four months. The work will be undertaken under traffic-light control for short stretches, and only one set of lights will be in operation at any time.

The finalised construction programme will be shared later this year.

Capital Credit Union – a safe, ethical way to save and borrow

Looking for practical ways to make your money work harder? We're delighted to share details of two upcoming webinars from Capital Credit Union, designed to help employees improve their financial wellbeing and make informed decisions about saving and borrowing.

Who are Capital Credit Union?

As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial co-operative, Capital Credit Union provides competitive loans, mortgages, savings products including ISAs, and secure online and mobile banking. Membership is easy to apply for online or via the app.

Capital Credit Union has supported East Lothian employees for more than 35 years, offering a safe, affordable and ethical alternative to high street banks and high-cost lenders. Through the payroll savings scheme, employees can save from as little as £5 per month, deducted directly from salary. Our employees also have access to preferential borrowing rates on products such as the Christmas Loan.

Join a webinar

These forthcoming webinars are a great opportunity to learn more about the services available and how membership could benefit you and your family. The sessions will cover topics such as:

•  the advantages of joining a credit union
• ways to save via Payroll
• affordable borrowing options – mortgages and loans
• how payroll savings schemes work
• practical tips for managing your finances

The webinars will take place over Teams:

• Tuesday 17 November: 12.30pm
• Wednesday 25 November: 4.00pm

 To request a link to the Teams webinar, please email hwl@eastlothian.gov.uk

Reservist's leave: how to request and approve time off

Reservists' time off requests can now be processed through MyHR after 'Reservist's leave' was added to the system.

The policy allows for a maximum of 15 working days paid leave per year to attend the Annual Camp and/or training. Any further request for approved time off beyond 15 days will be unpaid.

Reservists in receipt of pay from the MoD during any council-approved paid time off work for training and Annual Camp must inform their line manager and HR of the amount of pay and this will be offset against their council pay for the duration of paid leave authorised for Annual Camp and/or training.

However, should Reservists choose to take Annual Leave from work for the purposes of attending Reservist training no offset of council salary will be made.

Managers can process and approve Reservist leave requests through MyPeople in the same way as special leave.