Resilient Communities workshop hailed a success

Our Emergency Planning and Resilience Team welcomed almost 50 participants to a Resilient Communities exercise and workshop held in Garvald last month.

The event brought together council employees together with community representatives, partner organisations and voluntary agencies to share information, build connections and help strengthen community resilience across East Lothian. Attendees included representatives from community councils and resilience groups from Garvald, Gifford, Dunbar, West Barns, Stenton, Pencaitland, North Berwick, Cockenzie and Port Seton, Longniddry, Musselburgh, Wallyford, Ormiston and surrounding rural areas.

Participants took part in a practical missing person exercise led by Borders Search and Rescue, providing valuable insight into the challenges faced by emergency responders and the role communities can play in supporting local resilience efforts. Presentations were also delivered by the Met Office, Scottish Gas Networks (SGN) and ScottishPower Energy Networks (SPEN), highlighting how organisations work together during severe weather and power disruption incidents. The British Red Cross, Lothian 4x4 Response and Salvation Army were also on hand to showcase the support they provide during emergencies.

Scott Kennedy, Emergency Planning and Resilience Team Manager, said: “The workshop highlighted the vital contribution that community resilience groups make in helping local people prepare for, respond to and recover from unexpected events. By bringing together communities, partner agencies and volunteers, the event provided an opportunity to share knowledge, build relationships and raise awareness of the practical steps communities can take to become more resilient.

“As weather-related and other emergency incidents continue to present challenges, strong local resilience groups remain an important part of East Lothian's ability to support communities and work effectively with partner organisations when help is needed most. The Garvald workshop was a positive step in ensuring communities are better prepared and connected for the future.”

Opportunity to help shape future of facilities

We're seeking views on whether community organisations may be interested in taking on a greater role in the management of some buildings through long-term community benefit leases or, where appropriate, community asset transfer arrangements.

As part of our Place Making Project, we are keen to see high-quality, well-used community facilities continuing to operate across the local area.

As result of a paper approved by elected members in October 2025, officers were asked to engage with local communities to explore options for the future management and operation of a number of community centres and village halls, as well as Haddington Town House and Dunbar Town House.

The first of two public engagement exercises, which seeks views on a range of potential operation models, is now underway. This gives people the opportunity to share their views. The feedback received during the engagement will help inform a report to a council meeting on completion of the engagement.

These facilities play an important role in supporting local communities and the engagement provides an opportunity to hear thoughts about how buildings can continue to be sustained and thrive in the future.

The first engagement exercise, which runs until 31 December 2026, focuses on North Berwick Community Centre; Gullane Recreation Hall; Pennypit Centre, Prestonpans; Port Seton Centre.

A second engagement exercise, planned from 18 January 2027 to 26 April 2027, will focus on Macmerry Village Hall; Ormiston Community Centre; Haddington & Nungate Community Centre; Whitecraig Village Hub; Longniddry Community Centre; Prestonpans Community Centre; Dunbar Town House; Haddington Town House; Trevelyan Hall, Pencaitland.

Get involved

Engagement events will be held on the following dates:

Monday, 26 October (2pm and 7pm) – Gullane Recreation Hall

Tuesday, 27 October (2pm and 7pm) – North Berwick Community Centre

Tuesday, 10 November (2pm and 7pm) – Pennypit Centre, Prestonpans

Tuesday, 17 November (2pm and 7pm) – Port Seton Centre

Anyone who wishes to attend an engagement event is asked to contact us in advance by email: placemakingproject@eastlothian.gov.uk

Find out more.