Exclusive staff discount for The Brunton's festive panto

Colleagues can enjoy £5 off full-price tickets for selected performances of Peter Pans at The Brunton this December.

Don't miss out on your opportunity to join in the festive fun at this East Lothian institution.

Views sought on latest Musselburgh Active Toun proposals

A public consultation is seeking views on proposed active travel improvements between Musselburgh’s Fisherrow Harbour and Links View.

The proposals form part of our Musselburgh Active Toun (MAT) project which aims to deliver safer and more accessible walking, wheeling and cycling connections.

The concept designs for the section between Fisherrow Harbour and Links View are focused on enhancing the functionality, accessibility and overall experience of this much‑loved area.

The MAT team is seeking feedback on the proposals, with residents, businesses, visitors, harbour users and those with an interest in Musselburgh’s waterfront and travel network encouraged to get involved.

Anyone wishing to take part in the consultation can visit the project website until 16 September to explore the designs and complete the online survey at https://bit.ly/MusselburghActiveToun

Developed with input from the Fisherrow Harbour and Seafront Association, the proposals are intended to create a more welcoming and user‑friendly environment while preserving the harbour’s distinctive character.

A key feature is the widening of the Promenade coastal path to provide more space for shared use. Adjacent landscaping would also be improved, with a new footway at Links View, new seating areas, and additional planting to create a more attractive environment.

This section lies on Route 3 of the wider MAT scheme which would create a high-quality active travel link between Fisherrow Harbour and Prestongrange.

Find out more about our Active Travel projects online.

Transport Secretary visits new access path at Dunbar Railway Station

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn visited a new path providing access to Dunbar Railway Station from the south of the town.

The project aimed to make it easier and safer for people to walk or cycle to the station, while improving accessibility and encouraging more sustainable travel choices.

We carried out works on a section of pathway on our land to the south of the railway boundary, including landscaping. Network Rail completed works earlier this year on its land to connect the path to the southern platform.

The Scottish Government fully funded both sets of improvements with £652,000 through their Active Travel Infrastructure Fund.

Mr Flynn was joined during his visit on 19 August by Council Leader Norman Hampshire, Provost John McMillan, and our Chief Executive Laurence Rockey.

Several local residents who regularly use the station also attended along with Liam Sumpter, Managing Director at Network Rail Scotland, and a number of our officers including Tom Reid, Head of Infrastructure, Keith Dingwall, Head of Development, and Senior Roads Officer Morag Haddow.

As well as the creation of the new path, the gate into the station at the southern platform was widened and a fence added to prevent access onto the railway line for safety. In addition, covered cycle parking was installed.

New workforce travel survey to launch this month

Our council will be running a new workforce travel survey to help colleagues find the fastest, most affordable and sustainable way to reach work.

The survey, now in its third year, also provides vital data to assist us in planning for our workforce at individual sites and measuring our environmental impact.

This year the survey will run from Monday, 21 September until Friday, 2 October.

We are once again partnering with local firm Calcommuter, which provides an individual travel plan for all staff who complete the survey and energy saving tips for those working from home.

We will survey the same 12 key work sites we did last year for consistency. Even if you’ve taken the survey previously, we recommend you do so again to check for updated bus and train timetables.

The survey providing a free travel plan takes only takes five minutes to complete. Please scan the QR code below or visit: https://link.calcommuter.co.uk/ELC

The work sites being surveyed sites are:

• Dunbar Grammar School
• John Muir House
• Kinwegar Waste Services Depot
• Knox Academy & Meadowpark CP Unit
• Musselburgh Grammar School
• North Berwick High School
• Penston House
• Preston Lodge High School
• Ross High School & The Brae
• Wallyford Primary School & Nursery
• Wallyford Learning Campus (e.g. Rosehill High School / The Brae / Community Centre)
• Windygoul Primary School

What do colleagues receive? 

• A free personalised travel plan: Your suggested route to work is unique for your commute, and could save you time and money
• Advice and tips on home working: Review our council’s home working policies to ensure you’re working optimally and receiving adequate support
• Reduce your carbon footprint: The survey will identify if there is a more sustainable way for you to get to work, such as public transport or cycling. Taking a sustainable commute, even occasionally, can help reduce East Lothian’s emissions and support our council’s climate change goals

How will we use the data?

We use this data to report on greenhouse gas emissions from our staff commuting to work. It’s important we take responsibility for our colleagues’ travel arrangements as we look to reach net zero emissions by 2045.

We will also carry out analysis on travel times and viable alternatives for colleagues to inform our Staff Travel Plan and Local Transport Strategy.

Answering the survey helps us plan for our workforce and target support at work sites where staff commute often or from further afield.

Employee survey results published

Thank you to all 2,329 colleagues who shared their views in response to our employee survey, helping to provide us with a comprehensive picture of what it’s like to work at our council.

Your feedback helps us understand what is working well, where we need to improve and, most importantly, where we need to focus our efforts to make a positive difference for employees and the communities we serve.

What you told us

The results show many positive aspects. Our strongest scores relate to employees' experiences within their teams and with their line managers. This suggests that employees generally feel supported, engaged and valued by those they work with every day.

Some of the key highlights include:

• 94.9% of employees said they are clear about their role and responsibilities
• 90.6% said their team works well together
• 89.1% feel listened to by their line manager
• 88% feel supported by their line manager to do their job well
• 84.2% would recommend our organisation as a good place to work

These results reflect the commitment, professionalism and teamwork demonstrated across our organisation every day.

The survey and accompanying comments also highlighted areas where employees would like to see improvements such as:

• workload and staffing pressures
• career progression and development opportunities
• tools, systems and technology to support work
• communication and visibility from senior leaders
• feeling informed about decisions that affect employees
• recognition, wellbeing and organisational support

While these scores show where improvement is needed, they also provide a clear opportunity for us to focus our efforts on the issues that matter most to employees.

Many colleagues took the time to share detailed comments and suggestions. In response to the question ‘what one thing would you change about East Lothian Council if you were Chief Executive?’, 1,109 suggestions were submitted for Laurence to review, with all the themes emerging from the responses being clear and consistent.

The main priorities identified for change identified were:

• improve senior leadership communication and transparency - employees want clearer communication from senior leadership, greater transparency around decision-making and a better understanding of council priorities and finances
• strengthen leadership visibility - there were calls for senior leaders to be more visible, accessible and connected with front-line employees
• invest in employees - employees would like more access to training, development and career progression opportunities, together with stronger recognition and retention initiatives
• reduce bureaucracy and improve efficiency - many employees highlighted the need to simplify processes, reduce unnecessary administration and improve digital systems and technology
• address workforce pressures - employees highlighted the need to ensure staffing levels and resources keep pace with growing demands and workloads
• enhance the ‘One Council’ culture - many responses focused on improving collaboration across services, reducing silo working and strengthening our collective approach to delivering outcomes.

As part of the survey, respondents were also invited to vote for a local organisation to receive £500 through supplier Community Benefit funding. We're pleased to confirm that East Lothian Foodbank received the highest number of votes and will receive the donation.

What happens next?

Over the coming weeks, Service Managers will share their team results with colleagues. Each service will identify three specific actions based on their results, to help drive real change. Progress against these actions will be reviewed by the Corporate Leadership Team every six months. There will be clear accountability and follow-through to ensure improvements are delivered.

Our Chief Executive, Laurence, will be responding directly to the main themes raised through the survey and comments in a separate video update – look out for this being published in due course.

Thank you once again to everyone who took the time to complete the survey and share their experiences, ideas and suggestions. Your feedback provides a strong foundation for meaningful action, and we are committed to ensuring that the results help us to build on our strengths, address the challenges identified and ensure East Lothian Council continues to be a great place to work and deliver valued services for our communities.

Hayley Barnett, Head of Corporate Support

Coming soon: a new way to access HR support

A new HR Service Desk will launch later this year making it easier for colleagues and managers to access HR and payroll support, submit requests and track progress in one convenient place.

Designed to simplify all aspects of managing HR and payroll, the new Service Desk will provide a modern, user-friendly way to access support while creating a platform for future service improvements across our council.

Why is the HR Service Desk being introduced?

HR enquiries are currently received through a variety of channels, including email, phone, Teams messages and shared mailboxes. Although support is offered, having a number of routes can make it difficult to provide a consistent experience and efficiently track requests.

The new HR Service Desk will bring these channels together into a single platform making it easier for employees to access support and ensuring enquiries are managed more effectively.

What will the new system offer?

The HR Service Desk will become the primary point of access for HR and payroll enquiries, requests and incidents. Through the Service Desk, you'll be able to:

• submit HR and payroll requests and queries in one place
• track the progress of your request from start to finish
• access self-service information and support resources
• easily provide feedback on your experience

The Service Desk will sit alongside existing systems such as MyHR and MyPeople, which will continue to play an important role. The new platform is designed to complement these services by providing a more streamlined way to access HR and payroll support.

What benefits will it offer?

The new service desk will:

• make it easier for employees with or without a council login to submit and manage HR and payroll enquiries
• pre-populate requests and forms with employee information, reducing manual input
• use smarter forms to capture the right information first time

Opportunities for further improvement

The HR Service Desk will also help the team better understand the types of support employees need and the demand for HR services. This insight will help to identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce administration and continue enhancing the support they provide.

What's next?

Work is already underway on the system prepare guidance and training materials.

This first phase of the Service Desk rollout will focus on HR and payroll services, with a new IT service desk to follow and the potential for additional services to be introduced in future as part of a wider organisation-wide solution.

Updates will be shared as the project progresses with more information ahead of the launch.

Further information

For further information or questions about the project, please contact hr@eastlothian.gov.uk.

 

New Musselburgh office opens its doors

A new customer services office opened to the public in Musselburgh last week on Thursday, 27 August.

A decision was made last year to close and mothball the Brunton Hall, due to the presence of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) which is unaffordable to repair.

The Musselburgh customer services and community housing teams will now be working from their new location of 141 High Street, the former Citizens Advice Bureau.

The new office opened at 11am on 27 August. Opening hours thereafter will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9am to 5pm, Wednesday 10am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4pm.

The Brunton is now closed to the public.

A number of teams have already been relocated to alternative accommodation, with the Brunton Theatre Trust relocating its main base to the Corn Exchange in Haddington while continuing to provide high quality cultural experiences in Musselburgh with a programme of events primarily at Northesk Church and Loretto Theatre.

Meanwhile, we’re progressing with work to ensure future accommodation for the arts in Musselburgh by exploring opportunities to finance a replacement of the Brunton Hall. The focus is on finding an affordable solution for alternative accommodation to maintain all the associated cultural, economic and social benefits that has been delivered at the Brunton Hall over many years.

Range of issues considered at Council meeting

The parking management scheme in North Berwick and the potential development of a data centre in Cockenzie were among the issues considered at a recent Council meeting.

Elected members also approved a move to phone-free classrooms and the creation of new specialist provisions in three schools for pupils with complex Additional Support Needs (ASN).

In addition, the meeting on 25 August received an update on the significant financial pressures affecting local governments across Scotland, including our council.

Parking management in North Berwick:

Elected members approved the commissioning of an independent review of the scheme which was introduced in the town on 1 June.

The review will be conducted by expert researchers from the University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde to provide an evidence-based assessment of the scheme during its first year of operation.

The review will evaluate the impact on parking demand, travel behaviour, economic activity, congestion and road safety. Researchers will draw on a wide range of data to determine what changes have occurred as a result of the implementation of parking charges.

A report setting out their findings and any recommendations is scheduled to be presented to Council in June 2027.

More info: https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/news/2026/independent-review-set-north-berwick-parking-management-scheme

Potential data centre:

An update on progress towards the potential development of a new data centre on part of the former Cockenzie Power Station site was considered at the meeting.

While discussions remain at a very early stage, work is continuing between our council and Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL) to explore the opportunity and assess how the site could support a major investment in the county.

The former power station site has been identified as one of Scotland’s most suitable locations for this type of development due to its existing grid infrastructure, brownfield status and proximity to significant renewable energy resources.

More info: https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/news/2026/councillors-receive-update-potential-data-centre

Mobile phones in schools:

Our council’s classrooms will be phone-free after new guidance was approved.

Mobile phones will not be permitted for children in primaries 1 to 3. Lockable storage boxes in primary 4 to 7 classrooms and secure storage in all secondary classrooms will store phones during lesson times. 

The guidance was developed following widespread consultation with parents and carers, pupils and staff, and taking account of Scottish Government’s vision for ‘respectful and responsible use of mobile technology’.

More info: https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/news/2026/east-lothian-schools-go-phone-free

ASN expansion plans:

Elected members agreed to progress projects to improve new ASN provision at Law Primary School in North Berwick along with Stoneyhill Primary and Musselburgh Grammar schools in Musselburgh.

The provisions to accommodate growing number of children and young people with complex ASN will create 122 new schools spaces across 14 classrooms.

Demand for specialist ASN provision in East Lothian rose by 132% from 2020 to 2025.

Members heard that our existing specialist estate at Dunbar, Sanderson’s Wynd, Windygoul primary schools and Knox Academy, Rosehill and Ross High schools are almost at capacity.

More info: https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/news/2026/councillors-approve-school-asn-expansion-plans

Financial update:

The update highlighted the need to manage council budgets carefully and effectively due to financial pressures.

Elected members heard that while demand for key services such as children’s services, social care and support for vulnerable residents continues to rise, our council remains on track to manage its overall budget position through strong financial controls and ongoing efficiency measures.

The report emphasised that most savings agreed for 2026/27 have already been delivered or are actively being progressed.

Scottish Government funding secured during the year is supporting national policy commitments, while council tax income and careful management of staffing budgets are helping to offset some service pressures.

More info: https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/news/2026/financial-update-presented-councillors

Upcoming meetings:

Cabinet – Tuesday, 8 September at 10am

Policy and Performance Review Committee – Thursday, 17 September at 10am

East Lothian Licensing Board – Thursday, 24 September at 10am

One Council Partnership Fund to support local groups

New funding awards will be made from our One Council Partnership Fund (OCPF) to local community groups, charities and third sector organisations.

The application window for this year’s grant funding opened on 1 September and closes on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

OCPF funding enables our council to support community organisations in their work to help to reduce inequalities and make East Lothian a better place to live.

The focus of the 2027/28 funding awards will be to support initiatives and activities which:

• address inequalities and the impact of poverty, including health inequalities
• reduce social isolation for vulnerable children, young people and adults
• support prevention and early intervention activities across all age groups   
• provide more youth work opportunities for our children and young people
• respond to the Climate Emergency
• promote volunteering

The One Council Partnership Fund issued over £1.3 million in grants for 2026/27 to more than 30 groups across East Lothian.

Projects funded last year include vital support around inequalities for children, young people and families through the work of The Pennypit Community Development Trust in the Preston, Seton and Gosford and Fa’side areas, and First Step who work to secure a better future for children and families in the Musselburgh area.

Our council is also pleased to be partnering with East Lothian Foodbank, recognising its critical part in supporting those facing the impacts of poverty - both in and out of work - in our communities, and engaging with The Ridge who undertake work to support a range of community needs in the Dunbar area.

Further information on the OCPF is available on our website. 

Pet Crematorium plans approved

Planning Committee met earlier this week and approved plans for a pet crematorium at Boggs Holdings, Pencaitland. 

The application was for a change of use of agricultural land at 32 Boggs Holdings to form a pet cremation facility and associated works including an above-ground gas tank. Planning permission was granted retrospectively in 2025 for the change of use of agricultural land and buildings to business use on part of the site. 

The applicant stated that the nearest comparable facility is in the Borders which requires an approximate 64-mile round trip. The plans include an office building to be used as an admin space for the business, along with a private room to allow pet owners a space to spend with their pets. A maximum of four cremations a day would take place on an appointment only basis. The business would initially employ two members of staff with potential for further employees. Hours of operation would be 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

A total of nine letters of objection were received, raising concerns including the introduction of combustion-based industrial process into a rural hamlet; the generation of traffic and emissions incompatible with the rural setting and the proximity to neighbouring properties and the applicants’ own holiday let. 

Following a debate, members voted eight to two to approve the plans, with an amendment to a condition that details of the fuel source are to be submitted and that diesel will not be permitted.

The application number is 26/00474/P.