Population: 5,499
The burgh or barony of Cockenzie was created in 1591 by James VI. Cockenzie's name derives from Scottish Gaelicperhaps 'CULCHOINNICH' or more likely 'Cùl Choinnich'
- the nook of Kenneth - while near at hand the place name Preston shows that a religious settlement had a farm there. Between 1655-65 George Seton, Eleventh Lord Seton, built the first harbour at Port Seton. It was called Port Seton to distinguish it from Cockenzie Harbour and thus the village of Port Seton got its name.
Cockenzie itself has grown out of a small fishing village, lying in an area of much historical interest. On one side Seton Palace (replaced in the late 18th century by Seton Castle) was frequented by Mary Queen of Scots and on the other, Prestonpans, was the site of the famous Battle of the same name.
Seton Collegiate Church is an important ecclesiastical monument of the late 15th century with a fine vaulted apse. Cockenzie Power Station was officially opened in May 1968. Cockenzie was chosen as there were ample supplies of coal nearby, ready access by rail and an abundance of cold seawater.
Once a thriving fishing port, Cockenzie and Port Seton still has a fishing industry today, but on a much smaller scale. Like Prestonpans, Cockenzie was also a centre for mining and salt-making with the harbour used to export coal mined from the pits around Tranent.
Recent environmental improvements made to the coastal walkway and harbours help make Cockenzie and Port Seton a popular place for day trippers and holiday makers. There is also a modern caravan site at Seton Sands.
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