Mercat Cross - Prestonpans

Population: 7,014

Bonnie Prince Charlie, the young pretender tried to regain the British Throne for the Stuart dynasty. General John Cope led the government forces and, according to the East Lothian farmer and poet, Adam Skirving … Cope sent a challenge frae Dunbar: Charlie, meet me an ye daur, An’ I’ll learn ye the art o’ war, If ye’ll meet me i’ the mornin’.Come follow me my merry men, said the prince and set out for Edinburgh.

Prestonpans lies on a gentle slope which rises from the seashore to the slight ridge which is occupied by the main line Edinburgh to London railway.

It derives its name from the Monks of Holyrude and Newbattle who erected pans on the sea shore to manufacture salt. For a long time its ecclesiastical name was Salt Preston. The most ancient name, however, seems to have been Aldhammer, but this was lost to that of Prestow, Prieston and Preston.

In the past the area relied heavily on coal mining in the past. Other industries were also important in the town, including the salt works, soap- making, brewing, brick-making and pottery.

Many important people have visited Prestonpans. In 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie claimant to the throne of Scotland, came with his Jacobite army and soundly defeated the government army at Prestonpans. And in 1777, Sir Walter Scott, aged six, stayed in Prestonpans for a holiday and to indulge in sea bathing.

Prestonpans is also home to some impressive examples of historic architecture. Preston Tower is the one time seat of the Hamiltons of Preston. The gardens of this 15th century tower house and doocot have been restored with elements of 17th & 18th century Scottish Gardens. The Mercat Cross is the only one of its kind in Scotland which remains in its original form and location. The Memorial to the Battle of Prestonpans is in the form of a modest mason built cairn, and sited close to the Battle site near Meadowmill.

On the outskirts of the town is Prestongrange Industrial Heritage Museum. The museum contains exhibitions on mining as well as equipment from its working days including steam trains. It also houses a magnificent Cornish Beam Engine of 1874.

Prestonpans has excellent communications with Edinburgh - 14 miles by rail, a little longer by road.