East Lothian Council

In My Area

EnergyFor details of local organisations, services and facilities in your area, simply enter your postcode or keywords below. Using your postcode, you can find information on what's available within a 10-mile radius of your address.

For a historical profile of East Lothian's main towns, see the individual town entries on this page. If you can't find what you're looking for, try using the website search at the top of the page or email webteam@eastlothian.gov.uk for help.


In My Area Directory

Musselburgh

Musselburgh is situated at the mouth of the River Esk and derives its name from the extensive mussel beds which lie along its shore on the Firth of Forth. Known locally as 'The Honest Toun,' it dates back almost 2,000 years to when the invading Roman army built a fort on Inveresk Hill.


Haddington

Haddington was established as a royal burgh in the 12th century during the reign of King David I of Scots and is one the most attractive and unspoilt market towns in the country. East Lothian Council's head office and the Sheriff Court are located here.

Tranent

One of the most ancient towns in East Lothian, Tranent lies 10 miles east of Edinburgh and 7 miles from Haddington, The town is built on a gentle slope, about 300 feet above the level of the sea, and about a mile and a quarter from the estuary of the Forth.


Prestonpans

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 seashore to manufacture salt.

Cockenzie and Port Seton

The burgh of Cockenzie was created in 1591 by King James VI. Between 1655-65 George Seton, the eleventh Lord Seton, built the first harbour at Port Seton, using this name to distinguish it from the harbour at Cockenzie.

Dunbar

Dunbar became a royal burgh in 1370 with special trading rights. Its ruined castle by the harbour testifies to its importance in the Middle Ages as a fortified town but this did not prevent the English from burning it twice in the 16th century and Oliver Cromwell's army occupying it in the 17th century after the Battle of Dunbar.

North Berwick

North Berwick is a fishing and trading port dating back to 1373 when it became a royal burgh. Today, it is a favourite destination for visitors drawn by its magnificent coastline, golf courses and the Scottish Seabird Centre.

East Lothian Council, John Muir House Haddington East Lothian EH41 3HA.