Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to East Lothian this weekend for four events: the AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield, Gullane from 4-7 August; Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick from 5-14 August; North Berwick Highland Games & Parade on Saturday 6 August and Gullane Children’s Games on Saturday 6 August.

For the AIG Women’s Open, arrangements are in place to enhance road user safety including a 30mph speed restriction on the A198 and some parking restrictions in Dirleton, Longniddry and Aberlady.

To support the use of sustainable travel and public transport a free shuttle bus service will operate between Longniddry railway station and the venue on each day of the tournament and scheduled bus services (X5 and 124) will stop near the entrance.

While use of public transport is encouraged to minimise traffic congestion, those spectators traveling by car will find parking at Muirfield Fields on the A198 just outside Gullane, a short walk from the venue.  

In more detail, traffic restrictions are:

  • There will be no parking, loading or unloading on Aberlady High Street, the B1377 at Longniddry (past the train station), part of the A198 at Gullane, and part of Main Road (B1345) and Village Green Road in Dirleton between 6am and 11pm from August 4-7.
  • There will be no parking, loading or unloading at key times on some other roads in these villages, including Kitchener Crescent and Wemyss Terrace, Longniddry.
  • A temporary 30mph speed limit will be in place on parts of the A198 at Dirleton and Gullane and the A198 and B1377 at Longniddry from August 4-7. 

For North Berwick Highland Games, part of Dunbar Road will be closed on Saturday 6th August from 7am to 9pm as well as parking suspensions on Lochbridge Road, Dundas Road, Lady Jane Road, St Baldred’s Road and Greenheads Road. For the parade, there will be road closures and traffic control from 7-9pm on Quality Street, Market Place, Church Road, West End Place, Westgate, Forth Street, Dunbar Road, East Road and High Street.

For Gullane Children’s Games Parade, there will be traffic control on Saturday 6th August from 1.30-2.15pm on Saltcoats Road, Main Street and Middleshot Road.

For Fringe by the Sea, events are centring around the Lodge Grounds and there will be a parking suspension on part of the eastbound side of St Baldred’s Road and part of the eastbound side of St Baldred’s Crescent from 5-14 August.

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “It’s fantastic that these hugely popular events are returning in full swing to Gullane and North Berwick this weekend – and of course Fringe by the Sea will continue until the 14th August. East Lothian Council has been working closely with the event organisers and partner agencies including Police Scotland to ensure local residents are kept informed and that visitors to these events are aware of restrictions and alternative travel options.

“We are aware that there will be some inevitable disruption to normal routines for local residents but we hope they will also enjoy these events returning to their doorsteps and the inevitable boost they will bring to our East Lothian economy.”

More information about access to the events and travel options are available on the event websites:

Fringe by the Sea

AIG Women's Open

North Berwick Highland Games

Facebook - @GullaneGames

Also worth noting is the Rs 400 National Dinghy Championships will take place 8-12 August with setup starting on Elcho Beach, North Berwick, from Friday 5th August. East Lothian Yacht Club - RS400 Nationals 2022 (elyc.org.uk)

 

Published: Wednesday, 3rd August 2022