Ground has been broken to commence the construction of a shared-use pathway around East Lothian Community Hospital, part of a new alignment for the National Cycle Network Route 76.
East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership Chief Officer Fiona Wilson was joined by Council Leader Norman Hampshire and Carole Patrick, Portfolio Director at Sustrans Scotland to officially ‘break ground’ to commence the construction of a shared-use pathway around East Lothian Community Hospital. 
The ‘Haddington Hospital Southern Boundary Path’ forms part of a new alignment for National Cycle Network Route 76 which will replace 900m of the current on-road section with an off-road path. The project will create a safer, more attractive route for people walking, wheeling and cycling in Haddington and improve access to the hospital. It will also form part of a circular path around the hospital grounds for patients, visitors, hospital staff and the public to enjoy.
The development project also includes the addition of inclusive seating to encourage new users and provide rest areas; regeneration of unloved space in line with community feedback; the provision of additional cycle storage facilities; and the opportunity for enhanced arts and landscaping ventures, ensuring a valuable space is provided for all ages.
The Haddington Hospital Southern Boundary Path Project is being supported by funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Network Development Fund and delivered in partnership with NHS Lothian and East Lothian Council, via appointed contractor Morrison Construction.
Today’s ‘groundbreaking’ milestone marks a significant step forward for the project which has been on the cards for some time, having undergone numerous public engagement and consultation cycles. Regrettably the pandemic delayed the project’s commission start date, however East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership is delighted to be bringing this project back on track and putting the wheels in motion.
The Haddington Hospital Southern Boundary Path will create a 3.5m wide route from the end of the existing railway line at Longniddry, under the Alderston Road Bridge and along the southern boundary of the Community Hospital. The project will also create links to both the front and rear access points of the hospital. At the eastern end, the path connects with a recently constructed shared-use route which travels along Hospital Road and on to Station Road. After construction has finished, the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the path will be managed by East Lothian Council.
Carole Patrick, Portfolio Director at Sustrans Scotland, said: “We are very pleased to see work starting on this new, off-road section of National Cycle Network Route 76.
“When complete, the Haddington Hospital Southern Boundary Path will enable all residents and visitors to the area to safely walk, wheel and cycle to Haddington Community Hospital, as well as linking with the local school, housing, and wider employment opportunities.”
“The path will also create a direct connection between Haddington and Longniddry train station, which we hope will encourage people to leave the car at home and choose active travel for more of their everyday journeys”.
Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership adds, “We are delighted that the building of this eagerly anticipated shared use pathway is about to commence. We would like to thank Sustrans, Transport Scotland and our colleagues in NHS Lothian for all of the planning and public engagement activities that have taken place in preparation for today’s groundbreaking.
We very much look forward to opening up the hospital grounds for the benefit of patients, visitors and the local community, providing a safer, more active way to travel in and around Haddington.