Irene Tait has been a member of Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council for around 30 years, the last 18 of which she has served as Chair.
Although Irene is standing down at this election she believes there are lot of people in the town with great ideas who can take the community council forward.
“There can be challenges and it’s entirely voluntary but there have been some really good times,” she says. “In Musselburgh, we have led on the organisation of a lot events which have really brought the community together.”
Helping others
Irene looks back fondly on the many events which she and fellow community councillors have been involved with over the years.
“The community council has been involved in many events over the years,” she explains.
“We organise the children's gala with help from different organisations in the town - Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Air Force Cadets, Boys Brigade and Rotary Club. This makes it a truly community event.
“For a good many years we hosted the Citizen of the Year event. We even ran Musselburgh on the Fringes for a few years with a concert at the harbour, dancing, acting and singing on the Links, as well as an art contest.
“The community council organise the switch on and torch light parade every Christmas. This includes the Christmas lights, having them checked and then up onto the posts with the help and goodwill of Ian Blair.
“We then hold the carol service outside the Brunton and the panto stars switch on the lights with a countdown. This is another huge community event.
“Musselburgh Poppy Appeal is organised by the community council. Four weeks before this event we deliver poppies and cans to all business, shops and offices in the town. We also help with the parade and service at the war memorial.
“We collect the full poppy cans back in and then Poppy Scotland pick them all up. The town’s total is usually very substantial.
“There have been lots of interesting projects we’ve been involved in or taken forward, like the giant golf ball installation at Levenhall and the horses sculpture outside the grounds of Newhailes. Recent projects include the repaired clock tower and we have also added lights to both Roman and Rennie bridges to highlight them.
“If we can help people and move things on for them, it’s a good feeling. Anything we can do to help promote the town is a positive for the community.”
Musselburgh & Inveresk Community Council meet once a month at the Fisherrow Centre.
“Over the years we have met some challenges and concerns from our community - we are happy to engage with them and East Lothian Council to obtain an outcome. We have also held many fundraisers to help organisations in the town,” Irene explains.
She takes pride in how the community council has been able to involve young people.
“Musselburgh was the first community council in East Lothian to encourage senior pupils from the local school to join us and engage with the community.
Community resilience is another strength in the Honest Toun.
“During Covid, Musselburgh managed to sign up 112 volunteers who carried food, medicine, and any necessary equipment that was required. This was on a daily basis for six months into Wallyford, Whitecraig, Inveresk and Musselburgh,” says Irene.
“We were all so proud of them and very lucky to have had their assistance at what was a trying time for everyone.
“So again, a big thank you to them and, everyone who assisted us.”
It opens your eyes
Irene urges anyone with an interest in the town and its future to consider putting themselves forward to be a community councillor.
“I would encourage anyone to consider giving it a go. There are a lot of good ideas out there and getting involved opens your eyes to lots of other things going on around you.”
Nominations
Nominations for community councillors across East Lothian opened on Monday, 1 September.
Anyone who is at least 16 years of age and is interested in getting involved has until Thursday 18 September to lodge nomination papers.
Depending on the number of nominations received for the places available per community council, elections will be held on Thursday, 9 October. Residents living in the corresponding community council area will be able to vote.