A public consultation was launched today (Monday, 3 November) seeking views on proposed active travel improvements on Musselburgh’s Station Road.
The proposals form part of the Musselburgh Active Toun (MAT) project which aims to deliver safer and more attractive routes for walking, wheeling, and cycling.
Station Road lies on Route 5 of the MAT scheme which would link Old Craighall, Queen Margaret University and Musselburgh Station to the town centre, supporting sustainable travel for residents, students, and visitors.
Under the concept designs being considered in the six-week consultation, a new shared use footpath would be created and various traffic calming measures introduced.
While this section of Route 5 sits within the general footprint of the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme, it is being progressed as part of MAT. The MAT project team, which includes design consultants Jacobs and AECOM along with East Lothian Council, are working closely with the Musselburgh Flood Protection team to ensure coordination of their work.
The council proposes to introduce six active travel routes between key destinations in Musselburgh to improve connectivity and reduce reliance on cars. Following previous public engagement, proposals for three routes have advanced to the detailed design stage.
Transport Scotland has provided approximately £250,000 in funding to progress design work on multiple proposed projects on the MAT network during 2025/26.
Reducing carbon emissions
The public consultation will run until Monday, 15 December.
Councillor John McMillan, the council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “Musselburgh Active Toun is seeking to provide safer ways to get around through walking, wheeling, and cycling on designated routes. It is part of a broader initiative to improve the town’s public spaces and bring about environmental benefits, underlining East Lothian Council’s ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions and increasing air quality.
“I would encourage people to take part in this consultation to help ensure the project reflects the needs and aspirations of the community.”
Anyone wishing to take part in the consultation can visit the project website to explore the proposals and submit comments at https://bit.ly/MusselburghActiveToun
Printed copies of the documents can be viewed at Musselburgh Library and the project team can receive feedback via email at musselburghactivetoun@eastlothian.gov.uk
A drop-in event will also be held at The Venue in Eskmills Business Park between 2pm and 7:30pm on Tuesday, 18 November when members of the public can come along and find out more.