Museums, archives and heritage in East Lothian

Haddingtonshire (or East Lothian), maritime county in SE. of Scotland; is bounded NW., N., and NE. by the Firth of Forth and the North Sea, SE. and S. by Berwickshire, and W. by Edinburghshire (or MidLothian); greatest length, N. and S., 17 miles; greatest breadth, E. and W., 26 miles; seaboard, 31¾ miles; area, 173,298 acres, population 38,502. The coast along the Firth of Forth is flat and sandy; along the North Sea it is bold and rocky. In the S. are the Lammermuir Hills, whence the surface slopes gently to the sea, in a vast plain, watered by the river Tyne, and broken by the Garleton Hills, and by the isolated summits of Traprain Law and North Berwick Law. Of the cultivated part of the county – finely diversified by woods and plantations – the soil is mostly a clayey loam, and is generally fertile, and Haddington is one of the foremost agricultural counties of Scotland. Great numbers of sheep are fed on the Lammermuir Hills. The manufactures are unimportant; they consist of two or three foundries, breweries, potteries, brickworks, salt pans, a paper mill, a distillery, &c. The western part of the county forms the eastern margin of the Mid-Lothian coalfield, and is rich in coal and limestone, which are extensively worked. Fishing and fish-curing are carried on at Dunbar, Cockenzie, and other points. The county comprises 23 parishes, and parts of 2 others; and the royal burghs of Dunbar, Haddington, and North Berwick.

– John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887)

Coastal Communities Museum

School Road

North Berwick EH39 4JU

01620 894 313

www.coastalmuseum.org

The volunteer-run Coastal Communities Museum aims to bring to life the history of the towns and villages of the coastal ward. There is a varied programme of exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery

High Street

Dunbar EH42 1ER

01368 863734

goo.gl/zZRrqn

The historic Dunbar Town House, built towards the end of the 16th century, contains what is considered Scotland’s oldest functioning council chamber. Spanning a history of more than 400 years, the building has recently been given a 21st-century refurbishment and has a brand new museum and gallery exhibition space managed by the museums Service.

East Lothian Museum Service Headquarters

Dunbar Road

Haddington EH41 3PJ

01620 820600

goo.gl/DC0hOc

The Museums Service operates museums at: John Gray Centre; Prestongrange; Dunbar Town House; John Muir’s Birthplace. We also support the Musselburgh Museum and Heritage Group to operate Musselburgh Museum and the Coastal Communities Museum Trust to operate the Coastal Communities Museum.

John Gray Centre

15 Lodge Street

Haddington EH41 3DX

01620 820690

www.johngraycentre.org

The John Gray Centre Museum is located on the first floor of the centre. This 5-star museum tells the story of East Lothian from its earliest settlers to present-day communities.

John Muir’s Birthplace

126 High Street

Dunbar EH42 1JJ

01368 865899

www.jmbt.org.uk

Born in Dunbar in 1838, John Muir emigrated with his parents to the United States where he campaigned for the preservation of natural environments through his work as an environmentalist, geologist and botanist. John Muir’s life and work has inspired people all over the world. Now the Dunbar birthplace of the pioneering conservationist has been transformed into a new visitor attraction. Our family-friendly interpretative centre explores the work and achievements of this remarkable man.

Musselburgh Museum

65 High Street

Musselburgh EH21 7BZ

0131 6656642

www.musselburghmuseum.org.uk

Musselburgh Museum is a fascinating visit for all ages. Discover the long and remarkable history of the Honest Toun through the changing displays and exhibitions, and have fun with the activities for children and families.

Newhailes

Newhailes Road

Musselburgh EH21 6RY

0844 493 2125

www.nts.org.uk/Property/Newhailes

An amazing survival of early 18th century decorative art and collections, surrounded by an 18th century designed landscape. 17th century villa, later significantly added to by the Dalrymple family, who were influential figures of the Scottish Enlightenment. Superb example of James Smith’s domestic Palladian architecture.

Preston Mill & Phantassie Doocot

East Linton EH40 3DS

0844 493 2128

goo.gl/I2tYn7

Stunningly picturesque mill the present buildings being from the 18th century, though there has been a mill on this site since the 16th century. The mill was used commercially until 1959 and visitors can still experience the working machinery on a tour today. A working watermill in a picturesque setting. Exhibition on the history of milling and the millers at Preston Mill Short walk to Phantassie Doocot currently inhabited by birds.

Prestongrange Museum

Morrison’s Haven

Prestonpans EH32 9RX

0131 653 2904

www.prestongrange.org

Prestongrange is a site of major importance in the story of Scotland’s Industrial Revolution. Visitors can discover the story of the harbour, glass works, pottery, colliery and brickworks.

Collections: East Lothian Museum Service collections comprise some 25,000 items, ranging from steam locomotives to fine art, and including local archaeology, ceramics, textiles and costume, natural history specimens, as well as objects illustrating domestic, working and community life. Those not on display are held at our store in Haddington.