Haddington East Lothian Area Guide

Edinburgh Golfing Coastline

East Lothian covers an area of approximately 270 square miles, and a coast line of roughly 43 miles. Its population is around 89,000 with almost half living in the Musselburgh, Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Tranent area. Musselburgh which is the largest town is to the East of Edinburgh just on the outskirts of the city, while Haddington which is more central to the county is the administrative centre.

My Area
Haddington was established as a royal burgh in the 12th century during the reign of King David I of Scots and is one the most attractive and unspoilt market towns in the country. East Lothian Council's head office and the Sheriff Court are located here.

To see some of the many attractions in Haddington, please view the Google Map below and click on any items of interest.

View Attractions near Haddington in a larger map

MUSSELBURGH• Find out about Musselburgh
Musselburgh is situated at the mouth of the River Esk and derives its name from the extensive mussel beds which lie along its shore on the Firth of Forth. Known locally as 'The Honest Toun,' it dates back almost 2,000 years to when the invading Roman army built a fort on Inveresk Hill.

TRANENT• Find out about Tranent
One of the most ancient towns in East Lothian, Tranent lies 10 miles east of Edinburgh and 7 miles from Haddington, The town is built on a gentle slope, about 300 feet above the level of the sea, and about a mile and a quarter from the estuary of the Forth.

PRESTONPANS• Find out about Prestonpans
Prestonpans lies on a gentle slope which rises from the seashore to the slight ridge which is occupied by the main line Edinburgh to London railway. It derives its name from the Monks of Holyrude and Newbattle who erected pans on the seashore to manufacture salt.

COCKENZIE PORT SETON • Find out about Cockenzie and Port Seton
The burgh of Cockenzie was created in 1591 by King James VI. Between 1655-65 George Seton, the eleventh Lord Seton, built the first harbour at Port Seton, using this name to distinguish it from the harbour at Cockenzie.

DUNBAR• Find out about Dunbar
Dunbar became a royal burgh in 1370 with special trading rights. Its ruined castle by the harbour testifies to its importance in the Middle Ages as a fortified town but this did not prevent the English from burning it twice in the 16th century and Oliver Cromwell's army occupying it in the 17th century after the Battle of Dunbar.

NORTH BERWICK• Find out about North Berwick
North Berwick is a fishing and trading port dating back to 1373 when it became a royal burgh. Today, it is a favourite destination for visitors drawn by its magnificent coastline, golf courses and the Scottish Seabird Centre.

East Lothian is one of Scotland's best regions for golf. We have 20 courses catering for golfers of all standards and tastes. Some courses you will recognise - Dunbar, North Berwick, Musselburgh, Gullane and The Open Championship course at Muirfield. We also offer traditional links and classic inland golf courses, courses steeped in history, and modern, challenging, courses. All coupled with friendly clubhouses and affordable green fees. Come and discover them for yourself.