Tag: east Lothian

Police Scotland confirm plans to dispose of three police stations

Police Scotland has confirmed plans to dispose of three police stations in East Lothian: Prestonpans, Dunbar and North Berwick.

On 23 August, 2024, Police Scotland launched public consultations on the disposal of the stations. The changes are part of Police Scotland’s Estates Masterplan, a comprehensive and prioritised ten-year programme focused on building improvements, refurbishments and disposals to create a modern fit for purpose estate that better fits communities and the workforce.

Prestonpans, North Berwick and Dunbar stations were constructed before 1950, designed to meet the needs of policing at that time. They no longer meet the demands or requirements of modern policing and are not sufficiently flexible to adapt for how policing may be delivered in the future.

Prestonpans police station has been unused since early 2023, with local community officers operating from Tranent. North Berwick and Dunbar stations are staffed by a small number of officers and staff and public attendance at the sites is low.

Chief Inspector Ben Leathes said: “Disposing of a building does not mean there will be a withdrawal of service from the area.

“This decision will not impact local policing services in East Lothian. Our officers will continue to respond to incidents and support the local areas as they do now. We will maintain a visible presence and provide a high quality service to the communities we serve.

“We recognise that the visibility of our officers is important to the community, which is why we have been setting up touch points in various local areas that the public are using to increase accessibility.

“Our officers have been available at Dunbar Garden Centre and Tesco stores in North Berwick, providing opportunities for the public to engage with them directly and ask any questions.

“We aim to make these sessions a regular part of local service, alongside our Coffee with Cop initiative. Details of all upcoming events will be shared across our social media platforms.

“I realise that for many the physical presence of a police station has provided reassurance and confidence over the years. However, our presence in communities is not defined by buildings but by the officers and staff who work in the area.

“Historically, having multiple stations in such a close proximity was a benefit as officers didn’t have modern technology. The need for separate physical buildings has reduced, officers are now fully mobile with investment in fleet and mobile phones, allowing them to patrol and respond effectively without relying on a physical building.

“Prestonpans and Tranent are two miles apart, and it is simply not necessary for us to maintain two buildings in such close proximity. Maintaining underused buildings is not financially sustainable and by merging resources, we can focus on delivering effective policing services rather than retaining surplus buildings.

“North Berwick and Dunbar police stations are staffed by a small number of officers and staff who will be relocated to Haddington. This move aligns with our policing plan, which has been in place for the past 10 years. Under that plan, response officers covering North Berwick and Dunbar are already based in Haddington, meaning there will be no change in how incidents are responded to or in the level of service provided to the community.”

Haddington police station front counter is open from 8.40am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Tranent police station front counter is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Wednesday.

For non-emergencies and general enquiries, can call 101, and 999 in the event of an emergency. If you are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or cannot communicate via speech you can utilise the text relay service on 18001101.

For emergencies British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us by using 999 BSL. For non-emergencies BSL users can use Contact Scotland BSL. Both these sites are free to use.

UK Government kickstarts work with Scottish Government to boost broadband in rural Scotland

Around 11,000 Scottish homes and businesses to gain access to lightning-fast broadband

  • First Project Gigabit contract signed to bring fastest broadband networks on the market to rural Scotland 
  • Around 11,000 homes and businesses in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian will be the first to benefit from the Scotland-wide rollout, with further contracts planned for other parts of Scotland this year
  • Supports UK Government plans to raise living standards and grow the economy across the country, including in isolated rural areas, as part of the Plan for Change

Around 11,000 Scottish homes and businesses will gain access to lightning-fast broadband, as joint efforts by the UK and Scottish governments to supercharge internet access in rural areas across the nation get underway and power the UK Government’s Plan for Change.  

Rural areas in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian will benefit from gigabit-capable internet upgrades, allowing residents to fulfil day-to-day tasks, from rapid access to health advice through remote hospital consultations to interviewing for jobs and working more flexibly.    

The upgrades will benefit some of the most remote areas of Scotland and the UK, including Athelstaneford and Innerwick in East Lothian and St Abbs, Broughton and Ettrickbridge in the Scottish Borders.  

These areas will be among the first in Scotland to benefit from a £26 million contract awarded under Project Gigabit – the UK Government-funded rollout to areas unlikely to receive upgrades through commercial plans due to their challenging location. The contract was awarded to independent Scottish provider GoFibre by the Scottish Government.  

UK Government Minister for Telecoms and Data Chris Bryant said: “As technological advancements race ahead and revolutionise our day-to-day lives, we cannot afford to leave anyone behind.

“It is fantastic to see this UK Government-funded gigabit investment being delivered in Scotland for the first time, not only bringing thousands of people the fastest broadband networks on the market and levelling the playing field but also helping us realise our mission to boost economic growth and improve living standards across the whole country, under the PM’s Plan for Change.”

Scottish Government Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Reliable internet connectivity is a vital part of everyday life – allowing people to work flexibly, engage in education and stay connected with loved ones.

“The Scottish Government has successfully implemented digital infrastructure programmes across Scotland to increase broadband speeds and help grow the economy.

“Expanding upon the achievements of the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband and Reaching 100% programmes, we will deliver Project Gigabit in Scotland to provide resilient connections that meet the needs of people and businesses now and into the future.”

One of Scotland’s leading amateur rugby clubs, Melrose Rugby Club, based in the Scottish Borders, has previously been connected to full fibre network by provider GoFibre.  

Having reliable and fast connection meant the club could stream across the world their annual tournament, the Melrose Sevens.

The event, which is held every April in Melrose, is the oldest rugby sevens competition in the world and is watched by tens of thousands of fans across the globe, with teams coming from as far afield as Japan, Hong Kong, Uruguay and South Africa. 

Malcolm Changleng, Melrose Rugby Club Director, said: “Getting full fibre connection has been a game changer for our club.

“As well as the 10,000 fans attending the event on the day of the tournament, we got about 60,000 people watching games on YouTube and other online platforms, which is why it’s so important to have good WiFi.

“It’s not just rugby fans watching, but people that have left the Borders to go all over the world. Lots of families from the Borders connect back to the area through the Melrose Rugby Sevens, and we’re proud that we allow people to get a little taste of the Borders on an annual basis.”

This weekend, rugby fans in Melrose will be able to support their national team in the Six Nations, with the club streaming Scotland taking on England at Twickenham on Saturday.  

Local restaurant The Hoebridge is set to grow as a business thanks to the programme – contributing to plans to kickstart economic growth. Kyle Tidd, Co-Owner of The Hoebridge said: “This investment in faster broadband would improve our operations.

“It would enable us to streamline our ordering, payment and online booking systems, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.”

Now the £26 million contract is signed, detailed planning and surveying work will begin immediately with the first connections expected in the Autumn.  

Further contracts to be signed this year will see faster broadband delivered to tens of thousands more premises across Scotland, including Aberdeenshire and the Morayshire Coast, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Orkney and Shetland.    

For households, gigabit-capable broadband delivers faster speeds and fewer dropouts, providing a gateway to remote working and online education. Unlike traditional copper-based networks, gigabit connections won’t slow down at peak times, meaning no more battling for bandwidth with neighbours.

Gigabit networks can easily handle over a hundred devices all at once with no buffering, meaning the whole family can seamlessly surf, stream and download at the same time.       

Project Gigabit will support the UK Government’s plans to kickstart economic growth, creating and supporting thousands of high-paid, high-skilled jobs, empowering industries of all kinds to innovate and increasing productivity by taking up digital technology.    

It will also ensure people can access vital services they need now and, in the future, from giving patients improved access to healthcare through virtual appointments and remote health monitoring to helping pensioners combat loneliness by catching up with loved ones over higher quality video calls. 

 Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill, said:  “This landmark contract marks a crucial step forward in our mission to end digital inequality across Scotland. By bringing the fastest possible broadband to our rural communities, we’re not just laying cables – we’re opening up new opportunities for local businesses, improving access to education and healthcare.

“The UK Government, through our Plan for Change, is working to ensure Scotland’s rural communities can benefit from the digital economy and economic growth is seen across the country.”

Neil Conaghan, CEO of GoFibre, said: “As a Scottish company, born in the Borders, GoFibre is proud to be named as the delivery partner for the first Project Gigabit contract in Scotland, bringing transformative full fibre connectivity to thousands more homes and businesses across the region.

“This contract award marks a step-change in our ambition and footprint as a major Scottish telecommunications company.

“We have a sterling track record of connecting communities across Scotland to our ultra-fast broadband network. Delivering this project will build on our successful delivery of Project Gigabit contracts in North Northumberland and Teesdale where we are delivering much-needed broadband in rural areas, ahead of schedule.

“We will bring all that expertise and GoFibre experience to this essential project for people in the Borders and East Lothian.”

New homes announced at ‘hidden gem in East Lothian’s crown’

Home buyers who missed out on new homes at a unique and award winning village development in East Lothian will be pleased to hear that a further 102 new properties are now underway by Cruden Homes at Longniddry Village.

This exceptional new development carefully blends traditional village design, with all the benefits of modern and flexible living.   

East Lothian regularly tops the polls as one of best places to live in the UK. This family-friendly development, nestled in the close-knit village of Longniddry, offers fantastic tranquil scenery, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh’s popular city centre, and a short drive from some of Scotland’s most popular coastal towns and villages.

Homeowners also have access to superb amenities, with an abundance of golden beaches, a local primary school, a sports centre and golf clubs located nearby.

Longniddry Village won the prized ‘Development of the Year’ title at the industry-leading Herald Property Awards in late 2023.

The highly sustainable development has been praised as ‘one of the best examples of new housing ever seen’, pairing period features and original architecture with the flexibility, function and style demanded for modern living. 

The overarching vision and approach for Longniddry Village was developed in partnership with landowner Wemyss and March Estates with master developer, Socially Conscious Capital.   

Cruden’s second phase of 102 new homes for sale will cater for a range of homeowners, including first time buyers, growing families and downsizers.

Together with one- and two-bedroom flats, there will be a range of spacious two, three, four and five-bedroom homes with house types including bungalows, terraced, semi-detached and detached homes.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “East Lothian is an extremely sought-after area to live and Longniddry Village is the hidden gem in its crown. 

When home buyers quickly flocked to buy the first phase of new homes here, many missed out, so we are delighted to announce a further 102 homes for sale.

“Longniddry ticks all the boxes for today’s homebuyer with its stunning coastal location, village setting and easy access to the Capital. Longniddry Village is now firmly at the heart of the Longniddry community and we’re delighted to support the area’s growing population with more of these exceptional new properties.”  

Prices for the first release of properties will be announced at the Phase 2 sales launch at the end of April, however prospective buyers are encouraged to register their interest now to receive an invitation to an exclusive preview event ahead of the public launch.

https://www.crudengroup.co.uk/homes/developments/longniddry-village-phase-2

People power on the High Street

First Minister visits Dunbar businesses ahead of Travelling Cabinet

Two businesses which were bought by the local community in Dunbar after receiving Scottish Government funding have been praised for their entrepreneurial initiative by First Minister Humza Yousaf, who is in East Lothian for the 52nd Travelling Cabinet.

The First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon heard how local residents launched successful community shares offers to raise finance for the grocery store Community Carrot and the Community Bakery to bring people together and help regenerate the town’s High Street.

The walk along the High Street also included another community project, the Ridge. Volunteers who receive training through the organisation described how they have turned wasteland around Dunbar into community garden spaces. All three initiatives have received support from the Scottish Government’s Scottish Land Fund.

Other visits which took place included:

  • Deputy First Minister Shona Robison at Amisfield Walled Garden, restored and maintained by members of the local community
  • Health Secretary Michael Matheson at East Lothian Community Hospital’s new orthopaedic rehabilitation ward
  • Culture Secretary Angus Robertson at Tantallon Castle

And, on Wednesday, Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop will open East Linton Train Station, which is bringing new transport links to the community.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “We are committed to hearing from people across the country to help inform decision making and the projects I visited today exemplify the type of community empowerment this Government is encouraging in Scotland.

“Through awards from the Scottish Government’s Scottish Land Fund totalling almost £400,000, these three initiatives have demonstrated how local people can make a positive impact to local employment and their local economy.

“East Lothian is a beautiful part of Scotland with tremendous community spirit and I look forward to hearing more about people’s priorities during the public discussion in Haddington this afternoon.”

The Dunbar Community Bakery received £124,560 (November 2022) through the Scottish Land Fund. The Community Carrot received £119,200 (May 2019). The Ridge received two awards of £49,900 (March 2022) and £98,548 (August 2022).

List of visits not previously mentioned:

Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray – Archerfield House

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth – Wallyford Learning Campus

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville – Our Community Kitchen

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater – Kinwegar Recycling Centre

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown – East Lothian Community Action Team

Parliamentary Business Minister George Adam – Knox Academy

Experiential Christmas Gifting: Weekend  Woodworking Courses

The Chippendale International  School of Furniture’s weekend woodworking courses are the  perfect choice for those seeking a unique and experiential  gift this Christmas. 

Our weekend spoon carving and woodturning courses offer an  ideal introduction to woodworking for the craft-obsessed,  located just 30 mins outside Edinburgh in the beautiful East  Lothian countryside.  

Consumers increasingly value meaningful experiences over  material possessions, with recent statistics indicating that  33% of consumers plan to treat their friends and family with  memorable experiences in 2023 (KPMG). 

Perfect for a DIY-mad partner or crafty parent who has it all,  these courses offer a one-of-a-kind gift that will leave  memories that last a lifetime – and maybe even inspire a new  hobby!  

Where: 

The Chippendale International School of Furniture, Gifford,  East Lothian, EH41 4JA 

What: 

Weekend woodturning course: A fun and informative course  designed for those who want to dip their toe into the world of  woodworking! Students will learn the basics of woodturning and  joinery, and will create a small stool/plant stand over the  two days.

Weekend spoon carving course: Louise Forbes’ renowned spoon  carving classes are the perfect quirky gift for a DIY  enthusiast! Students will carve a small salt spoon and coffee  scoop, plus salad servers or alternative spoon of their choice  over the two days. 

All tools and materials are supplied on both courses. 

Cost: 

Weekend Spoon Carving Course: £295 

Weekend Woodturning Course: £400 

Book here:  

https://chippendaleschool.com/furniture-making courses/weekend-courses/

Wondrous Woods opens at Gosford House

Scotland’s sensational illuminated trail Wondrous Woods launched on Thursday night (October 26) with a dedicated VIP night which saw over 400 guests joining Woody the Owl and friends in the spectacular new setting of Gosford House in East Lothian, ahead of last night’s opening night. 

The stunning lighting journey took all visitors through winding mystical pathways starting at Gosford’s enchanting Lily Pond and Ice House and including the mesmerising three-dimensional holographic projection of a Phoenix rising out of the flames above the lake at Gosford House. 

Visitors stare with amazement over the beautiful lake, as the historical creature lifts into the sky and soars across the skies of East Lothian amidst a dramatic exit of fireballs and special effects.  

Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group said: “We couldn’t have hoped for a better opening night. The trail truly is magical and a breath-taking feast for the senses.

“We’re very excited about welcoming visitors back to Wondrous Woods at beautiful Gosford House from now until November 19 and giving them the chance to enjoy the incredible settings with us.” 

The magical illuminated adventure that is Wondrous Woods runs over Friday, Saturday and Sunday sessions from October 27 to November 19, including a special run during the last week, where sessions are extended to run from Thursday to Sunday. 

Tickets are available to buy online at https://www.wondrouswoods.com/ticket-information with off-peak Friday and Sunday tickets priced at £12 per child and £19 for an adult. Peak tickets on Saturdays are £13 per child and £20 per adult. 

For more information visit www.wondrouswoods.com. 

New town centre plans unveiled for East Lothian’s Blindwells 

Ambitious plans to develop a mixed-use centre at the heart of East Lothian’s new town, Blindwells, including more affordable homes, have been submitted for approval.

The project proposals, led by regeneration and property development specialist Hargreaves Land, could see new shops, offices, restaurants, supermarket and business space all constructed on 5 acres at Blindwells.

Included in the plans are sixty affordable apartments overlooking the newly created Princes Loch.  Also proposed are a new wellbeing centre, care home, gym and community space as part of ambitious plans to create a sustainable and pedestrian friendly town centre.

Extra bus stops, active travel paths and electrical vehicle (EV) charge points are also proposed, supporting the principles of a ‘20-minute neighbourhood’. This approach is based around creating communities to allow residents to meet their daily requirements within a few minutes’ walk of their front doors and includes access to sustainable modes of travel.

Hargreaves Land, which is working with planning and development consultants Turley and EMA architects to bring forward its plans, expects the move will create a ‘vibrant and bustling’ new centre at the heart of Blindwells, delivering a significant economic boost for the local area in the process.

This includes hundreds of jobs in the construction, supply chain, and local services sectors, which could all follow if the latest phase of development gets the green light from East Lothian Council which is anticipated early in the new year.

Onsite construction work could start as early as mid-2024.

Jonathan Graham, senior development surveyor at Hargreaves Land, said: “Our ambitious plans mark another exciting chapter in the Blindwells story. We are investing for the future, building a town centre that will create a new destination and an exciting sense of place for residents, adding to their overall wellbeing and living experience.

“We’re also working with our partners to deliver much needed affordable homes, ensuring schemes like this one are a welcome addition to local communities and contribute towards providing high quality housing for people in places where they want to live.”

Kate Donald, director at Turley, said: “We’re proud to provide ongoing support to Hargreaves Land to help them deliver exciting plans for Blindwells. This latest application will see the creation of a vibrant town centre which will provide key amenities to the wider new community that is being created.”

Hargreaves Land is the developer behind the regeneration of Blindwells, which lies between Tranent, Cockenzie and Port Seton and has been earmarked for new housing for more than a decade as part of the regeneration of one of Scotland’s former coalfields. 

Over 150 new homes are already occupied with housebuilders Persimmon, Bellway and Ogilvie all currently active at Blindwells, with Hadden Homes and Avant Homes also proposing to commence onsite in the new year.

Work set to commence on next phase of homes at Blindwells

The latest housebuilder to acquire development land after securing planning permission for new homes at Blindwells will start on site this month, with the first properties expected to be available Spring 2023.

Stirling-based housebuilder Ogilvie Homes, part of the Ogilvie Group, will deliver 77 homes, including 23 affordable properties, at the New Town located to the east of Prestonpans in East Lothian.

In September, East Lothian Council granted planning permission for the £17m scheme which is to be developed on a 4.5-acre plot at the north-west of the Blindwells site.

Ogilvie’s development will comprise of a mix of two, three and four bedroomed residential properties available for private sale, as well as a range of two and three bedroomed homes for social rent.

Bruce Lindsay, development director at Hargreaves Land, said Ogilvie’s development marks the next ‘exciting’ phase of the site’s overall long-term regeneration. “This is excellent news and a welcome addition for local housing stock, particularly the availability of more affordable accommodation.

“Ogilvie are committed to creating a development that will meet community needs and deliver exceptional high-quality homes for East Lothian. This exciting phase in the Blindwells regeneration story marks another chapter of positive change to this part of Scotland.”

The project will see the construction of detached, semi-detached and terraced 2-storey properties. Ogilvie will also construct four two-bedroom cottage flats as part of the affordable element of the scheme.

Ogilvie will join Bellway, Persimmon and Cruden Homes on site at Blindwells which has planning consent for 1,600 new homes and proposals which include education facilities, a healthcare hub, and local retail outlets.

Julie Leece, head of land at Ogilvie Homes, said: “We’re delighted that planning permission was granted last month and look forward to bringing our plans for Blindwells to fruition.

“Our development will deliver much needed quality homes within the wider masterplanstrategy, contributing significantly to meeting local housing needs and creating a strong sense of community.”

Part of the £200 million turnover Ogilvie Group, Ogilvie Homes is one of Scotland’s fastest growing house builders with current sales of £53m and developments in Boness, Crieff, Plean and West Kinfauns among other sites. The company offers new homes and social housing properties that combine exterior character with interior spaciousness and high levels of craftsmanship.

Real estate consultancy firm JLL is acting as the residential land agent for Blindwells and handled the sale of Plot 11 on behalf of Hargreaves Land.

Holyrood Committee to visit East Lothian’s ancient woodlands

The Scottish Parliament’s Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee will visit East Lothian tomorrow (Wednesday, 21st September) to explore the issues raised in a public petition.

The Committee will visit Pressmennan Wood, just south of the village of Stenton, as part of its consideration of a petition seeking the introduction of legislation which would provide Scotland’s remaining fragments of ancient, native and semi-native woodlands and woodland floors with full legal protection following concerns that large areas are being lost or damaged each year.

Committee Convener, Jackson Carlaw MSP, Deputy Convener David Torrance MSP, Alexander Stewart MSP and Paul Sweeney MSP will join officials from the Woodland Trust to learn more about the challenges around protecting Scotland’s woodlands.

Owned by the Woodland Trust, Pressmennan Wood has been continuously wooded since the early 15th century but has seen much human intervention throughout its history.

A large part of the woodland is currently classified as Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland, with some large areas of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites.

At an earlier meeting, the Committee heard evidence from Mairi McAllan MSP, Minister for Environment and Land Reform, who indicated that the Scottish Government were undertaking work to develop the register of ancient woodlands and were looking at options to improve existing protections and enforcement measures.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the Committee’s Convener, Jackson Carlaw MSP, said: “Protecting Scotland’s native and ancient woodlands is incredibly important to supporting biodiversity and maintaining our natural environment. This petition has helped to shine a light on the challenges we need to address to ensure their long-term future.

“The Committee has heard directly from the petitioners and a range of experts who have expressed their concerns over the lack of these woodlands protection from inappropriate developments and other threats, which has resulted in large areas of ancient woodland being lost for good over recent years.

“The Citizens Participation and Public Petitions Committee’s visit to Pressmennan Wood in East Lothian alongside the Woodland Trust will help us see the issues first hand and look at what next steps the Committee can take to help protect our ancient woodlands”

E. coli investigations in East Lothian

An investigation is underway into a cluster of cases of E. coli at a nursery in East Lothian.

NHS Lothian, along with local and national partner agencies, is investigating 28 cases of the infection linked to Church Street Pear Tree Nursery in Haddington.

Although most cases have had mild symptoms and have not required hospital treatment, a small number of confirmed cases have been admitted to hospital. Some of these have been admitted as a precaution and all are in a stable condition.

Investigations so far have not yet revealed a specific source, but advanced microbiological testing is underway to identify the strain of the infection and any links. Those that have been affected have already been excluded and have submitted samples for testing.

Cases, so far, have been confined to the nursery, respective households, or other close contacts. The nursery has been closed as a precautionary measure while the investigations continue.

A small number of people at a partner nursery in the same town reported having symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea, which have resolved without requiring medical treatment. As a precaution, Meadowpark Pear Tree Nursery in Haddington has also been closed. All parents and carers have been notified.

Dr Richard Othieno, Chair of the Incident Management Team and Public Health Consultant, NHS Lothian, said: “We know that this will be an anxious time for many of those who are directly affected by the infection.

“We have written to parents and carers of the children affected and to staff at the nursery to provide the most up to date information and ongoing health advice.

“NHS Lothian has a robust surveillance system in place to identify E. coli cases which helped us to identify these cases early and put in place essential control measures to prevent further spread.

“This outbreak reinforces the importance of washing hands regularly, particularly before eating or preparing food, and after going to the toilet.”

“We continue to provide support to the nursery and those parents and carers who have been directly affected. We have encouraged parents to keep their children away from other children and those at higher risk until their negative results have been received”.

E. coli is a bacterial infection that causes illness in people. The symptoms range from mild loose stools to severe bloody diarrhoea. The most serious complications can lead to blood poisoning and kidney failure

There is no specific treatment for the infection and most people who are infected will get better without medical treatment. However, those who have symptoms, or are concerned, are advised to contact their GP or NHS 24 on telephone number 111.