Following an assessment of the building informed by public consultation, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has concluded that the Brunton Hall civic centre complex in Musselburgh is of special interest for listing, but that development proposals are too far advanced to list the site.
When deciding whether to designate a site while there are ongoing development proposals, HES considers the impact that designation would have on these plans; the effect of the proposed development on the significance of the site and the extent to which plans have already been developed.
East Lothian Council is currently considering the future of the building due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in its roof.
As part of the assessment of the site, HES carried out research and a public consultation to gather evidence about the significance of the site. Over 300 people from Musselburgh and across Scotland, as well as from further afield, took part in the consultation, providing valuable information to inform the decision.
Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in our consultation and gave their views on the building.
“When making decisions about designations, we consider the individual circumstances of each case. Because of the advanced development proposals for Brunton Hall, we decided not to proceed with listing at this time. Although we have decided not to list the site, we hope that our report setting out the special interest of the building will inform the decisions that are made about the site.”
More information about the consultation and the decision can be found on CitizenSpace.
The competition to be CAMRA’s cream of the crop in the prestigious National Pub of the Year 2025 competition is hotting up and Staggs in Musselburgh, a previous title holder, has once again reached the final stages.
The Scottish pub has already won the title before in 1998 and was a worthy runner-up in 2018.
Staggs is a superb pub run by the same family since 1858 with a traditional bar and snug, wooden floors, wood panelling and mirrors from now closed local breweries. The pub’s interior is of historic interest with an attractive Victorian era gantry topped with old spirit caskbarrels. It has a range of regularly changing cask beers and has recently featured in the hit Netflix series Department Q.
After months of rigorous judging, just four pubs remain in the competition. They will now battle it out to claim the National Pub of the Year title, the Campaign’s biggest award and one of the highest accolades a UK pub can win.
All the super regional finalists have proved to be exceptional. The final round of judging is now underway with the winner set to be revealed at the start of 2026.
Beating thousands of entries and showcasing their commitment to quality and their communities, the pubs have been judged on their atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, quality cask beer, real cider and perry.
While this is fantastic news, CAMRA is warning pubs need specific support as they continue to face their toughest year yet.
The consumer group is calling on the Scottish Government to radically reform the unfair business rates system which unfairly penalises pubs, and wants the UK Government to take action on VAT, energy bills, employer national insurance costs and duty served on beer and cider served in pubs.
Speaking from Staggs, Katie McKenzie, a co-owner of the pub, said:“Nigel, Hayley and I are absolutely delighted to be in the final four of CAMRA’s Pub of the Year competition.
“It is a testament to our hard-working staff, the breweries who supply us with fantastic beer and the community who drink and socialise with us. Staggs is a special place to many and we are grateful to everyone who plays a part in making us a community and more than just a pub.”
Stuart McMahon, Director of CAMRA Scotland, said:“Staggs is a fantastic historic pub tucked away in a quiet corner of Musselburgh and has been run by the same family for almost 170 years.
“Nigel Finlay, owner, assisted by his two daughters, is passionate about the quality of the cask beers they serve and customers are always guaranteed a warm welcome, enjoying their beers whilst viewing the many historic mirrors and previous CAMRA awards that are on display.”
Local Labour politicians have come out against the proposal to list the Brunton Theatre building.
Their opposition was stated in an open letter to Historic Environment Scotland where they claimed listing the current building would jeopardise plans to build a new theatre in Musselburgh.
The letter was signed by Labour MSPs Sarah Boyack and Martin Whitfield, East Lothian MP Douglas Alexander, Edinburgh East MP Chris Murray and Musselburgh Councillors Andy Forrest and Ruaridh Bennett.
The signatories raised concerns that “preserving the current building also preserves many of the issues it faces, including a lack of accessibility, concerns over safety and vital maintenance”.
The letter also reiterated the elected representatives’ commitment towards a new theatre space in Musselburgh that can continue the cultural legacy of the current building while providing better facilities to improve accessibility.
The current theatre was mothballed last October after it closed its doors in 2023 for the last time due to the presence of RAAC.
Commenting on the letter, Ms Boyack said:“I hope this letter illustrates to Historic Environment Scotland why we oppose the listing of the current building.Our driving priority must be the continuation of a theatre in Musselburgh – listing will jeopardise this.
“I am looking forward to working with the Brunton Theatre Trust and with HES to find a solution that ensures that Musselburgh residents get an accessible and functioning theatre space.”
A highly anticipated public art installation that celebrates the people and activities which make up Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh has been officially unveiled in Musselburgh.
Staff, students, East Lothian residents and members of the QMU community, who each played a part in bringing the artwork to life, were the first to catch a glimpse of the unique sculpture at an official unveiling ceremony on 28 August.
Commissioned to mark the 150th anniversary of Queen Margaret University, the installation takes centre stage in the grounds of the University’s campus. Made possible by donations from the QMU community, it is now a permanent feature available for all to enjoy.
Artist and Musselburgh resident, Martha Ellis, was selected from a pool of applicants to create the final piece – she engaged in extensive research to ensure the QMU community was reflected in her design.
Martha said: “It’s been an exciting challenge to create an artwork that represents the unique character of Queen Margaret University.
“I wanted to capture the people and spirit of QMU – past, present, and future. Through in-depth research, participation in local events, and meaningful engagement with the community, I discovered the many inspiring stories and vibrant personalities that define the University, I’ve woven these together to create a piece that I hope will resonate with viewers, inviting them to see themselves, or someone they know, reflected in its characters.
Seeing the raw and real reactions at the unveiling made me feel like I’ve more than achieved my aim.
“It’s been so rewarding seeing this project come together over the last year. My hope is that it sparks curiosity, conversation, and a sense of belonging for everyone who sees it.”
The vision for a commemorative artwork marking QMU’s 150th anniversary first emerged three years ago.
After careful discussion in the University about the form, location, and process, a public competition was launched, attracting dozens of imaginative submissions – from striking wall murals and sculpted benches, to a recycled-materials shelter and a statue fashioned from oversized kitchen utensils paying tribute to QMU’s roots as a cookery school.
Following a rigorous selection process, a committee including QMU staff and students unanimously chose the design proposed by Martha. Her concept stood out for its ability to capture the spirit of the University’s community – its students, staff, alumni, and partners – who have shaped QMU over the past 150 years.
Martha Ellis is a talented visual artist with a passion for showcasing a ‘sense of place’ in her signature sheet metal ‘laser cut-out’ designs – the style employed for the artwork at QMU. This piece is one of her first public commissions.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal of QMU, said: “One of the things that Queen Margaret University really prides itself on is its sense of community. And it is this strong sense of community and belonging which many people say sets us apart from other universities.
“As we approached our 150th anniversary celebrations, we decided that we wanted to create something on campus – a physical embodiment of the institution that represents what QMU stands for.
“This artwork provides an opportunity to reflect on the rich tapestry of people, stories, and experiences that have shaped QMU over the years. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and to the deep connections we share as a university.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Martha for her extraordinary vision and talent, to everyone who contributed to this project, and to our donors, whose generosity made it possible.
“Together, you’ve helped create a piece of art that will not only celebrate our heritage but will also serve as a lasting symbol of QMU’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and community.”
The official unveiling celebration brought together staff, students, donors and friends of the University for a drinks reception in QMU’s recently refurbished Learning Resource Centre.
Guests also enjoyed a small exhibition of laser-cut drawings that Martha created during her design process and a film documenting the installation’s development, followed by the unveiling itself, outside on campus grounds.
Martha; Professor Richard Butt, Deputy Principal of QMU; Gordon Mackenzie, Head of Strategic Planning and Policy Development and convener of the Public Art Committee; and Professor David Stevenson, Dean of the School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management, were joined by the two Presidents of QMU’s Students’ Union to officially reveal the artwork to excited onlookers, while Ollie Kemp from the Prestonlodge Pipe Band delighted guests with his performance of ‘Scotland The Brave’ to help mark the celebration.
The creation of the public artwork forms part of the QMU150 programme of activities marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the institution now known as Queen Margaret University.
NSPCC Scotland is launching a new Community Fundraising Group in Musselburgh, Portobello and East Edinburgh. We are seeking enthusiastic and creative volunteers to play a crucial role in raising vital funds for our services such as Childline and Speak Out, Stay Safe.
We will only need volunteers for one to two hours a month, and we offer a flexible arrangement designed to fit around work, family and social life. Key activities include engaging with neighbours, local organisations and businesses to spread awareness, organise small-scale events or campaigns, and inspire donations that ensure our services remain free for those who need them most.
Participants will receive comprehensive support, including practical fundraising advice, promotional materials and ongoing guidance from our dedicated Community Fundraising Team. Beyond the personal reward of helping to keep children safe, volunteers gain valuable experience in communication, organisation and leadership, all while connecting with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.
If you would like to play your part in protecting young people and have a couple of spare hours each month, we’d love to hear from you. If interested, contact me via email at arlene.main@nspcc.org.uk or call 07891 598 086. Together, we can fight for every childhood and create safer communities for all.
More than 8,000 glamorous racegoers enjoyed a sun-kissed start to the weekend at Scotland’s most stylish race day.
Musselburgh Ladies Day, in partnership with Champagne Pommery, rolled out the red carpet for another sell-out event combining horseracing and high fashion, which was rounded off with an After Party hosted by DJ and former JLS band member Marvin Humes.
The Style Awards fashion show, sponsored by Tiger Lily Boutique and hosted by River City star and BBC Scotland present Grant Stott, drew huge crowds around centre stage as the best-dressed ladies and gents competed for more than £6,500 in prizes.
Winner Erika Paterson (TOP, CENTRE)was judged to be the best attired and returned home to Peterhead with a £5,000 trip to France to visit the Champagne Pommery Domaine, £1,500 in spending money and a voucher for Tiger Lily Boutique.
The judging panel for the Best Hat Award, sponsored by Sally-Ann Provan Millinery, included the first winner of TV’s hit show The Traitors, Meryl Williams.
The judges put their faith in winner Jayne Kirk from Dundee who collected a £300 voucher for Sally-Ann Provan Millinery, a bottle of Champagne Pommery and a cut, colour and styling session at Edinburgh’s Charlie Miller Salon.
Musselburgh Racecourse Ladies Day
Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing, Aisling Johnston, said: “Everyone makes a huge effort for Ladies Day and that was borne out again this year with many stunning racegoers taking the opportunity to dress to the nines.
“So many of our Ladies Day guests return year in year out and that is great testament to the popularity of the event which has sold out for more than 20 years, but we are not complacent and always try to freshen things up and improve the offering.
“Erika was a worthy winner of the Style Awards but the lovely thing is the effort that all racegoers have gone to dress up for the day. It was a hugely successful day and we can’t wait to do it all over again in 2026.”
Queen Margaret University’s attractive modern campus, which was built in Musselburgh in 2007, is undergoing a significant transformation which will see the development of exciting new teaching and learning spaces.
The Future Spaces project involves the revitalisation of some of the University’s most important learning and teaching spaces to help ensure QMU meets the changing needs of students and staff.
The work also aims to support QMU’s ambitions to refresh, enhance and modernise the campus so that it continues to attract prospective students and supports the growth of the university.
With an investment of £2.1 million, students and staff can expect to see a dramatic change to the Learning Resource Centre and some ground floor classroom areas, which will ultimately expand capacity for self-directed and collaborative student learning and informal teaching activity.
The enhancement and repurposing of spaces will also provide more flexible use of key areas of the building and a wider choice of more comfortable, vibrant, and sociable study space options. Some of the changes will also provide increased capacity for larger practical group work, which will provide greater flexibility with timetabling and support the delivery of high demand courses.
Bruce Laing, Director of Campus Services, explained: “Queen Margaret University already has an attractive, bright, modern campus development, but it’s important that we continue investing in our buildings to ensure they reflect changes in the way students work and developments in the way we teach.
“Essentially, we want to create welcoming and comfortable study and teaching spaces where students want to be, and which will support and enhance their learning. Aside from supporting current students studying at the University, the investment will help us to remain competitive in our ability to attract prospective students.”
A range of stakeholder engagement took place across the university through workshops, surveys and feedback sessions to help shape the plans and deliver attractive, flexible spaces which would inspire, motivate and support students to fully engage in a diverse range of learning opportunities.
The renovation work involves the transformation of the Learning Resource Centre to create spaces which support social learning through collaborative and peer-group projects, and flexible spaces which support a diversity of informal teaching and supervision activity.
Bruce Laing continued: “We are delighted to be working with Morris & Spottiswood in the transformation of the building spaces, and it is hoped that the full first phase of the project will be completed by mid-September, allowing our students to take full advantage of the new spaces in their first semester.
“We are also excited about showcasing our new interior spaces to hundreds of prospective students and their families at our September and October open days this year. More importantly, we are confident that the current transformation of learning and teaching spaces will help us enhance the student experience so that students are well equipped to go out into the world and make a difference.”
David Thorn, Operations Director at Morris & Spottiswood said: “Our aim is to create places where people can thrive, and this project really seeks to deliver such spaces, so we are thrilled to be involved.
“All stakeholders are committed to successful delivery, and we have experienced true commitment to partnership working across our team, Designers ADP Architecture, Project Managers HD Property Consultants and the wider project delivery team.”
Professor David Stevenson, Dean of the School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management and Project Sponsor, concluded: “This is an exciting, creative project for the University which, after two years of work, will now revitalise and improve our learning environment.
“We are pleased that our partner Morris & Spottiswood is providing the excellent support that we need to deliver our vision and that they share our commitment to ensuring the QMU environment is a happy, productive and enjoyable place to be.”
Queen Margaret University is set to welcome representatives from business, industry and voluntary organisations, along with members of the local community and alumni, to its annual open event to learn about the fascinating range of work that is going on at the University.
People from across Edinburgh and the Lothians are invited to the campus in Musselburgh to find out about a variety of the University’s initiatives and build links with its staff. The event will provide an insight into QMU’s research and innovation work, educational and community engagement initiatives, and its economic impact both locally and internationally.
Visitors can expect an insight into the use of immersive virtual reality to help paramedic students navigate real life emergencies; portable ultrasound technology to help detect swallowing difficulty in acute and community settings, community arts projects, and QMU’s impressive international education partnerships.
For those interested in the great outdoors, this will be a chance to tour the newly opened Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail, located in campus grounds, and to hear about QMU’s focus on outdoor learning.
In a brief presentation and Q&A session, those attending will hear directly from the University’s Principal, Sir Paul Grice, and Chair of Court, Pamela Woodburn, who will discuss the institution’s recent developments and ambitions for the future, as well as how QMU’s work makes a difference to people’s lives locally, nationally and globally.
Visitors will be invited to chat to researchers and academic staff at an informal fair in the University’s atrium, where they can learn about research projects and academic work being delivered by the School of Health Sciences and the School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management.
Pamela Woodburn, Chair of the University Court, said: “We look forward to welcoming people from across the Lothians.
“The evening will provide a great way for people involved in the business community, arts and cultural organisations, charitable and third sector organisations, food businesses, healthcare providers and local QMU graduates to find out how Queen Margaret University might benefit their organisation, or them individually.
“The evening will provide an excellent platform to support informal networking, and to make new connections with visitors and university staff which could be of mutual benefit.”
A presentation, stallholder event, Outdoor Learning Hub tours, virtual reality demo, light refreshments; and networking opportunities will all be part of this friendly, interactive evening event, which will run on Wednesday 17th April from 4.30pm – 7pm.
Attendance at QMU’s Annual Open Event titled ‘Local Impact and Global Reach’ is free. Book your place at Eventbrite (QMU’s open event).
Event Timings:
4.30-5.30pm, Registration and opportunity to explore exhibits, speak with University representatives, including Court members, and tour the Outdoor Learning Hub.
5.30-6.10pm – formal presentation
6.10-7pm – exhibition continues, along with tours
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available in the atrium tiers along with the informal exhibition.
OPEN EVENT EXHIBITION STALLS 2024
As part of our 2024 open event, there will be an informal exhibition and fair showcasing a range of projects and developments from across the University.
A PATH connecting Queen Margaret University (QMU) to the centre of Musselburgh has been refurbished and upgraded to meet the needs of local users after receiving a grant through Scotland’s national walking charity Paths for All on behalf of Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government and funding from East Lothian Council.
Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights, Patrick Harvie MSP, joined representatives from Paths for All, East Lothian Council and QMU to see the benefits this project has delivered.
The path, which runs under the railway line between residential areas at Craighall Drive and Monktonhall Place also links the University with NCR1, has been revitalised following a £58,800 grant from Paths for All’s Ian Findlay Path Fund.
This grant funding for “A short path with a big impact’, has allowed the university, with support from East Lothian Council, to invest in making the route more accessible to all.
Work on the path involved removing physical barriers, resurfacing, new lighting and drainage. The result is path that is accessible to all and resilient to poor weather and flooding.
Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights, Patrick Harvie MSP, said: “I’m really pleasedto be able to visit this project which has been made possible through grant funding provided by the Ian Findlay Path Fund (IFPF).
“Ian would have been enthused by the projects coming forward through the fund and that it continues to support communities across the country to put their ideas for local walking and cycling infrastructure into practice, and encourage more people to choose active forms of travel for their everyday journeys.
“This new path will not only help staff and students to travel in a more sustainable way, but also provides a safe and accessible connection to the wider National Cyle Network for surrounding communities.”
Queen Margaret University applied to the Ian Findlay Path Fund last year and was one of 22 successful projects to be offered funding and support to improve active travel networks in their area. Most of those projects are now reaching their conclusion, delivering improvements for communities all around the country.
Professor Richard Butt, Deputy Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “As a university with sustainability central to our values, this new accessible path that helps our students and staff travel to and from the university safely, without the need for a car, is a huge benefit. Importantly, we know that it will also help people living around the campus.
“It’s been great seeing this project develop first-hand, knowing the positive impact it will have for our community and the surrounding area.”
East Lothian Depute Provost, Andy Forrest, said: “In recent years more people have expressed an interest in active travel both within and to our towns and villages.
“This new route offers a safe path segregated from traffic for people to walk or cycle to parts of Musselburgh connecting with the QMU campus.”
Senior Development Officer for the fund, Yvonne McLeod, said: “The Ian Findlay Path Fund team has been delighted to be able to support this project and it is fantastic to see the finished path being put to such great use.
“The purpose of the fund is to support community projects just like this one and it has been great to witness this fantastic example of team work between the University and the Local Authority which has allowed this path to be upgraded to such a high standard.
“Seldom has a project been so well named and we hope the newly refurbished path will continue to have a ‘big impact’ for this community, well into the future.”
CEO of Paths for All, Kevin Lafferty, said: “The QMU path has meant that people of all abilities can get outside, be safe and get exercise while commuting on routes that are used on a daily basis.
“Delivering safe environments for active travel is at the forefront of our Paths for All objectives, supporting people to live active healthy lives. The success from QMU’s use of the funding shows the differences that path development can make for communities.”
The fund concluded its second round of awards to community-based groups on the 8th March and a further £1.5 million will be allocated to similar path improvement projects located all around Scotland.
The Ian Findlay Path Fund, established in memory of Ian Findlay CBE, the late Chief Officer of Paths for All, continues to support local initiatives aimed at enhancing path networks and removing barriers to active travel.
The team works directly with communities to improve local path networks that will make it easier and more attractive for people to walk, wheel and cycle or choose public transport for local everyday journeys.
Community groups interested in potential future funding can reach out to the Ian Findlay Path Fund team at IFPF@pathforall.org.uk.
For more information about the Ian Findlay Path Fund, visit:
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