Tag: Musselburgh

Housing developer awards £5000 to local good causes

A SCOTTISH housing developer has recognised the dedication and positive impact of five good causes in the Musselburgh community, awarding each with a £1000 grant.

The Dundas community fund – which had been extended to allow more time for deserving groups in and around Musselburgh to apply – came to a close at the end of July.

Hollies Community Hub, Blue Triangle Housing Association, First Step Community Project, Changes East Lothian and DadsWork were the chosen recipients, with each playing a vital role in the local area.

The roll out of the £5000 fund came as the Livingston-based firm launched its 140-home Wireworks development in the seaside town, forming part of its pledge to deliver lasting benefits to Musselburgh, in addition to contributions of up to £400,000 towards schooling and infrastructure.

Craig Fairfoull, Head of Sales and Marketing at Dundas, said: “We were thrilled that the decision to extend the community fund resulted in four times the number of original applicants.

“It did, however, make the decision to choose just five recipients out of a strong, deserving and varied group of applicants that bit harder.

“It has been a real pleasure to learn about each of the applicants, their inspiring causes and their contributions to the local community – I’d like to thank each and every one of them for their interest in the fund and wish them every success in achieving their project’s endeavours.

“While it has been a challenging task, we are really pleased to be able to announce the five recipients of the fund and believe that their initiatives are essential in supporting the local area.”

Hollies Community Hub, an organisation which aims to help elderly people in Musselburgh retain their independence by providing them with a safe space where they can engage with and meet their friends, will be using the £1000 fund to organise fun excursions to the East Coast for its members.

Liz Shannon, Manager of Hollies Community Hub said: “The Hollies would like to thank Dundas for allowing us to take our lunch club members for a much-needed day out. 

“After nearly two years of social isolation, a trip down the coast with a fish supper and ice cream will be a day for them to remember and a chance to reminisce with their friends about past trips.”

Blue Triangle Housing Association is a supported homeless accommodation service which houses up to 14 young people at a time, helping them gain independent living skills. The community fund will help the group revamp its enclosed garden area to provide its tenants with a safe and secure communal area for socialising.

Steven Cranston, Assistant Project Manager at Blue Triangle said: “We are so thankful and grateful to Dundas for this opportunity. Our garden area can now be upgraded, which will provide our service users with a space to relax while also giving us the opportunity to teach them how to grow fruit and vegetables and how to then be self-sustainable by cooking what they grow.”

Set up by a group of local parents over 30 years ago, First Step Community Project works within the close-knit Musselburgh community supporting vulnerable families who are facing extreme financial difficulties during the current cost of living crisis.

With its funding from Dundas, the group will be issuing Winter Warmer Packs which seek to provide families with essentials such as hot water bottles, flasks and thermals, as well as useful information on how to help save on energy bills while keeping warm and healthy over the winter period.

Jennifer Mitchell, Early Years Manager of First Step Community Project, said: “From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank Dundas. We will now be in a position to help families and community members ahead of what’s expected to be a very tough winter.”

Changes East Lothian is a mental health and wellbeing charity which provides free support services for over 16s living, or registered with a GP, in East Lothian. The charity provides counselling, therapeutic and peer support groups, as well as a wide range of activities and volunteer opportunities. 

Marina Ramsay, Communications and Engagement Officer at Changes said: “Accessible mental health support is crucial for the happiness and wellbeing of people in communities across East Lothian and the funding will allow us to reach even more people, reassuring them that help is within reach and they don’t have to face challenges alone. We are incredibly grateful.”

DadsWork, a charity that delivers much needed support and services to men, fathers and male carers, will be using the fund towards its four-week programme for new expectant dads which aims to increase their confidence as they prepare for fatherhood.

Kevin Young, Project Manager of DadsWork said: “As a charity, we are delighted to be awarded £1000 from Dundas. As we know, emotional, practical and physical support for men is vitally important and this support should be readily accessible and offered locally. DadsWork and its beneficiaries thank Dundas for their donation and the benefits it will bring.”

Dundas has a mission to create homes that make people feel great. Headquartered in Livingston and proudly Scottish, it has a track record of building well-designed homes that are higher spec than a vast majority of competitor properties.

The independently-owned developer is focused on building welcoming, integrated communities and making the journey of buying a home more straightforward, inspiring and fun.

Through a partnership with Tesco, East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, Dundas acquired The Wireworks site after receiving planning permission to regenerate the former Brunton Wireworks site and neighbouring land in 2008.

The development will have the capacity to store 140 bicycles in internal and external bikes stores. Electric car charging facilities will be available throughout the development. Private gardens and balconies will also be available at various apartments.

To learn more about The Wireworks visit: 

https://www.dundas.co.uk/developments/the-wireworks, call 0131 243 3858 or email: thewireworks@rettie.co.uk

£5k Musselburgh community fund deadline extended

Local causes called on to be in with chance of landing up to £1000

THE APPLICATION deadline for a community fund launched by an independent Scottish developer has been extended to ensure causes in and around Musselburgh don’t miss the chance to make their case.

The fund from Dundas Estates, which totals £5,000, will be distributed in £1,000 segments to five charities or community initiatives local to Musselburgh – whether it is to help them renovate a facility, secure a defibrillator or get a project off the ground and providing essential support, education or resources.

Craig Fairfoull, Head of Sales and Marketing at Dundas Estates, said: “We want to showcase this fantastic funding opportunity to as many amazing causes as possible as we know this kind of money is vital to charitable groups.

“When we first launched the fund at the start of summer, a few organisations might have missed out with it being a particularly busy period of time. Given the fund will provide lasting benefits to the surrounding community, the only option for us was to extend the deadline.

“Musselburgh already has a thriving and tight knit community with a number of local groups doing excellent work within the town, and this is something we are very keen to support.

“The cost of living crisis is bringing fresh challenges for good causes to navigate – so we hope this injection of funds will come at the perfect time for the five final recipients.”

In promoting and administering the fund, the housing developer is working closely with Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council (MICC) to help ensure worthy causes at the heart of the community are able to benefit.

Interested applicants can apply online via:

 https://www.dundas.co.uk/musselburgh-community-fund 

with applications now closing on Sunday 31st July.

The roll out of the fund comes as the Livingston-based firm launched its 140-home Wireworks development in the town, forming part of its pledge to deliver lasting benefits to the local area and in addition investing section 75 contributions of up to £400,000 towards schooling and infrastructure.

Dundas Estates, through a partnership with Tesco, East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, acquired The Wireworks site after receiving planning permission to regenerate the former Brunton Wireworks site and neighbouring land in 2008.

Pride takes centre stage at Musselburgh Racecourse

Specially designed Racing With Pride jockey silks appeared for the first time at a Scottish racecourse yesterday as Musselburgh celebrates Pride Month.

Leading racehorse owner, Gerry McGladery, swapped his normal blue and yellow colours for the distinctive Pride colours for all his horses competing at the Racing TV raceday (Mon 27 June) at the East Lothian track, as will The Musselburgh Lunch Club syndicate.

The silks were created by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to increase visibility of LGBT+ support within racing and after a public vote the winning design was brought to life by racing silks supplier Allertons. 

Musselburgh will also fly the Pride flag from its historic grandstand this week, racecourse staff will wear Pride ribbons, and promotional activity around the course will mark the global event held each June to mark the 1969 Stonewall riots in the US which changed gay rights history.

The racecourse is also marking its support for the LGBT+ community with two specially named races – The Musselburgh Racecourse Celebrates Pride 2022 race over five furlongs, which took place last night, and again on Wednesday over 1m 1f at 3.50pm.

Musselburgh also received a vote of confidence as an LGBT+ welcoming venue from Edinburgh hairdresser Leo Gourlay who attended a recent race meeting.

Leo said: “I was really anxious, as a flamboyant gay man, to go racing for the first time. Being a member of the LGBT+ community I was really apprehensive before I got to Musselburgh Racecourse and going into such a traditional sporting environment.

“The whole racecourse staff, especially Jane Walker, were very gracious and welcoming. They made the whole race day enjoyable and inclusive and I will definitely be back.”

Musselburgh Racecourse Senior Operations and Commercial Manager, Sarah Montgomery said: “We are delighted to hear that Leo enjoyed his first experience at Musselburgh and look forward to welcoming him back. We also really appreciate the support of Gerry McGladery in helping us to celebrate Pride Month with his adoption of the Racing With Pride silks for his runners.

“Our aim is to be a fully inclusive, friendly and accessible racecourse and it is only right that we take these symbolic but important steps in recognising and supporting the LGBT+ community during Pride Month. We fully support Racing With Pride and hope the community get a taste for the joy of racing during Pride Month and become frequent visitors to Musselburgh.”

The BHA has been a long-time supporter of diversity in the industry and in 2020 launched Racing With Pride, the official LGBT+ network for British racing.

The network is designed for British racing’s participants, workforce and fans who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans and other sexual orientations and gender identities as well as allies of the LGBT+ community, who want to demonstrate their support, regardless of their own identity.

The network offers a safe space for LGBT+ people and allies to meet, receive support, have fun and enjoy racing online and in person and promotes a better understanding of LGBT+ inclusion to ensure racing is everyone’s sport, encouraging all to step up as allies.

Gates open at noon tomorrow (Wedneday) and the first race is off at 1.40pm.

For further information and to book tickets please visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Dinosaurs roam free in Musselburgh!

Jurassic Encounter follows sell-out tour with visit to Musselburgh in July 

NEWHAILES House has stood firm through four centuries by the Musselburgh Coast, but this July its Gardens will experience something  completely new: An invasion of DINOSAURS, as the UK’s most roarsome family event thunders into town! 

Jurassic Encounter will see 50+ animatronic creatures from the  Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods resurface in parks in  London, Buxton, Edinburgh and Bristol, as well as making their  way across the sea for a stint in Rotterdam.  

Roaring into Musselburgh on July 2nd, the event will feature TWO,  life-sized T-Rex beasts, which roar and snarl at passers by. Other  family favourites include Pterosaurs that shriek from the trees and a  15m tall Brachiosaurus guarding her eggs.  

The event makes for  the perfect family day out, just a few miles along from the ever  popular Portobello Beach. 

Naz Kabir, spokesperson for Jurassic Encounter, says: “Last year,  thousands of visitors all over the UK enjoyed a day out with our  prehistoric beasts, and we’re delighted to return for another tour in  2022.  

“This year we’ll have new dinosaurs, even more interactive exhibits  including a VR experience and an education cinema where families  will be able to learn more about these incredible creatures.”  

The animatronic installations will feature information panels,  containing interesting facts about each dinosaur, ensuring a visit to  Jurassic Encounter will be as educational as it is exciting. And  guests will be invited to watch documentaries about the period in the Education Cinema Marquee along the route, bringing the  beasts to life and showing how they roamed the earth. 

An excavation sand pit will allow children to dig for their dinosaur  skeletons and fossils, and learn how archaeologists discovered the  extinct species of past eras. And a VR experience will offer the  chance to escape into a different world.  

Food and refreshments will be available along the route and a  merchandise trailer at the end of the route for children to purchase  a souvenir. Guests are free to roam the park as they wish, and  discover the animals lurking behind bushes and creeping through  the undergrowth.  

Tickets start at £9.50 and earlybird tickets are available now for the  Edinburgh event. For a 20% discount,  visit www.jurassicencounters.uk and use the code EARLYBIRD20.

Former wireworks riverside development is now on the market

A NEW release of apartments has been launched at a modern riverside development in Musselburgh. 

Dundas Estates has brought to market a range of high-spec one to three bedroom apartments at The Wireworks, the long-anticipated £35 million reimagining of the former Brunton Wireworks site on the tree-lined banks of the River Esk. 

Offering a choice of sleek high-spec apartments and penthouses the project, designed by Michael Laird Architects, has seen early buyer interest from a broad range of backgrounds, including downsizers and first time buyers. 

Private parking provision is available as well as lift-access to all floors. Most apartments offer balcony space or ground floor private garden areas, with open plan interiors providing the flexibility and space to work, relax and entertain from home.

The current availability ranges in price from £186,995 to £339,995 with apartments from 517sqf to 1,055sqf in size.

The developer acquired the land through a partnership with Tesco, East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, after receiving planning permission to regenerate the former site and neighbouring land in 2008.

Craig Fairfoull, Head of Sales and Marketing at Dundas Estates, said: “Given how close we are to the town centre, we’re aware that this development is quite unlike anything ever built here before.

“Early interest is predominantly local, so it’s great to be able to meet a demand that has been unmet for a while. Ultimately, we want to build homes that make people feel great.”

To ensure it builds a welcoming integrated community, Dundas Estates has recently launched a Musselburgh community fund which will offer five businesses, charities and community initiatives in the local area funding.

This is part of their pledge to deliver lasting benefits to the local area, and is separate to its Section 75 contributions of £400,000 towards local schooling and infrastructure.

Of the available properties, plot 34 is a one-bedroom home featuring open plan living, with a Juliette balcony on the market for £186,995. Plot 26, a three bedroom apartment covers 1055sqf with a large open plan living area, en suite and family bathroom and balcony accessed from the living area.

The 140 home development will have the capacity to store 140 bicycles in internal and external bikes stores. Electric car charging facilities will be available throughout the development.

Dundas Estates has a mission to create homes that make people feel great. Headquartered in Livingston and proudly Scottish, it has a track record of building well-designed homes that are higher spec than a vast majority of competitor properties.

The developer is focused on building welcoming, integrated communities, and making the journey of buying a home more straightforward, inspiring and fun.

To learn more about The Wireworks, visit: 

https://www.dundas.co.uk/developments/the-wireworks

Prime riverside apartments to launch in Musselburgh

THE FIRST release of apartments at an anticipated development in the centre of Musselburgh will launch to market next week.

May 2nd will see Dundas Estates launch the first phase of one, two and three-bedroom apartments at its 140-home Wireworks development on the banks of the picturesque River Esk.

With reservations being taken by property specialists Rettie & Co., prices range from £184,995 to £339,995, catering for a variety of different buyers.

Situated just off of Mall Avenue, the development is near to a wide range of community amenities, high-street shops and cafes, the development has excellent bus and car connections to Edinburgh and East Lothian – offering capital convenience and relaxed living for buyers.

Head of Sales and Marketing at Dundas Estates, Craig Fairfoull, said: “The Wireworks is one of our most exciting projects to date, regenerating a massive area of vacant land that was a real eye-sore on the local community into beautiful, high spec apartments to help quell demand in the area.

“Musselburgh has many positive attributes that has understandably led to it becoming a highly sought-after area to live.

“The development will appeal to a range of buyers, from first timers to retirees and we’ve already seen high levels of interest.

“Given the popularity of the development so far, we would like to urge interested buyers to get in touch as soon as possible so they don’t miss out on securing their dream home.” 

Situated on the East Coast near Edinburgh, the ‘Honest Toun’ is quickly becoming a popular destination for those looking to relocate from the Capital, due to its value for money and proximity to the city centre.

A recent report by property experts Rettie & Co. show the EH21 region, where Musselburgh is located, has experienced a strong recovery in the wake of lockdown restrictions being lifted mid-2020, with sales exceeding £24million in March 2021, more than £18m above pre pandemic levels.

Despite increasing popularity, 90% of homes in the area sold for under £400,000, with apartments concentrated at under £160,000, more than £100,000 less than the average flat in the capital.

Craig said: “Some of the properties have their own private balconies, whilst some have their own private gardens, making them the ideal place to relax and enjoy what Musselburgh has to offer.”

Based on the site of Brunton Wireworks, the Wireworks will boast a large central landscaped area central reflective of its picturesque tree-lined surroundings, as well as stylish, open-plan living.

Homes at the development will benefit from luxury fitted kitchens with SMEG appliances, luxury Roca sanitaryware in all bathrooms and ensuites, hive controllable, high efficiency gas thermal heating and high spec-thermal insulation as well as generous in-built storage, on-site parking, bike storage and EV charging provision

Dundas Estates, through a partnership with Tesco, East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, acquired the site after receiving planning permission to regenerate the former Brunton Wireworks site and neighbouring land in 2008.

The Livingston-based firm is also committing up to £400,000 in section 75 contributions, which will be invested into local schooling and infrastructure and building 11 affordable homes to help meet rising demand in the area.

To learn more about Dundas Estates’ Wireworks development visit: 

https://www.dundas.co.uk/developments/the-wireworks, call 0131 243 3858 or email: thewireworks@rettie.co.uk

Have you seen missing teenagers?

Police are appealing to the public for help to trace two teenagers reported missing from Musselburgh who are believed to have travelled within the East Lothian area together.

Ivana Scott, aged 15, and Noah Holmes, aged 14, were last seen around 4pm on Friday, 11 March, when they left Loretto School in Musselburgh.

They were seen walking along Goose Green Road in the town heading in the direction of Levenhall Links area.

Ivana is described as around 5ft 7in, of slim build with short brown hair and when last seen was wearing black jeans, a grey hoodie and a red beanie hat.

Noah is described as around 5ft 7ins, of slim build with brown hair. He was wearing black trousers and a maroon/purple hoodie when he was last seen.

Inspector Alan King said: “Concerns are growing for Ivana and Noah and we are urging anyone who may have seen them or know where they are to get in touch. In addition, if they see this appeal, please get in touch with us to let us know you are safe and well.

“It is believed they may have travelled to the Port Seton area or elsewhere in East Lothian. Noah is from Edinburgh so they may also have gone there.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2558 or 2513 of Friday, 11 March, 2022.

Honest Toun eyed as capital cure following increased housing demand

MUSSELBURGH sees property demand soar with the hope of offering a viable alternative for house hunters seeking a home in Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh EH21 region – Musselburgh – has experienced a strong recovery in the wake of lockdown restrictions being lifted mid-2020, with sales exceeding £24million in March 2021 – more than £18m above pre-pandemic levels.

Despite increasing popularity, 90% of homes in the area sold for under £400,000, with apartments concentrated at under £160,000, more than £100,000 less than the average flat in the capital.

The new report by property experts Rettie & Co. has revealed that areas previously considered suitable for buyers with lower budgets such as Leith are on the up, with EH postcodes still considered the most expensive in the country.

It comes after the firm’s latest 140 home development in Musselburgh, The Wireworks, in partnership with independent property developer Dundas Estates, has received more than 600 enquiries in just nine months.

Director of New Homes at Rettie & Co., Calum Miller, said: “Musselburgh is becoming increasingly popular as it offers a viable alternative to Edinburgh within a reasonable price range.

“Typical buyers that, two or three years ago, could have afforded a two-bedroom apartment in Leith, would now be struggling to purchase a one bedroom for the same budget. Musselburgh offers a lot more value for money, still within easy reach of the draw of the capital.”

The average house price in Edinburgh in December 2022 was £312,000, up 9.7% on the previous year according to the Office of National Statistics.

In contrast buyers in East Lothian are paying £285,000 for the average home, which has led to an increase in demand within the region.

Calum said: “We’re currently seeing a spate of enquiries in the EH21 postcode, and for good reason.

“Being a commuter town just outside of Edinburgh, Musselburgh offers the best of both worlds; city convenience with an abundance of green space and amenities such as the River Esk, nearby beaches and the Musselburgh Racecourse, as well as the renowned Luca’s Ice Cream parlour.”

Head of Sales & Marketing at Dundas Estates, Craig Fairfoull, said: “It is important that we meet the demand for housing in what is becoming an ever-popular destination in the east of Scotland.

“We are delighted to be working alongside Rettie & Co. to help deliver reasonably priced, high-quality homes to meet demand in Musselburgh.”

Dundas Estates, through a partnership with Tesco, East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, acquired The Wireworks site after receiving planning permission to regenerate the former Brunton Wireworks site and neighbouring land in 2008.

The development will have the capacity to store 140 bicycles in internal and external bikes stores.

Electric car charging facilities will be available throughout the development, and private gardens and balconies will also be available at various apartments.

The Livingston-based firm is committing, through Section 75 payments, to contribute up to £400,000 along with the other partners which will be invested into local schooling and infrastructure.

To learn more about Dundas Estates’ Wireworks development visit: 

https://www.dundas.co.uk/developments/the-wireworks, call 0131 243 3858 or email: thewireworks@rettie.co.uk

Citizen Winter Warmer Weekend

The Edinburgh International Book Festival has teamed up with The Brunton Theatre and North Edinburgh Arts to host a weekend of inspiring creative activities and conversations.  

The second Citizen Winter Warmer presents two days of heart-warming, interactive and fun events celebrating local community voices and creating opportunities for new stories to be heard.  

Featuring fun-filled afternoons of art and stories for families and an evenings of celebration featuring local residents side-by-side with professional writers, the Citizen Winter Warmer will take place on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 November 2021 and is part of Book Week Scotland.  

The Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen project is supported by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery and through the PLACE programme. 

Noëlle Cobden, Communities Programme Director at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said “We’re delighted to be working with our partners North Edinburgh Arts and The Brunton on our Citizen Winter Warmer.

“Through our year-round Communities Programme, the Book Festival provides a platform for local people to share their stories, helping to bring us together in challenging times.

“The Winter Warmer all is about celebrating community and connection, spreading a little bit of light in the darkest point of the year, and we hope that everyone, whether or not they’ve been to a Book Festival event before, feels welcome to join us either in Musselburgh or North Edinburgh.” 

The Citizen Winter Warmer is all about sharing stories from local communities and, prior to the event itself, writer Luke Winter is joined by Citizen Writer in Residence Eleanor Thom as they park the Story Wagon outside each venue (Tuesday 16 November at The Brunton, Musselburgh and Wednesday 17 November at North Edinburgh Arts, 10.00am to 2.00pm each day).  

Local residents are encouraged to drop in, have a chat and tell their stories to Luke and Eleanor. 

The Winter Warmer kicks off on Friday 19 November at The Brunton in Musselburgh, moving to North Edinburgh Arts in Muirhouse on Saturday 20 November.  

The Great Big Story Show presents two afternoons of family entertainment, with the fun-loving duo Macastory bringing their hilarious songs and stories to the stage.   

Writer Luke Winter creates a fresh story live on stage from audience suggestions and much-loved children’s authors Maisie Chan and Elle McNicoll read from their brand-new book The Very Merry Murder Club – packed with Christmassy crimes, festive foul play and murderously magnificent mysteries – perfect for inquisitive kids!  

In Musselburgh on Friday author Christopher Lloyd also joins to explain how to stand up for the environment with his beautifully illustrated nature book It’s Up to Us, while at North Edinburgh Arts on Saturday illustrator Eilidh Muldoon creates a beautifully illustrated map of North Edinburgh featuring all the audiences’ favourite places. 

Audiences can tuck into two evenings of terrific tales and delicious food as the Book Festival’s Citizen participants share stories of life in Musselburgh and Muirhouse, and writers explore what community means today in the popular Stories and Scran event.  

The evening offers a sumptuous three course meal provided by the Scran Academy, a social enterprise catering company supporting vulnerable young people, and brilliant new writing inspired by the surrounding areas from local people who have taken part in Citizen’s creative conversations and workshops.    

In Musselburgh the writers from the community will be joined on stage by the award-winning author of Scabby Queen, Kirstin Innes, and poets JL Williams and Andrés Ordorica, who share their own powerful writing and discuss their views on community, identity and home.  

At North Edinburgh Arts the evening is hosted by Scran Academy founder, social entrepreneur, youth leader and campaigner John Loughton. The local community writers are joined by the award-winning poet, playwright and author of Luckenbooth Jenni Fagan, as well as poets Courtney Stoddart and Ryan Hay, who share new work and reflect on what community, identity and home mean today. 

In 2019, local photographers Karmen Bermudez and David Coxon took to the streets around North Edinburgh Arts to shoot the urban landscape, capturing incredible images which inspired short written responses from visitors to that year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival.  

As part of the Citizen Winter Warmer celebration in north Edinburgh, a free exhibition titled Who Lives in a Place Like This? showcases these photos and the writing inspired by them, returning to the community that birthed them along with words and images created by young people from The Alternative School at Spartans Community Football Club which offer a vital snapshot of their lives and a sense of their world and their community.  

Michael Stitt, Chair of Brunton Theatre Trust, said “The Brunton is dedicated to bringing the very best theatre, music, dance, comedy, children’s theatre, film and live screenings to East Lothian for the enjoyment and enrichment of as many people of all ages, as possible.

“Situated within the heart of the vibrant and creative community of Musselburgh, the breadth of our programming is ambitious and takes account of the interests of all communities we serve. We also have an exciting creative participation programme.

“We are delighted to be working in collaboration with our partners Edinburgh International Book Festival to deliver the Citizen Winter Warmer programme that supports creative activities with local communities.” 

The Citizen Winter Warmer is part of Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen project– an ongoing programme of events, festivals and residences taking place around Edinburgh and the Lothians throughout the year, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and through the PLACE programme. 

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “I’m delighted that players are supporting the Citizen programme, helping bring communities together and hearing their stories.  The Winter Warmer is an opportunity for us all to learn more about this city and its residents.” 

As part of the Winter Warmer, featured children’s authors Christopher Lloyd, Maisie Chan and Elle McNicoll will be visiting local schools. Children will get to explore their fascinating stories through a mix of interactive activities, readings and Q&A sessions led by the authors themselves. 

Tickets to all events at The Brunton, Musselburgh are available through http://thebrunton.co.uk  or on 0131 653 5245 (Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm).  

Tickets to all events at North Edinburgh Arts are available through  http://northedinburgharts.co.uk or on 0131 315 2151 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm). 

Full details of the Citizen Winter Warmer Programme can be found at https://ontheroad.edbookfest.co.uk/.   

Hybrid working is transforming the property market, says Rettie

HOUSE hunters are prioritising green areas and more space over traditional city centre dwellings in the latest market review by property experts, Rettie & Co.

According to Rettie & Co’s. Scottish Housing Market Summer Review, demand for East Lothian homes is on the rise, while homes brought to the market in the region last year fell by 28% against 2019 figures.

The property specialists believe the change in attitudes can be attributed to a greater acceptance of the hybrid working model.

With more companies offering the flexibility of working from home, potential buyers are opting for more value for money by seeking properties out with Edinburgh.

It comes after the firm’s latest 140 home development in Musselburgh, The Wireworks, in partnership with property developer Dundas Estates, has received 600 enquiries in just 3 months.

Marketing Account Manager at Rettie & Co., Ross Matheson, said: “We are seeing a greater number of potential buyers enquiring about homes out with the major cities across Scotland.

“This can be attributed to the changing attitudes to the working environment post-pandemic. With a greater acceptance of working from home, we are finding buyers are willing to live further from large cities in search of more spacious homes and greater green space.”

According to statistics from Rettie & Co. the average price of a house in Edinburgh stood at around £282,420 last year, while the average property price was close to £10,000 cheaper in East Lothian at around £272,268.

Ross, said: “Musselburgh is proving to be a very popular destination for potential buyers. We have recently had a spate of enquiries in and around the area.

“Being a commuter town just outside of Edinburgh, Musselburgh offers the best of both worlds; city convenience with an abundance of green space and amenities such as the River Esk, nearby beaches and the Musselburgh Racecourse, as well as the renowned Luca’s Ice Cream parlour.”

Head of Sales & Marketing at Dundas Estates, Craig Fairfoull, said: “It is important that we meet the demand for housing in what is becoming an ever-popular destination in the east of Scotland.

“With that in mind, we are investing heavily in the local community over the course of construction; we are delighted to be working alongside Rettie & Co.”

Dundas Estates, through a partnership with Tesco, East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, acquired The Wireworks site after receiving planning permission to regenerate the former Brunton Wireworks site and neighbouring land in 2008.

The development will have the capacity to store 140 bicycles in internal and external bikes stores. Electric car charging facilities will be available throughout the development. Private gardens and balconies will also be available at various apartments.

The Livingston-based firm is committing, through Section 75 payments, to contribute up to £400,000 along with the other partners which will be invested into local schooling and infrastructure.

To learn more about Dundas Estates’ Wireworks development, call 0131 243 3858 or email: thewireworks@rettie.co.uk