Annual General Meeting – May 2023
2023-05-27 14:30 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Spott Village Hall, High Rd, Spott, East Lothian, EH42 1RJ, United Kingdom
The Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for Saturday 27 May 2023 at 2.30 pm.
The meeting is to be held at Spott Village Hall, with the opportunity to visit Spott Parish Church.
Following the AGM, the speaker is to be Dr D J Johnston-Smith of Scotland’s Churches Trust (SCT). Dr Johnston-Smith is going to talk about the SCT’s project for recording the building and contents of churches which are earmarked for closure.
Details about the SCT project were outlined in our earlier post: Scottish Churches Trust Recording Project – East Lothian Antiquarian & Field Naturalists’ Society (eastlothianantiquarians.org.uk)

Visit to Oxenfoord Castle 15 June 2023 2.30pm
2023-06-15 14:30 - 17:00
Oxenfoord Castle, which commands a magnificent position above the river Tyne on the A68 near Pathhead, is A listed and was designed by Robert Adam between 1780 -82 and included part of an older 16th century tower. Further extensions were made by William Burn between between 1840-42.
Members are invited to a private visit hosted by Harriet Dalrymple to include a tour of the castle and refreshments on a reception room. members are then free to explore the grounds.
To book please download and complete this booking form and submit with payment to our Treasurer.
Booking Form – Oxenfoord Castle – June 2023

Programme of Events May 2023 to March 2024
2023-07-06 08:00 - 17:00
Sunday 14th May 2023
Guided visit to Wood Hall Dean
Led by Lesley Fairweather, following on from her Woodland Dean talk.
Fully subscribed – took place satisfactorily.
Saturday 27th May 2023
Annual General Meeting
Spott Village Hall with talk by Dr D J Johnston-Smith of Scotland’s Churches Trust. He will cover the recording of the buildings and contents of churches earmarked for closure. There will also be an opportunity to visit Spott Parish church.
Has now taken place.
Thursday 15th June 2023
Private visit to Oxenfoord Castle, gardens and grounds
Led by Harriet Dalrymple. To include a history of the Castle, tour of principal rooms and servants’ basement, refreshments and thereafter explorations of the gardens and grounds. Jacquie Bell lead. Deemed a successful event.
Saturday 15th July 2023
Visit to Jacobite Museum, Prestonpans.
Private visit hosted by Dr Arran Johnston, author, historian and Consultant Curator of the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust. To include historical overview, guided tour of museum and refreshments. Elaine Whewell lead.
Rescheduled for Saturday 14 October 2023
Visit to Eaglescairnie Mains Farm, near Gifford
Private visit hosted by Michael Williams. The farm was launched as the Lothians’ Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group Demonstration Farm. It sets out to unite wildlife and landscape conservation with profitable agriculture.
“Poster” agreed with Michael Williams, publication pending. Lead: Ian Hardie
Saturday 9th September 2023
Visit to Preston Hall, Midlothian
Private visit to the house and garden led by Henrietta Callander, to include refreshments. IH to finalise with owner in August. Lead: J Bell if IH cannot attend.
Saturday 28th October 2023
Talk by Professor Alan Werritty of the James Hutton Institute
To cover the non geological achievements of James Hutton, particularly on ground-breaking agricultural achievements documented in his “Elements of Agriculture” tome. Lead: Ian Hardie.
Saturday November 18th 2023
Talk by Tim Flinn introducing Neolithic Metrics: “The rule of thumb”
A story of exploration and discovery culminating in a compelling theory that the Neolithics created critical elements of the Imperial Measurement System. Lead: Ian Hardie.
Saturday December 9th 2023
Talk by author Jenn Scott entitled “The Men of Warre”. It will describe the clothes, weapons and accoutrements of the Scots at War between 1460 and 1600.
Lead: George Robertson.
Saturday January 20th 2024
Martin Cotter on the Newhailes travel log of Sir Charles Dalrymple Fergusson. Ian Hardie Lead.
Saturday February 17th 2024
National Records of Scotland talk on “The Balfour Legacy”, Ian Hardie lead.
Saturday 16th March 2024
Graeme Cruikshank on the history of Scottish pottery to include Portobello and Prestonpans. Further liaison with speaker pending. Ian Hardie Lead.
NOTE: The January, February and March 2024 dates are not yet finalised with the Maitlandfield as they will not commit at this time – too far away a wedding would get preference.
Ian Hardie
5th July 2023

Jacobite Museum, Prestonpans
2023-07-15 14:30 - 16:00 | Jacobite Museum, Town Hall, 157B High St, Prestonpans, East Lothian, EH32 9AY, United Kingdom
Led by Dr Arran Johnston
More info in this post update: The Battle of Prestonpans Jacobite Museum.
Members only event.

Preston Hall and gardens, near Pathhead
2023-09-09 14:30 - 16:30 | Preston Hall, PRESTON HALL, PATHHEAD, Midlothian, EH37 5UG, United Kingdom
It is with pleasure that Members are invited to a private visit hosted by Henrietta Callander. The event will take the form of a tour of the house and gardens followed by refreshments. Thereafter attendees will be free to explore the extensive grounds at their leisure.

The present house has been in the Callander family since its 1791 inception and was built by the esteemed London-based architect Robert Mitchell. It is considered to be his most important work. It is a Category A listed building together with its North and Lion Gates, walled garden, stables and Temple. In all considered to be of outstanding architectural and scenic value. As expected considerable family history is associated with the house and Henrietta Callander will elucidate.
The house is accessed off the A68 via a lodge entrance between the Pathhead Tyne Water Bridge and The Stair Arms (on right from Pathhead, a few hundred yards). We shall meet at the front of the house where there is car parking in good time for a prompt 2.30 PM start.
Places are limited to 20 attendees and will be allocated on “first come first served” basis. To book, please contact David Woods at: treasurer@eastlothianantiquarians.org.uk

Visit to Eaglescairnie Mains
2023-10-14 14:30 - 17:00
Stop Press:
This event is postponed until Saturday 14th October 2023 2.30pm
The Society is pleased to be able to offer a private visit to Eaglescairnie Mains farm, courtesy of Mr and Mrs Williams.

The 140 Ha farm was launched as Lothians’ Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group Demonstration Farm in 1992, with the aim of uniting wildlife and landscape conservation with profitable agriculture.
The visit, subject to reasonable weather, will involve a tour of some 1,500 metres on grass and hard tracks. Michael Williams will explain and discuss how this family farm has tried to make a living, fitting in a highly technical job of producing food in a thriving and diverse landscape though “sympathetic” farming. Arguably a contentious subject !
The event will finish with refreshments with ample time to explore this subject more through questions and discussion.
The farm is located ( from Gifford ) north off the B6355, just before Bolton Muir Wood. NT5168, EH41 4HN.
There will be plenty of parking in the farmyard.

James Hutton: the forgotten Berwickshire farmer
2023-10-28 14:30 - 16:30
by Professor Alan Werritty
Saturday 28 October 2023
at 2.30 pm
Entry by donation

Neolithic Metrics – The Rule of Thumb
2023-11-18 14:30 - 16:30
by Mr Tim Flinn
Saturday 18 November 2023at 2.30 pm
Entry by donation – non members welcome

“The Men of Warre”
2023-12-09 14:30 - 16:30 | Maitlandfield House Hotel, Mill Wynd, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 4FE, United Kingdom
The Men of Warre
by Ms Jenn Scott
Non-members welcome by donation
On Saturday 9th December at 2.30 pm at the Maintlandfield Hotel, Haddington
‘They were as well dressed as it is possible to be in such a country’
In this talk, Jenn Scott, her most recent book, The Men of Warre,: the clothes, weapons and accoutrements of the Scots at War from 1460-1600 was published by Helion & co in March of this year explores the clothes, and wider material culture of the Scots from 1460 to 1560. She draws on a wide range of sources, such as paintings, documents, artefacts and archaeological evidence, to present a clear picture of what the highland and lowland Scots were wearing and fighting with in this fascinating and turbulent period in Scotland’s history. Scott’s talk promises to be an engaging and informative introduction to the material culture of medieval and early modern Scotland.
Jenn will have a few copies of her book available for purchase on the day.

Captain Eric "Winkle" Brown - Renowned Test Pilot
2024-01-20 14:30 - 16:00 | Maitlandfield House Hotel, Mill Wynd, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 4FE, United Kingdom
By George Robertson, 2.30 pm Saturday 20th January 2024, Maitlandfield Hotel, Haddington.
Captain Eric “Winkle” Brown RN is perhaps the most famous and accomplished Test Pilot of his generation. After a short but distinguished career in the early years of WW2, he became a test pilot at a time when new aircraft types were constantly being developed. As a fluent German speaker he was sent to Germany in the closing months of the war to assess the many cutting edge aircraft programs which were still in development. Post war, his career continued as he tested and assessed many new aircraft types in the UK and USA as the new generation of jet powered aircraft entered service.
He is the holder of many world records, including the largest number of deck landings by any pilot anywhere in the world. Do come along and hear more about this extraordinary man and his many achievements.

Exploring the papers of the Balfour of Whittingehame family, Earls of Balfour
2024-02-17 14:30 - 16:00 | Maitlandfield House Hotel, Mill Wynd, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 4FE, United Kingdom
The Society is pleased to present this talk by National Records of Scotland (NRS) Archivists Jocelyn Grant and Tessa Spencer, 2.30 PM on Saturday 17th February, 2024 at the Maitlandfield House Hotel, Haddington.
This talk is most appropriate in our Centenary year as Lord Balfour was the first Honorary President of the Society.
In 2022, National Records of Scotland (NRS) in Edinburgh bought the papers of the Balfour of Whittingehame family, Earls of Balfour, on behalf of the nation. Before its purchase, the collection had been on loan to NRS from the family since the 1960s. It is a remarkable archive which offers insights into the life of an influential Scottish family over a long period of history.
This talk will provide an overview of the contents of the Balfour collection, explore links to East Lothian and provide guidance on how you can access the papers in the Historical Search Room at General Register House in Edinburgh.
Non members welcome – a small cash donation appreciated

Pottery Production in Prestonpans and Portobello
2024-02-26 08:00 - 17:00
The Society is pleased to present this talk by Graeme Cruickshank, 2.30 PM on Saturday 16th March, 2024 at the Maitlandfield House Hotel, Haddington.

“Prestonpans was the acknowledged centre of the Scottish pottery industry in the 18th century led by the Cadells, Gordons and Watsons. This tradition was carried through until the 1930’s “

Talk Summary

Throughout almost two centuries when pottery production in Scotland was a major industry, the factories of the Lothian coastal strip played a leading role in its development. A number of townships east of Edinburgh supported thriving potteries, the leading ones being at or close to Prestonpans and Portobello. After introducing the wider Scottish context, particularly around the Forth region, our speaker will give an extensive illustrated appraisal of the range of wares made at the two leading centres of production.

The fine designs and colourful decoration presented by such pieces make them a sight to behold !

Graeme Cruickshank MA, AMA, FMA, FSA Scot

Our speaker is a prolific researcher, writer, lecturer and broadcaster on a large variety of topics from the sculptural art of the Picts to the history of old Edinburgh. In relation to the latter he was Curator of Local History with Edinburgh City Museums for 15 years. However he has a particular interest in the history of Scottish pottery and has published a number of books on this subject.

Non-members welcome – a small cash donation appreciated

The Centenary Conference of East Lothian Antiquarian and Field Naturalists’ Society
2024-05-11 09:00 - 17:00 | St Mary’s Church, St Mary's Church, Haddington, East Lothian, United Kingdom
East Lothian through the Ages

The 2024 conference will be on Saturday the 11th May 2024 at St Mary’s Haddington. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite with or without lunch. Booking is now open.
Program
11 May 2024 at St Mary’s Haddington

Sponsored by McInroy & Wood

09.00-09.30 Registration

09.30-09.35 Welcome (including a brief history of the Society)

The Honorary President – The Duke of Hamilton and Brandon
09.35-10.15 The historical significance of the place-names of East Lothian
Dr Simon Taylor, Reader (Celtic & Gaelic), University of Glasgow
10.15-10.55 Hillforts of East Lothian
Professor Ian Ralston, University of Edinburgh

10.55-11.05 Questions (sessions 1 & 2)

11.05-11.25 Tea/coffee

11.25-12.05 The impact of the Romans on East Lothian
Dr Fraser Hunter, Principal Curator of Prehistoric and Roman Archaeology, National Museums of Scotland

12.05-12.45 The changing wildlife of the East Lothian Coast
Dr Stan da Prato, East Lothian Naturalist

12.45-12.55 Questions (sessions 3&4)

12.55-13.40 Lunch

13.40-14.20 Medieval East Lothian in its North Sea world: an archaeological assessment
Dr Brian Ayers, University of East Anglia

14.20-15.00 Grand Designs & Gracious Living: The rise of East Lothian’s mansion houses
Ailsa Fortune, East Lothian based researcher

15.00-15.10 Questions (sessions 5&6)

15.10-15.30 Cutting of the Centenary Cake …with Tea/coffee

15.30-16.10 Innovation and change in East Lothian agriculture: some examples from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries
Dr Heather Holmes, Independent researcher

16.10-16.50 The Powerhouse of East Lothian: A Brief History of Coal and Industry
Nicola Moss, Curator of the National Mining Museum Scotland & Dr Melanie Johnson, Director CFA Archaeology

16.50-17.00 Questions (sessions 7&8) and Conference Closure
Scottish Charitable Incorporate Organisation: SC052295
Saturday 11 May 2024 at St Mary’s Parish Church, Haddington
BOOK TICKETS ON THE EVENTBRITE WEBSITE
You can download the program from here:
Centenary Program

Guided Tour Of Berwick
2024-06-15 14:15 - 17:00
Historical guided tour of Berwick upon Tweed
led by Canon Alan Hughes on Saturday 15th June 2024, 2.15 PM
In liaison with the Berwickshire Naturalist Club the Society is delighted to offer a bespoke historical guided tour of Berwick upon Tweed, led by Canon Alan Hughes MBE TD VR, Sheriff of Berwick 2021-22, Chaplain to The High Sheriff of Northumberland and former Vicar of Berwick. Our guide first lived in the town in 1968, over 50 years ago, returning in 1994 to become the 50th Vicar of Berwick since 1150 AD, retiring in 2013 but continuing as Chaplain to Berwick Infirmary.
As well as his ministerial duties Canon Hughes has had a distinguished military career with the Coldstream Guards as well as in the Parachute Regiment and Queens Own Yeomanry as Chaplain to the Duke of Westminster. Over time Canon Hughes has amassed a detailed knowledge of the fascinating history of Berwick upon Tweed and attendees are assured of a very interesting afternoon.
Berwick upon Tweed: it is said that only Jerusalem has been besieged more times !. It has changed hands between England and Scotland 13 times and has been under English control since 1492. Our guide will take us on a non-strenuous circa 90 minute walk around the town, ending at a cafe around 3.45 PM for tea and cakes by individual purchase at the Lookout Cafe, set into the north east end of Berwick Old Bridge. Attendees will meet at the entrance to the B & M store at Castlegate having parked (no charge) just beyond the Castlegate Long stay Car Park.
Understandably numbers will have to be limited so booking early is recommended. To do so contact Elaine Whewell at info@eastlothianantiquarians.org.uk Confirmed attendees will receive detailed route instructions from the A1 “Morrison’s” roundabout. A typical journey time from East Lothian should be around 45 minutes.

Guided Tour of the Dunbar Ridge Project
2024-08-20 14:30 - 16:30
Led by Kate Darrah on Tuesday 20th August 2024, 2.30 PM

Our Summer programme continues with an inspiring visit exploring a ground-breaking charitable social enterprise, led by its Managing Director Kate Darrah. Its key aim is to create jobs and training opportunities primarily in Dunbar whilst supporting local heritage both in the natural and built environment. Attendees will observe how this is being achieved by seeing the restoration of Black Bull Close, hitherto a useless ruin and by exploring the training gardens: Ridge Backlands and Empire Close. The visit will end over refreshments during which there will be ample time for discussion and questions.

Meetings with Moths
2024-10-19 14:30 - 17:00 | Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Church Street, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3EX, United Kingdom
A Hundred Years of Moth Recording in East Lothian

The Society is delighted to present this talk by ecologist Katty Baird at 2.30 PM, Saturday 19th October, 2024.

Please note that the venue will be at Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, HaddingtonNearly a hundred years ago, Alice Blanche Balfour, the Society’s first vice President, published a detailed account of the butterflies and moths of East Lothian in the Transactions. Today, Katty Baird, an ecologist and local expert on moths continues to record and document these important insects.

In this talk Katty will introduce us to the fascinating world of moths and some of the notable species that live locally. She will also look back across the last hundred years to consider how our moths, and the way people record them, have changed since Alice Balfour’s pioneering work.

Signed copies of Katty’s book “Meetings with Moths” will be available to purchase afterwards for £10.

For any enquiries contact Elaine Whewell at info@eastlothianantiquarians.org.uk

Non members welcome with a modest cash donation appreciated

Church parking is very limited and is restricted to the event lead, speaker, Blue Badge holders (priority) plus otherwise mobility compromised

Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation No: SC0052295

Catherine Blair’s life story: founder of “the rural” and most active suffragette.
2024-11-09 14:30 - 17:00 | Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Church Street, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3EX, United Kingdom
The Society is delighted to present this talk by Dr Hanita Ritchie at 2.30 PM, Saturday 9th November, 2024.Please note that the venue will be at Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, HaddingtonDr. Hanita Ritchie is the Local History Officer with East Lothian Council’s Library Service. She provides consultation for genealogy, house history, and local heritage research projects. Hanita is a committee member of the Local Studies Scotland professionals and is part of Imperial War Museum’s Subject Specialist Network. Hanita also produces the ‘Haddingtonshire Histories’ podcast. Her favourite topics are women’s history, old cinemas, and ethnic minorities in Scotland.Catherine Blair is not a very well-known figure in Scottish women’s history of the early 20th century. Born in 1972 in Bathgate, she married farmer Thomas Blair of Hoprig Mains Farm, near Gladsmuir. Whilst not a particularly militant suffragette, with the support of her husband, she turned Hoprig Mains Farm into a clandestine refuge for Scottish suffragette prisoners once released.This talk will highlight Catherine Blair’s family background, activities as suffragist, and how she founded the SWRI. Attendees are also welcome to share their experiences or connections to the “Rural”.

For any enquiries contact Elaine Whewell at info@eastlothianantiquarians.org.uk

Non members welcome with a modest cash donation appreciated

Sugar, Slaves and High Society: the Grants of Kilgraston”, a talk by Richard Blake
2024-12-14 02:30 - 16:30 | Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Church Street, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3EX, United Kingdom
The Society is delighted to present this talk by Richard P J Blake at 2.30 PM, Saturday 14th December, 2024. Please note that the venue will be at Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, Haddington.Richard Blake was brought up in Gifford, and, having read Law at Edinburgh University, practised as a rural law solicitor in Perth for 35 years. As a part-time, mature student, he was awarded a MSc in The Origins, History and Contemporary Impact of Globalisation from the University of Dundee. On retirement, he moved with his wife, Mary, to south-east Scotland. He is a Past President of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, a Writer to His Majesty’s Signet and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.Sugar, Slaves and High Society is, above all, a book about one Scottish family but it is also a story of opportunism, wealth, good fortune, and tragedies set against the background of slavery in Jamaica. Many of the defining moments and characters of the nineteenth century touched the Grants of Kilgraston: the Elgin marbles; the White Rajahs of Sarawak; Queen Victoria; Napoleon Bonaparte; the abolition of slavery; the Crimean War; the Relief of Lucknow; and the sacking of the Chinese Imperial Palace. The Grants had close connections with East Lothian, including Archerfield, Biel and the golf courses at North Berwick, Muirfield and Gullane, while the last Grant of Kilgraston was an early President of the East Lothian Antiquarians and Field Naturalists’ Society.For any enquiries contact: info@eastlothianantiquarians.org.ukNon members welcome with a modest cash donation appreciatedChurch parking is limited to Blue Badge holders plus otherwise mobility compromisedScottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation No: SC0052295

Brickworks in East Lothian - Ian Suddaby
2025-01-25 14:30 - 16:30 | Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Church Street, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3EX, United Kingdom
The Society is delighted to present this talk by Ian Suddaby at 2.30 PM, Saturday 25th January, 2025.

Please note that the venue will be at Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, Haddington

Ian Suddaby, who lives in New Winton, studied archaeology at the University of Edinburgh and is currently a field archaeologist with CFA Archaeology.

East Lothian’s Brick and Tileworks: expect a wide-ranging account of the history and importance of bricks, much underrated and overlooked. In fact the word “brick” is a generic term and includes a whole variety of clay products, not least field drainage tiles that were so crucial for East Lothian’s agricultural revolution, this area being an early adopter of field drainage. In the past East Lothian had many brick works such as those at Bark Park and Preston.

Maybe you saw a recent BBC Scotland feature on his bricks collection that he has built up with his fellow enthusiast Mark Cranston: about 6,000 to date! The search is on to find a museum home for them.

For any enquiries contact: info@eastlothianantiquarians.org.uk

Non members welcome with a modest cash donation appreciated

Church parking is limited to Blue Badge holders plus otherwise mobility compromised

Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation No: SC0052295

My reid kirtill, my hois of broun’the clothes and accoutrements of Scots women from 1470 to 1560
2025-02-22 14:30 - 16:30 | Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Church Street, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3EX, United Kingdom
Talk by Jenn Scott about the clothes and accoutrements worn by Scots women in times past. “I suld put on my russet gowne, My reid kirtill, my hois of broun’ – the clothes and accoutrements of Scots women from 1470 to 1560”.

Jenn is an historian, writer and researcher who lives in Edinburgh. She is primarily interested in the period from the mid-fifteenth to the Jacobite Risings. She is a trustee of the Scottish Battlefields Trust and a keen re-enactor. She has written three books for Helion in addition contributing to edited collections of work on the Jacobite conflicts. She has spent the past twenty years developing her knowledge of the material culture of Scotland and has always been particularly interested in the history of clothing.She is currently working on a book about Scotland’s involvement in the wars of the Roses and another on the clothes of the Scots from 1470-1560. The talk will feature the latter with a focus on the earlier part of this period.

The 1296 Battle of Dunbar by Arran Johnston
2025-03-22 14:30 - 16:30 | Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Church Street, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3EX, United Kingdom
Note: A replacement for the talk originally scheduled

For any enquiries contact: info@eastlothianantiquarians.org.uk

Non members welcome with a modest cash donation appreciated

Church parking is limited to Blue Badge holders plus otherwise mobility compromised

Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation No: SC052295

Guided Tour of Balgone House 7th June 2025
2025-06-07 14:30 - 17:00
Society visit

In the 20th century the house became ruinous but was lovingly restored as their home in the 1990’s by Alan and Fidelity Dean. Our visit is by their kind invitation.

Balgone House history

Balgone House has the appearance of an 18th Century house with quadrant walls linking it, in the Palladian manner, to two service pavilions; but the house has a very complex early history, much of which was only revealed during the major restoration project carried out by the present owners. It may have started as an L plan tower house which was enlarged and extensively altered in the 18th Century, but there is convincing evidence that most of the present house predates the 18th Century remodelling and that the early house had many of the features of a courtyard house.

The house was greatly enlarged in the 19th Century but it was abandoned in the 1950’s, left to decay and used as a source of building material for the estate. The aim of the restoration project was to remove the 19th Century additions which were in a very bad state, riddled with dry rot. This revealed the old house, virtually intact, with many early features surviving. Of particular interest is a large fireplace of characteristic 15th Century appearance which had been hidden behind lath and plaster. The garden, too, had been abandoned and was completely overgrown but contains a number of fine trees. A new garden has been designed round them, mainly lawns, hedges and shrubs; a small orchard in the 18th Century walled garden, and a new walled garden on the south side of the house.

Visit plan

Balgone House is about 2 miles south east of North Berwick, reached by minor roads south of the A198 or alternatively from Haddington, about 8 miles, take the A199, B1347 and B1377 and then onto minor roads. Also access from East Linton by initially taking the B1377 north, about 4 miles. Grid Reference NT 56651 82366. “What3words” inventors.tuxedos.coughed. Full directions will be sent to confirmed attendees.

There will be two groups of 12. One group will have a tour of the house, with the other group viewing the extensive policies, and then vice versa. This visit will end with a chat over a cup of tea.

Request to consider donations to Leuchie House

There will be no charge for the visit to Balgone House, but attendees are asked to consider a cash donation towards the North Berwick charity Leuchie House.

Places will understandably be limited so please register your interest by contacting Elaine Whewell at info@eastlothianantiquarians.org.uk

Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation No: SC0052295

Dunbar Harbour Visit 5th July 2025
2025-07-05 14:00 - 16:00
Society visit MEMBERS ONLY

Dunbar Harbour is a working harbour, owned and run by a charity, Dunbar Harbour Trust. Our visit will be hosted by Alasdair Swan, a most knowledgeable expert on the harbour having served the maximum term of twelve years as a trustee of Dunbar Harbour Trust, most of them as Chair of the Trust. He is currently a trustee of Dunbar Dementia Network and Belhaven Surf Centre, and is the Treasurer for Dunbar Community Council and Dunbar History Society. He lives near to Dunbar’s East Beach, close to the harbour.

Dunbar Harbour history

Attendees will be introduced to Dunbar’s three harbours, all of which have been packed with history, with tales of Black Agnes, Mary Queen of Scots, poor Johnny Cope, and American/French pirates.

For many centuries Dunbar was a town of great significance in the seemingly endless wars between the Scots and the English. It was seen as a key supply point on the road to Edinburgh, and its castle was never easy to capture. Some of what remains of the castle you will be able to see on our visit, although much of its stonework is less obvious as it has long since been incorporated into the buildings in the town.

Dunbar Battery holds a prominent position at the harbour and has had several re-incarnations since it was first built. It is now an open-air arena, available for public performances and civic occasions.

The harbours are home to a large kittiwake population, and it is probable that our tour will need to compete with the sound of the birds, circling round the harbour rock. Local seabird enthusiast and kittiwake warden Chris Martin will be present to describe their activities.

Fishing has always been an important part of the town’s economy, and we will have a chance to hear some of the current challenges that face our fishing families, hopefully first hand from local fishermen if they are not out fishing!

Visit plan

Dunbar Harbour is at the foot of Victoria Street, EH42 1HW. Walkers should go straight down to the old Cromwell Harbour. All cars should drive down to the foot of this street and spaces will be made available for those with mobility issues. Others will be guided to suitable nearby on-street parking.

We will meet at the white building called McArthur’s Store at the foot of the street. (The white building in the photo).

The visit will be tailored according to the weather for, ideally, it will involve a fair amount of walking in the open air. This is not such a good idea when the rain is lashing down and the wind is whipping in from the North Sea, so there will be a contingency plan if the weather forecast is truly awful.

At the end of the visit there will be a chance to have a cup of tea or coffee together in McArthur’s Store.

Request to consider donations to Dunbar Harbour Trust

There will be no charge for the visit to Dunbar Harbour but attendees are asked to consider a cash donation on the day towards the charity or, better still, a gift aid donation at:

https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/19527#!/DonationDetails

Booking: there is not need to formally book but it would be useful to convey your intent to come, no least to help the Dunbar Harbour, by contacting Elaine Whewell at info@eastlothianantiquarians.org.uk

Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation No: SC0052295

Newbattle Abbey Visit 18 Sep 2025
2025-09-18 14:00 - 16:00
A private tour of the Abbey and it’s wonderful gardens. Founded as a Cistercian Monastery in 1140 by King David 1st. It then became the Kerr family home in the 16th century and an adult residential college in 1937. The army requisitioned it during World War 2 but opened its doors to a college again in 1950. It has a fascinating history which will be described during the tour. It was her that a Council of Nobles met here in Spring 1320. They drafted a letter asking the Pope to recognise Scotland’s independence and acknowledge Robert Bruce as the lawful king. This letter became The Declaration of Arbroath !

There will also be an opportunity to explore the beautiful Italian Garden.

The cost will be approximately £10, to include tea and biscuits.

Likely numbers limit two groups of 15.

Preston Tower Visit 18 Oct 2025
2025-10-18 14:00 - 16:30
The Society is delighted to offer Members an opportunity for a private tour of Preston Tower, Doocot and Garden on Saturday 18th October, 2025, 2.00 PM for 2.30 PM. Our visit will be hosted by Friends of Preston Tower, a local group of community-focused volunteers.

Preston Tower is a Scheduled Monument consisting of a partially ruined Tower House, Doocot and Garden nestling in the heart of the town of Prestonpans. The lower storeys of the tower are of 15th century origin whilst the upper mini Renaissance Palace (and probably the Doocot) was added in the early 17th century. There are two documented burnings of the Tower, firstly in 1544 during the Rough Wooing and again in 1650 by Oliver Cromwell’s forces. The Tower remained in use as a home until around 1700 when it was permanently abandoned by the Hamilton family. From the mid-19th century the Tower functioned as the centrepiece of a commercial market garden and in the late 1960s passed into the ownership of the National Trust for Scotland. Currently access is limited to the first floor great hall reached via a new external staircase, the ground floor vaulted chamber with its own entrance, and the nearby doocot which was substantially repaired at the same time the tower was being renovated.

Visit plan

Address: 30 Cross Cottages, Prestonpans, EH32 9EJ.

There will be two groups that will alternate between the Tower and Doocot & Garden.

There will be no charge for the visit but attendees are asked to consider donations towards the running costs of the Friends of Preston Tower: either in cash or on-line via a QR code.

Please note that there is no dedicated parking at the Tower. The adjacent car park is private for the housing association. However there is ample on-street parking as well as at the nearby community centre close to the Mercat cross. The nearest public toilets are on Ayres Wynd, just off the High Street: follow West Loan north.

Places will understandably be limited so to reserve a place please contact Elaine Whewell at info@eastlothianantiquarians.org.uk

“The material landscapes of Scotland’s jewellery craft.” Saturday 1st November 2025
2025-11-01 14:30 - 17:00
The Society is delighted to present this talk by Dr Sarah Laurenson at 2.30 PM, Saturday, 1st November, 2025.

The venue will be at Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, Haddington

Dr Sarah Laurenson is Principal Curator and Head of Modern and Contemporary History at National Museums Scotland. This talk will be based on her recent extensively researched and beautifully illustrated book entitled as above.

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, jewellers sourced and used a range of materials from Scotland’s varied natural landscape: precious gold and silver, sparkling crystals and colourful agates, freshwater pearls and shells. This talk traces these materials on their journey from hill and shore to the jewellers bench and explores how these materials shaped new ways of working with and thinking about the natural world during the age of industry.

Members can expect a most interesting and colourful journey into the world of Scottish jewellery.

For any enquiries contact Elaine Whewell: info@eastlothianantiquarians.org.uk

Non members welcome with a modest cash donation appreciated

Church parking is limited to Blue Badge holders plus otherwise mobility compromised

Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation No: SC052295

“New looks at old pasts: the impact of LiDAR on our understanding of the landscape in the Border counties.”
2025-11-22 14:30 - 17:00
Stratford Halliday LIDAR FINAL PDFDownload

“An Eighteenth Century North Berwick Love Story”
2025-12-13 14:30 - 17:00
a personal family account

by Sir Hew Dalrymple

Sir Hew and Margaret Sainthill article- lectureDownload

The Society is delighted to present this talk by Sir Hew Dalrymple at 2.30 PM, Saturday, December 13th, 2025. Sir Hew and his family have been involved in the Society since its inception and in North Berwick and East Lothian life for more than 300 years. Sir Hew was a founding trustee of the Scottish Seabird Centre and is a Deputy Lieutenant of the county. He is also president of North Berwick RNLI and North Berwick Yacht Club. His family home, Leuchie House, is well known as the National Respite Centre. Sir Hew’s family archives are deposited in the National Record Office and are the source for this talk.

Sir Hew will take us back to the year 1744 and will paint a picture of life in North Berwick and London at that time. The talk is based on an intimate & delightful correspondence between Hew and Margaret Dalrymple, who were newly married but separated for four months when he left her in London to attend to his business affairs in Scotland. What emerges is a fascinating picture of a life very different to our own and yet the emotions, ambitions and anxieties that they exhibit are completely relatable to us today.

The venue will be at Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, Haddington

Join us for refreshments afterwards.

For any enquiries contact Elaine Whewell: info@eastlothianantiquarians.org.uk

Non members welcome with a modest cash donation appreciated

Church parking is limited to Blue Badge holders plus otherwise mobility compromised

Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation No: SC052295

Peebles Hoard
2026-01-31 14:30 - 17:00
A talk on the “Peebles Hoard” is being sought. This is a spectacular collection of bronze, leather and wooden material dating from the Late Bronze Age (c.1000-800 BCE). Many of these objects have never been found before in Scotland. It would be an excellent companion to the Fraser Hunter talk on the Traprain Roman treasure.

“Farm servants of South East Scotland between 1750 and 1914”
2026-02-21 14:30 - 17:00
David McLean will give a talk on the farm servants of South East Scotland between 1750 and 1914. This will describe the lives of thousands of farm servants and bondagers who worked on the improved farms of Berwickshire, Roxburghshire and East Lothian through the years of the great agricultural revolution.
