Check out our quarterly partnership newsletter via button, hard copies available on request from beth@elep.scotContinue readingEnergy Projects partnership Newsletter
Check out our quarterly partnership newsletter via button, hard copies available on request from beth@elep.scot June Newsletter
With fuel prices rising, many East Lammermuir residents have already shown their interest in improving energy efficiency and moving away from reliance on fossil fuels. From the early work done by Insulate Innerwick, the Energy Efficiency workshop in October 2025, and opportunity for homeowners & tenants to have thermal imaging carried out by Community Heat…Continue readingEast Lammermuir Warm Homes Project
With fuel prices rising, many East Lammermuir residents have already shown their interest in improving energy efficiency and moving away from reliance on fossil fuels. From the early work done by Insulate Innerwick, the Energy Efficiency workshop in October 2025, and opportunity for homeowners & tenants to have thermal imaging carried out by Community Heat Team last winter, ELCC has now launched the Warm Homes Project. Locally-based and community-owned Lothian Heat CIC has been appointed by ELCC to deliver the Warm Homes Project. In early May, Warm Homes Project Manager, Ellen Abbi, was appointed to lead the project and is your first point of contact. You are welcome to contact her at ellen.abbi@lothianheat.org. You can also find Frequently Asked Questions available online at lothianheat.org/warm-homes-east-lammermuir/ We are now asking a representative of all East Lammermuir Community Council households, including owner-occupiers, tenants and landlords, to express their interest. Please fill out this short online form (East Lammermuir Warm Homes Project – Interest Form – Fill out form ) or scan the QR code, so that we can keep you informed about how the community benefits can help. We will use the information you give us to keep in touch with relevant opportunities to make sure you don’t miss out, and to help develop the project. The form should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
The East Lammermuir Warmer Homes Project has now been launched to follow on from the early work and Feasibility Study produced by the Insulate Innerwick Project, the Energy Efficiency workshop run by East Lammermuir Community Council (ELCC) in October 2025 and the thermal imaging carried out by the Community Heat Team over the winter of…Continue readingEast Lammermuir Warmer Homes Project
The East Lammermuir Warmer Homes Project has now been launched to follow on from the early work and Feasibility Study produced by the Insulate Innerwick Project, the Energy Efficiency workshop run by East Lammermuir Community Council (ELCC) in October 2025 and the thermal imaging carried out by the Community Heat Team over the winter of 2025/26. Locally-based and community-owned Lothian Heat CIC has been appointed by ELCC to deliver the Warm Homes Project. In early May 2025, Ellen Abbi was appointed as Warm Homes Project Manager and is your first point of contact. You are welcome to contact her at ellen.abbi@lothianheat.org. You can also find Frequently Asked Questions available online at lothianheat.org/warm-homes-east-lammermuir/ We are now asking a representative of all East Lammermuir Community Council households, including owner-occupiers, tenants and landlords, to express their interest. Please fill out this short online form (East Lammermuir Warm Homes Project – Interest Form – Fill out form ) or scan the QR code, so that we can keep you informed about how the community benefits can help. We will use the information you give us to keep in touch with relevant opportunities to make sure you don’t miss out, and to help develop the project. The form should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
To complete the new A1 slip road the temporary traffic barrier must be removed to tie in the new road. This requires night shift working from 16th to 18th June. Works will be completed as quickly as possible, and steps will be taken to minimise noise. Forthcoming works include progressing the 3km haul road to the Branxton…Continue readingBranxton Substation enabling works
To complete the new A1 slip road the temporary traffic barrier must be removed to tie in the new road. This requires night shift working from 16th to 18th June. Works will be completed as quickly as possible, and steps will be taken to minimise noise. Forthcoming works include progressing the 3km haul road to the Branxton substation site, which crosses public roads at three locations. To support construction of these junctions (including signage, road widening and resurfacing), road closures have been agreed with East Lothian Council as follows: Location 2: Lawfield Road – 11th June to 5th July Location 3: ZU215 – 4th to 27th August Location 4:C121 – 19th August to 13th September C121 road widening requires a closure at Location 5: 14th September to 12th October As construction on the project continues, SPEN will continue to carefully phase activities to minimise disruption and work closely with the community – ensuring residents are kept informed. SPEN appreciate the community’s patience during these works and encourage people to contact the project.communications@spenergynetworks.co.uk email address with any questions. For the latest updates please subscribe to the Energy Projects Partnership email bulletin here. Image: locations of upcoming road closures (location 1, existing A1 slip road – now reopened)
DDHS Exhibition: What does it mean?…Place-names in and around Dunbar.
June 2026 A new DDHS exhibition will open on 26th June 2026. Below are some panels from the exhibition. Initial text by Pauline Smeed and place-names explanations by Liz Curtis. Links added by Dr James Herring. Dunbar?, Lamer Street?, Friarscroft? Our volunteers in the Town House are often asked ‘what does it mean?’, ‘where did…Continue readingDDHS Exhibition: What does it mean?…Place-names in and around Dunbar.
June 2026 A new DDHS exhibition will open on 26th June 2026. Below are some panels from the exhibition. Initial text by Pauline Smeed and place-names explanations by Liz Curtis. Links added by Dr James Herring. Dunbar?, Lamer Street?, Friarscroft? Our volunteers in the Town House are often asked ‘what does it mean?’, ‘where did the name come from?… Our latest exhibition, opening on 26th June, 2026, is based on the online publication, ‘Place-names of East Lothian: A journey through time’, researched by Dunbar & District History Society member Liz Curtis. The exhibition presents a selection of names from North Berwick to Dunglass and is supported by artefacts and historical images. As Liz explains, ‘over thousands of years, a succession of different peoples arrived in East Lothian, mostly seeking the excellent agricultural land. They spoke different languages – Brittonic, Old English, Old Norse (Scandinavian), Gaelic, and Norman French. Then Scots developed locally, based on Old English. Each group named the land in their own way. They adopted the place-names of their predecessors or adapted them or created new names. As a result, East Lothian has a wonderfully varied collection of place-names, which illuminate our history.’ The full version of the online publication can be found on the Scottish Place-Name Society’s website, https://spns.org.uk TANTALLON Recorded as dentalonne in 1335 x 1366, this is possibly ‘fort on the brow or headland’ from Brittonic dīn ‘fort’ and *tāl-an ‘brow place’. Tantallon today is a massive ruined medieval castle on a promontory where the Firth of Forth meets the North Sea. It was probably built on top of a prehistoric promontory fort similar to that at Dunbar, which would explain the name. You can read more about Tantallon Castle on the HES site (god photos) which describes the castle as Set high on a cliff edge and featuring a massive red sandstone curtain wall, Tantallon Castle was home to the Red Douglas dynasty. Spott Recorded as Spot in 1153 x 1159, this is from Scots spot ‘a small area of land’. You can read more about Spott Village’s history here as well as a feature on Spott Kirk on Undiscovered Scotland (good photos). The postcard indicates that it is from Sanson’s series. Frederick George Sanson was a notable late-19th to early-20th-century local photographer and draper from Dunbar. His photographs showed aspects of Dunbar at the time e.g. the High Street and the harbour. DDHS has a large ccollection of Sanson postcards in its archives. East Linton This settlement was recorded as Lintunin 1127, which means ‘farm by the torrent’, from Old English tūn ‘substantial farm’ and hlynn ‘torrent’. The hlynn is the waterfall which tumbles over what are now called the Linn Rocks. By about 1840 the village had become known as East Linton, to distinguish it from Linton in Peeblesshire, now known as West Linton. You can read detailed accounts relating to a number of aspects of East Linton’s history e.g. agricultural heritage or artistic heritage on this site (good photos).
Four roads updates for June including filming in Stenton, and nighttime works on the A1 Continue readingLocal traffic updates
Update from BEAR Scotland 08/06 “Tonight’s planned road closure has been cancelled, and no further traffic management is required at the site.” A1 resurfacing south of Penmanshiel Separate from the energy developments roads updates, which appear in the weekly bulletin, there are four local roads updates for June. Two Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) for the Stenton area, and two updates from BEAR Scotland for the A1, about night-time works near Innerwick, and Penmanshiel. 1. Filming in Stenton on Weds 10th June 2026 – Road closure and Parking suspension Main Street – Parking suspended from outside Monreith to outside Stenton Parish Church. Main Street – Parking suspended from outside No 7 Roodwell Cottages eastwards for 150m or thereby. Church Car Park – Parking suspended on the West side of the car park for the use of vehicles associated with the filming. For a maximum of four hours between the times stated, 8am til 8pm. (TTRO 265/26/SR) TTRO information 2. Utility Works – Road closure nr. Stenton Monday 29th June – Weds 1st July 2026 Road closed from its junction with U184 to its junction with Mill Lane. Emergency access to be maintained. (TTRO 243/26/SR) TTRO information A1 BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland 1. A1 South of Penmanshiel – Overnight Resurfacing Works The A1 will be closed in both directions. Road Users will be diverted between the A1/A1107 junction for Eyemouth and the Tower Farm junction via the A1107 for Road Marking and Stud works. This diversion will add 9 minutes and 1.2 miles to affected journeys. Friday 5th and Monday 8th nights 19:30 – 06:00, no weekend night working. If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback, please contact Rosie Getliff at SEConsultationroads@bearscotland.co.uk. 2. A1 south of Innerwick Junction- essential overnight carriageway resurfacing on the A1 in both directions, south of Innerwick Junction, located approximately 3 miles south of Dunbar. These works are scheduled to take place over 19 nights from Monday 8th June to Thursday 2nd July, from 19:30 to 06:00 each night. No works are currently planned for Saturday or Sunday nights. A 10mph convoy traffic management system will be in place in both directions. Additionally, during working hours right-turn restrictions will be in place at Innerwick Junction. Traffic from Innerwick junction heading southbound on the A1 will be diverted northbound to Spott Roundabout and then back on the A1 southbound. This diversion will add 3 minutes and 2.9 miles onto affected journeys. Any questions or would like to provide feedback, please contact Josh Harrison at SEConsultationroads@bearscotland.co.uk More information
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Papple Steading return visitDownload
The Millennium Celebrations at Dunbar Harbour
May 2026 On Auld Year’s Night – December 31st 1999 – the approaching Millennium was celebrated in spectacular style at Dunbar Harbour. Dr James Herring has investigated this event by studying a video and photographs and by interviewing people involved in this iconic event in Dunbar’s recent history. A section of the video has been…Continue readingThe Millennium Celebrations at Dunbar Harbour
May 2026 On Auld Year’s Night – December 31st 1999 – the approaching Millennium was celebrated in spectacular style at Dunbar Harbour. Dr James Herring has investigated this event by studying a video and photographs and by interviewing people involved in this iconic event in Dunbar’s recent history. A section of the video has been posted on YouTube with permission of the creators. One of the highlights of the event, which was organised by a sub-committee of Dunbar Community Council, was the lighting of a beacon on top of the castle. The photo above – by Stefany Hawryluk – shows the archer Colin Campbell next to the beacon. He was a member of the Wolfstar Archery Club at the time and was persuaded to launch a flaming arrow from the harbour entrance, opposite the castle walls, to the top of the castle to light the beacon. In an interview, Colin Campbell stated I had to go and research a flaming arrow and I found an example from the Olympics of a man lighting a beacon. On the night, Colin Campbell remembered I had never shot in the dark. After getting a signal from the castle top where the beacon was, I lit the flame and pulled back. I was VERY nervous as it was a cold night and my fingers were getting numb, but it went well. The arrow sailed over the beacon, funded by British Gas, and was lit by Kit Newman from Dunbar, who worked for British Gas at the time. The photo above shows the lifeboat, lit up by flares, entering the harbour. At the front of the lifeboat was a piper, 15 year old Andrew Chisholm, whose father Ralph Chisholm was a member of the lifeboat crew and had taken his son on the lifeboat a number of times. Andrew Chisholm recalled I got on the boat at the harbour and we went outside the harbour for a while. What I do remember is that it was so cold on the lifeboat and I had to try to keep my hands warm. It was hard work, as my lips were frozen and trying to blow and keep my fingers going was very difficult. I was so happy when I got to start playing. He also remembered hearing the crowd cheering as the lifeboat came into the harbour, seemingly emerging from a red mist. What those who were in the crowd that night particularly remember was the lifeboat being taken around the harbour at speed by Coxswain Noel Wight. The video above is part of an extended video, recorded on videocasssettes on hand held cameras by Frank Wood, Jim Thompson and Jimmy Jenkinson. Additional commentary has been added by Dr James Herring. The key organiser of the event, Stefany Hawryluk commented in an interveiw From the archer’s arrow to the beacon, to the lifeboat coming into the harbour, it all went very well. There was a real community spirit and the crowd – estimated by the local police to be over four thousand people – were very excited. It really was a great spectacle. An article on the event, by Dr James Herring, will appear in East Lothian Life – Winter 2026 edition – later this year.
Sunday 12th July, 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm Spott Village Hall, Dunbar Come and create “Mosslings” – small sculptural forms made from materials foraged from the local landscape. Inspired by Scottish folk traditions, you’ll transform plants, fibres, and found natural materials into tactile creations that will join a communal exhibition in July. If…Continue readingMosslings Workshop
Sunday 12th July, 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm Spott Village Hall, Dunbar Come and create “Mosslings” – small sculptural forms made from materials foraged from the local landscape. Inspired by Scottish folk traditions, you’ll transform plants, fibres, and found natural materials into tactile creations that will join a communal exhibition in July. If you wish, your Mosslings can later be returned to the landscape to nourish new growth. What You’ll Do: Take a short walk around Spott Village Hall to forage materials Learn to make cordage from natural fibres Explore simple weaving techniques using your foraged finds Create your own Mossling through guided, hands-on crafting Why Attend: This workshop offers a chance for slow, creative making that connects you to Dunbar’s landscape and heritage. Work with your hands, explore traditional techniques, and be part of a collective art project rooted in place and community. What to Expect: A relaxed, beginner-friendly session focusing on tactile craft and working with natural materials. No prior experience needed – just curiosity and an interest in making and exploring what the landscape has to offer. Practical Details: Suitable for adults and children (7+) Young children must be accompanied by a supervising adult Wear suitable clothing and shoes for exploring outdoors and getting dirty! To book your place and for further information please message Jo McNamara: 07484 210758 Part of the FLOW programme of workshops
Sunday 5th July, 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm Spott Village Hall, Dunbar Learn to capture the textures and patterns of the natural world using plaster and clay in this hands-on casting workshop. Explore the landscape around Spott Village Hall to forage materials, before transforming your finds into beautiful botanical casts. Discover how to…Continue readingFrom Field to Form -Nature's Imprint
Sunday 5th July, 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm Spott Village Hall, Dunbar Learn to capture the textures and patterns of the natural world using plaster and clay in this hands-on casting workshop. Explore the landscape around Spott Village Hall to forage materials, before transforming your finds into beautiful botanical casts. Discover how to create small, pebble-shaped forms imprinted with delicate patterns and textures gathered from nature, that preserve your observations and discoveries from the Dunbar landscape. What You’ll Do: Take a short walk to forage natural materials from around the village hall Learn simple casting techniques using clay and plaster Experiment with different plants and materials to capture unique patterns, botanical imprints and textured forms Why Attend: This workshop offers a tactile way to connect with the local landscape, learn a versatile craft skill and be part of a collective art project rooted in place and community. What to Expect: A relaxed, beginner-friendly session working with clay, plaster and natural materials. No prior experience needed – just curiosity and an interest in making and exploring what the landscape has to offer. Practical Details: Suitable for adults and children (7+) Young children must be accompanied by a supervising adult Wear suitable clothing and shoes for exploring outdoors and getting dirty! To book your place and for further information please message Jo McNamara: 07484 210758 Part of the FLOW programme of workshops
Sunday 21st June, 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm Spott Village Hall, Dunbar Discover the hidden magic where botany meets photography in this hands-on creative workshop. Explore alternative photography techniques using plants as photographic emulsions and developers. Try your hand at Lumen printing – a sun-powered photographic process from the 1830s -combined with Phytograms,…Continue readingPlant Photography Workshop
Sunday 21st June, 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm Spott Village Hall, Dunbar Discover the hidden magic where botany meets photography in this hands-on creative workshop. Explore alternative photography techniques using plants as photographic emulsions and developers. Try your hand at Lumen printing – a sun-powered photographic process from the 1830s -combined with Phytograms, where living plant chemistry interacts with light-sensitive paper. You’ll also learn about Anthotypes – a process by which photographic emulsions are made from plants. Watch as plant structures create colour-shifting botanical images and hidden colours on light-sensitive paper. What You Need: No cameras, prior experience, or special gear required – just curiosity Practical Details: Suitable for adults and children (7+) Young children must be accompanied by a supervising adult Wear suitable clothing and shoes for exploring outdoors and getting dirty! To book your place and for further information please message Jo McNamara: 07484 210758 Part of the FLOW programme of workshops
Sunday 7th June, 2pm – 4pm Spott Village Hall, Dunbar Discover the Japanese art of creating ‘mud balls’ while exploring the rich pigments hidden in Dunbar’s unique landscape. Learn the slow, satisfying process of transforming clay and sand into beautifully polished spheres. You’ll also get an introduction to creating natural earth pigments from Dunbar’s distinctive…Continue readingMud Balls and Earth Pigments
Sunday 7th June, 2pm – 4pm Spott Village Hall, Dunbar Discover the Japanese art of creating ‘mud balls’ while exploring the rich pigments hidden in Dunbar’s unique landscape. Learn the slow, satisfying process of transforming clay and sand into beautifully polished spheres. You’ll also get an introduction to creating natural earth pigments from Dunbar’s distinctive coastline and terrain, then get the chance to get creative with prepared pigments. What You’ll Do: Learn how to make polished mud balls using clay and sand An introduction to creating natural pigments from the local landscape Get creative with earth pigments drawn from Dunbar’s unique environment Why Attend: This workshop combines mindful making with connection to place. Experience the satisfaction of working with fundamental materials while discovering the colours hidden in the landscape around you. What to Expect: A hands-on, meditative session working with clay, sand, and natural pigments. The process is both calming and engaging, suitable for all skill levels. Your finished pieces will be part of an exhibition at the John Muir Birthplace in Dunbar. Practical Details: Suitable for adults and children (7+) Young children must be accompanied by a supervising adult Wear suitable clothing and shoes for exploring outdoors and getting dirty! To book your place and for further information please message Jo McNamara: 07484 210758 Part of the FLOW programme of workshops with Katie Fowlie -artist/educator/forager
Sunday 7th June, 10am – 12.00 Meet at Spott Village Hall for a walk and explore along the Spott Burn Join Henry Mathias – Thrive Outdoors Associate, to explore the glen from a new angle. The stories about plants and animals and the traditions connected with them will stimulate your curiosity and imagination. If you’re…Continue readingFolk, Fauna and Flora Lore
Sunday 7th June, 10am – 12.00 Meet at Spott Village Hall for a walk and explore along the Spott Burn Join Henry Mathias – Thrive Outdoors Associate, to explore the glen from a new angle. The stories about plants and animals and the traditions connected with them will stimulate your curiosity and imagination. If you’re feeling creative we will provide materials to capture your impressions of this environment. Suitable for adults and children (7+). Young children must be accompanied by a supervising adult. We will walk at a gentle pace but the ground may be uneven in places and sensible footwear is recommended. To book your place and for further information please message Jo McNamara: 07484 210758 Part of the FLOW programme of workshops
Normally on the Second Wed of the month 12.30-14.00 In St. Anne’s Church, Westgate, Dunbar, EH42 1JL Next café, Wednesday 10th June, 2026 An open, inclusive, café space for people to get together to talk, share concerns and ideas and plan action in the context of the climate and nature emergencies. Everyone is welcome to…Continue readingClimate Café
Normally on the Second Wed of the month 12.30-14.00 In St. Anne’s Church, Westgate, Dunbar, EH42 1JL Next café, Wednesday 10th June, 2026 An open, inclusive, café space for people to get together to talk, share concerns and ideas and plan action in the context of the climate and nature emergencies. Everyone is welcome to come and share in a simple soup and bread lunch and join the conversation and get involved. More info Mark: 07914 602123 or mark@sustainingdunbar.org
Lots of sand this week! A large stack of white and orange ton bags are gradually being diminished and the level of the ground inside our walls is slowly rising. We now have a compacted sand layer throughout the building, with more to be added. This will be followed by damp-proofing and concrete. Trenches for…Continue readingHall Build - Week 23
Lots of sand this week! A large stack of white and orange ton bags are gradually being diminished and the level of the ground inside our walls is slowly rising. We now have a compacted sand layer throughout the building, with more to be added. This will be followed by damp-proofing and concrete. Trenches for ducting between the main building and the shed are now being filled in, and shuttering is being put up in the trench at the front of the hall, ready for concrete foundations to be poured for our front steps. OCA also attended the open day at Be Green in Dunbar this week, where we met with visiting staff from CWP Energy, Catherine, Rob, and Sarah. Rob Fryer visited the site and was pleased to see the progress!
Every WordPress release celebrates an artist who has made an indelible mark on the world of music. Say Hello to WordPress 7.0 “Armstrong”, named in honor of “Satchmo” himself, jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Known as the “first great jazz soloist”, Louis Armstrong created ensembles that highlighted his own profound trumpeting skills, and in the process,…Continue readingWelcome to WordPress 7.0!
Every WordPress release celebrates an artist who has made an indelible mark on the world of music. Say Hello to WordPress 7.0 “Armstrong”, named in honor of “Satchmo” himself, jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Known as the “first great jazz soloist”, Louis Armstrong created ensembles that highlighted his own profound trumpeting skills, and in the process, transformed jazz from an orchestral art form into a solo art form. The master trumpeter also impressed the world with his signature vocals, introducing improvisation into Jazz, influencing every artist he worked with, and permanently changing the landscape of music. Louis Armstrong wove his personal touch into the world of Jazz. With WordPress 7.0 “Armstrong”, you can build with yours. WordPress 7.0 marks the start of a new era, laying the foundation for AI across the WordPress experience. Greeting you with a modern, more intuitive dashboard, 7.0 introduces enhanced customization and development tools that inspire creativity and tap into endless potential. Whether you’re a creator, business owner or community project – WordPress 7.0 let’s you create in a way that is uniquely your own. Check it Out
FLOW is a series of creative activities running on Sundays from 7th June through to Sunday 12th July 2026 as part of our wider Rivers Project. Based at Spott Village Hall, we will explore the Spott Burn and its surroundings through a series of walks and creative workshops with Katie Fowlie (artist/educator/forager). All activities are…Continue readingFLOW -programme
FLOW is a series of creative activities running on Sundays from 7th June through to Sunday 12th July 2026 as part of our wider Rivers Project. Based at Spott Village Hall, we will explore the Spott Burn and its surroundings through a series of walks and creative workshops with Katie Fowlie (artist/educator/forager). Sunday 7th June 10am-12.00 – Folk, Flora and Fauna Lore Sunday 7th June 2-4pm – Mud Balls and Earth Pigments Sunday 21st June 10am-12.00 & 2-4pm – Plant Photography Workshop Sunday 5th July 10am-12.00 & 2-4pm – From Field to Form -Nature’s Imprint Sunday 12th July 10am-12.00 and 2-4pm -Mosslings Workshop All activities are free but we will ask permission of participants to use some elements of their work in our exhibition FLOW which will be shown at John Muir’s Birthplace from July to September. To book your place and for further information please message Jo McNamara: 07484 210758 See more information on the individual activities below – or download the full programme here: FLOW programme 2026 Sunday 7th June: Folk, fauna and flora lore 10am – 12.00 Meet at Spott Village Hall for a walk along the burn Join Henry Mathias – Thrive Outdoors Associate, to explore the glen from a new angle. The stories about plants and animals and the traditions connected with them will stimulate your curiosity and imagination. If you’re feeling creative we will provide materials to capture your impressions of this environment. Suitable for adults and children (7+). Young children must be accompanied by a supervising adult. We will walk at a gentle pace but the ground may be uneven in places and sensible footwear is recommended. Sunday 7th June: Mud Balls & Earth Pigments 2pm – 4pm Spott Village Hall, Dunbar Discover the Japanese art of creating ‘mud balls’ while exploring the rich pigments hidden in Dunbar’s unique landscape. Learn the slow, satisfying process of transforming clay and sand into beautifully polished spheres. You’ll also get an introduction to creating natural earth pigments from Dunbar’s distinctive coastline and terrain, then get the chance to get creative with prepared pigments. What You’ll Do: Learn how to make polished mud balls using clay and sand An introduction to creating natural pigments from the local landscape Get creative with earth pigments drawn from Dunbar’s unique environment Why Attend: This workshop combines mindful making with connection to place. Experience the satisfaction of working with fundamental materials while discovering the colours hidden in the landscape around you. What to Expect: A hands-on, meditative session working with clay, sand, and natural pigments. The process is both calming and engaging, suitable for all skill levels. Your finished pieces will be part of an exhibition at the John Muir Birthplace in Dunbar. Practical Details: Suitable for adults and children (7+) Young children must be accompanied by a supervising adult Wear suitable clothing and shoes for exploring outdoors and getting dirty! Sunday 21st June: Plant Photography Workshop 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm Spott Village Hall, Dunbar Discover the hidden magic where botany meets photography in this hands-on creative workshop. Explore alternative photography techniques using plants as photographic emulsions and developers. Try your hand at Lumen printing – a sun-powered photographic process from the 1830s -combined with Phytograms, where living plant chemistry interacts with light-sensitive paper. You’ll also learn about Anthotypes – a process by which photographic emulsions are made from plants. Watch as plant structures create colour-shifting botanical images and hidden colours on light-sensitive paper. What You Need: No cameras, prior experience, or special gear required – just curiosity Practical Details: Suitable for adults and children (7+) Young children must be accompanied by a supervising adult Wear suitable clothing and shoes for exploring outdoors and getting dirty! Sunday 5th July: From Field to Form – Nature’s Imprint 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm Spott Village Hall, Dunbar Learn to capture the textures and patterns of the natural world using plaster and clay in this hands-on casting workshop. Explore the landscape around Spott Village Hall to forage materials, before transforming your finds into beautiful botanical casts. Discover how to create small, pebble-shaped forms imprinted with delicate patterns and textures gathered from nature, that preserve your observations and discoveries from the Dunbar landscape. What You’ll Do: Take a short walk to forage natural materials from around the village hall Learn simple casting techniques using clay and plaster Experiment with different plants and materials to capture unique patterns, botanical imprints and textured forms Why Attend: This workshop offers a tactile way to connect with the local landscape, learn a versatile craft skill and be part of a collective art project rooted in place and community. What to Expect: A relaxed, beginner-friendly session working with clay, plaster and natural materials. No prior experience needed – just curiosity and an interest in making and exploring what the landscape has to offer. Practical Details: Suitable for adults and children (7+) Young children must be accompanied by a supervising adult Wear suitable clothing and shoes for exploring outdoors and getting dirty! Sunday 12th July: Mosslings Workshop 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm Spott Village Hall, Dunbar Come and create “Mosslings” – small sculptural forms made from materials foraged from the local landscape. Inspired by Scottish folk traditions, you’ll transform plants, fibres, and found natural materials into tactile creations that will join a communal exhibition in July. If you wish, your Mosslings can later be returned to the landscape to nourish new growth. What You’ll Do: Take a short walk around Spott Village Hall to forage materials Learn to make cordage from natural fibres Explore simple weaving techniques using your foraged finds Create your own Mossling through guided, hands-on crafting Why Attend: This workshop offers a chance for slow, creative making that connects you to Dunbar’s landscape and heritage. Work with your hands, explore traditional techniques, and be part of a collective art project rooted in place and community. What to Expect: A relaxed, beginner-friendly session focusing on tactile craft and working with natural materials. No prior experience needed – just curiosity and an interest in making and exploring what the landscape has to offer. Practical Details: Suitable for adults and children (7+) Young children must be accompanied by a supervising adult Wear suitable clothing and shoes for exploring outdoors and getting dirty! To book your place and for further information please message Jo McNamara: 07484 210758
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Feedback from our Local Place Plan-2 (3)Download
It’s been a week of heavy digging by hand and by machine for the guys at TRF. The end result is that we now have the first layers of the subfloor basically complete within the main building. Many tons of type 1 hardcore have been levelled and compacted, as well as sand on top of…Continue readingHall Build - Week 22
It’s been a week of heavy digging by hand and by machine for the guys at TRF. The end result is that we now have the first layers of the subfloor basically complete within the main building. Many tons of type 1 hardcore have been levelled and compacted, as well as sand on top of that. We also have trenching started for the foundation of our front steps to be laid. Next week, the sand layer will be finished off, damp-proof membrane will be added, and hopefully, towards the end of the week, the full concrete slab will be poured. GreenHeat Renewables will likely also be back on site to joint the remaining ends of their pipework and lay them in their final positions within the outbuilding before TRF put foundations on top.
Part-Time – 30 hours per week Are you a finance professional who thrives on purpose as much as performance? Do you want your financial expertise to make a real difference in people’s lives – not just the bottom line? Established in 2016, The Ridge Dunbar is a medium-sized charity incorporating income-generating social enterprises. We are…Continue readingRecruiting - Finance Manager
Part-Time – 30 hours per week Are you a finance professional who thrives on purpose as much as performance? Do you want your financial expertise to make a real difference in people’s lives – not just the bottom line? Established in 2016, The Ridge Dunbar is a medium-sized charity incorporating income-generating social enterprises. We are a vibrant and inclusive community working together to overcome wide-ranging societal challenges and support positive change in one another’s lives. We are seeking a committed and skilled Finance Manager to lead our finance function with integrity, clarity and vision. This is a unique opportunity to apply your professional expertise within an organisation that genuinely transforms lives every single day. Reporting to the Operations Group Head and working closely with the Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees, you will oversee and manage the finances across both our charitable activities and social enterprises. You will ensure robust financial controls and reporting, support strategic decisions with sound financial insight, and champion best practice in governance and financial administration. Your leadership will play a central role in safeguarding our sustainability, impact and future growth. Key Responsibilities You will: Lead budgeting, forecasting, reporting and year-end accounts Oversee financial management across our charitable and income generating activities Provide clear, accurate and timely financial reports to the Operations Group Head, The Board and the Finance sub-group Ensure compliance with charity finance regulations, including SORP and OSCR requirements Support strategic and operational planning through insightful financial modelling Manage and continually improve financial systems, processes and controls The Finance Manager role is critical to our ongoing success. Your skills and experience will strengthen our financial governance, due diligence and long-term planning, enabling us to continue delivering meaningful support within our community. Above all, your work will help ensure that The Ridge can continue to transform the lives of many of our town’s most vulnerable residents. Position Part-Time – 30 hours per week Salary: £47,500 (pro-rata £40,375) Benefits Employee Assistance Programme NEST Pension 7.2 weeks annual leave including 8 days public holidays (pro-rata) Interested? If you have the skills and motivation to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Dive into the job details and see if this could be the perfect fit for you! Please send your CV and a short covering letter or email explaining why you’re interested in the role to admin@the-ridge.org.uk. Applications will be reviewed and interviews requested on a rolling basis, as this position needs to be filled urgently.
Continue readingDCC Open Meeting April 2026
Minute of DCC Meeting 20 04 2026Download
Appeal for financial pledges NHS Lothian are currently evaluating our request to purchase Belhaven Community Garden so that it is protected in the long term for the benefit of everyone living in the local area. We expect to hear their decision in July. In the meantime, we are busy preparing an application to the Scottish Land…Continue readingSave Belhaven Community Garden
Appeal for financial pledges NHS Lothian are currently evaluating our request to purchase Belhaven Community Garden so that it is protected in the long term for the benefit of everyone living in the local area. We expect to hear their decision in July. In the meantime, we are busy preparing an application to the Scottish Land Fund for a grant towards the purchase cost. This is more likely to be successful if we can demonstrate that we can match a grant with local crowdfunding. We are therefore asking for (anonymous) pledges to indicate how much we are likely to be able to raise through a future crowdfunding campaign. If you are in a position to make a pledge (however small) then please do so NOW! (We need to submit our application to the Scottish Land Fund in early June). Note that making a pledge now doesn’t commit you to making a future financial contribution -at this stage it is just an expression of support. If our purchase request is successful we will start actual fund raising. And we obviously realise that not everyone will be in a position to provide any financial contribution at all. With many thanks for all your past and future support!
NHS Lothian are currently evaluating our request to purchase Belhaven Community Garden so that it is protected in the long term for the benefit of everyone living in the local area. We expect to hear their decision in July. In the meantime, we are busy preparing an application to the Scottish Land Fund for a grant…Continue readingAppeal for financial pledges
NHS Lothian are currently evaluating our request to purchase Belhaven Community Garden so that it is protected in the long term for the benefit of everyone living in the local area. We expect to hear their decision in July. In the meantime, we are busy preparing an application to the Scottish Land Fund for a grant towards the purchase cost. This is more likely to be successful if we can demonstrate that we can match a grant with local crowdfunding. We are therefore asking for (anonymous) pledges to indicate how much we are likely to be able to raise through a future crowdfunding campaign. If you are in a position to make a pledge (however small) then please do so NOW! (We need to submit our application to the Scottish Land Fund in early June). Note that making a pledge now doesn’t commit you to making a future financial contribution -at this stage it is just an expression of support. If our purchase request is successful we will start actual fund raising. And we obviously realise that not everyone will be in a position to provide any financial contribution at all. With many thanks for all your past and future support!
Saturday, 23rd May, 10am-1pm, Belhaven Community Garden A free workshop on honey bees and natural beekeeping. Spend a morning with the honey-bees. We will gather around the garden’s top-bar hives, observe life at the hive entrance, open a hive and learn more about honey-bee ecology, behaviour and low intervention, natural beekeeping. For anyone curious about…Continue readingMeet the Bees
Saturday, 23rd May, 10am-1pm, Belhaven Community Garden A free workshop on honey bees and natural beekeeping. Spend a morning with the honey-bees. We will gather around the garden’s top-bar hives, observe life at the hive entrance, open a hive and learn more about honey-bee ecology, behaviour and low intervention, natural beekeeping. For anyone curious about bees -whether you are thinking about taking up beekeeping, want to understand these remarkable creatures better or simply enjoy learning from the natural world. Children welcome. Booking required.
The day(s) of the big drill finally arrived! From first thing on Monday, GreenHeat Renewables were on site in force getting their drilling rig up and running. By lunchtime, they were set up to go. Monday afternoon and the most of Tuesday saw the team making steady progress on the 200m of soil and rock…Continue readingHall Build - Week 21
The day(s) of the big drill finally arrived! From first thing on Monday, GreenHeat Renewables were on site in force getting their drilling rig up and running. By lunchtime, they were set up to go. Monday afternoon and the most of Tuesday saw the team making steady progress on the 200m of soil and rock they needed to drill through for our borehole. In the pictures, you can see the vertical stack of metal extension poles that they gradually added to the drill bit as they progressed deeper. Plenty of water came out of the hole as the drilling went on, which we’re told is a good sign – plenty of underground flow to keep the heat flowing for our ground source heat pump. TRF have also still been busy. We now have an all but completed top layer of decorative blockwork, as well as a start made on infilling the the building floors. Type 1 hardcore has been moved inside the walls, with more to come, followed by sand, damp-proofing, and finally, concrete.
Continue reading2026 Visits Summary
Visits talks copy 2026 27Download
Community Development Officer Opportunity
Job opportunity live today! Application deadline 15 June 2026 East Lothian Climate Hub have been invited by East Lammermuir Community Council to host a Community Development Officer role, to lead on coordination of delivery of our 4 community ambitions in East Lammermuir. Our priority areas from the Local Place Plan are themed around biodiversity, active travel, energy efficiency in…Continue readingCommunity Development Officer Opportunity
Job opportunity live today! Application deadline 15 June 2026 East Lothian Climate Hub have been invited by East Lammermuir Community Council to host a Community Development Officer role, to lead on coordination of delivery of our 4 community ambitions in East Lammermuir. Our priority areas from the Local Place Plan are themed around biodiversity, active travel, energy efficiency in homes and community transport. Click on the button for full details and job description. Please share! Community Development Officer role We have also just published the 5th report following the workshops, looking at synergies and efficiencies to deliver the 4 community ambitions which were focused on in the workshops. These reports will guide the work of the Community Development Officer. Check it out via the button. Workshop reports
6th June 2026Continue readingVISIT TO ST ABBS HEAD
6th June 2026 St Abbs Head IH Poster FINALDownload
The blocks keep coming… (check out the intricate cuts, joining blocks to steel by TRF!) but this week, we have our first decorative finishing stones around the base of the outer walls! A lovely buff limestone will cover the gap between the bottom of the final larch and the ground. It’s also been a week…Continue readingHall Build - Week 20
The blocks keep coming… (check out the intricate cuts, joining blocks to steel by TRF!) but this week, we have our first decorative finishing stones around the base of the outer walls! A lovely buff limestone will cover the gap between the bottom of the final larch and the ground. It’s also been a week of external contractors. GreenHeat Renewables have been on site ready for the ground source heat pump borehole to be drilled next week. They’ve put nice jointed ends on the heating flow and return pipes that were laid last week. We’ve also had local tree surgeon Rob, of Woodhead Eco Trees on site with us. He’s done a fantastic job of rescuing a big old hawthorn from being swamped by ivy at the west end of the site. Rob is a great local business and expert at what he does. We highly recommend his services for any tree work you might have! Woodhead Eco Trees
Planning Committee seeks more detail on repowering of Crystal Rig 1 windfarm
More detail sort on repowering of Crystal Rig 1 windfarm. ELCC contributed to committee on 05/05/26Continue readingPlanning Committee seeks more detail on repowering of Crystal Rig 1 windfarm
East Lothian Planning Committee members debated an application from Fred Olsen Renewables Ltd, for construction and operation of a repower of Crystal Rig 1 wind farm, on Tuesday 5th May. East Lammermuir Community Council was represented at the planning committee meeting and concluded their remarks with the following appeal; “The Council’s position is that, despite its temporary status, the access route functions as a long-term feature within this part of East Lothian and must therefore be assessed thoroughly. We agree with this. The access route from the A1 at Thurston junction (for Innerwick) all the way up to Crystal Rig is now effectively a permanent access route for the Crystal Rig and Aikengall windfarm and associated energy development sites. Fred Olsen Renewables already have planning permission for a solar farm at Crystal Rig. CWP Energy already have planning permission to construct a BESS associated with their Aikengall windfarm. No doubt all of the Aikengall 1, 2 and 2a, and the Fred Olsen Crystal Rig 2, 3 and 4 windfarms will require repowering in due course. If we were starting with a blank sheet, we believe that the council, the developers, and the community would all agree that the current access road is not fit for purpose. It was not constructed to support the heavy traffic it will now inevitably see. Is it beyond our collective wit to devise a process whereby all of the relevant voices are heard in a cumulative planning approach to this permanent access road to Crystal Rig and Aikengall? Will members call on officers to facilitate such a process, working with the community council, the energy partnership, and other bodies as appropriate? We want to see a robust road, fit for purpose, not any larger than that at present as traffic speeds are directly linked to road width, but deeper and stronger; with passing places where appropriate, safe segregation for cyclists whilst ever they have to use the road and junctions; access issues addressed according to the Right to Responsible Access, and our hedgerows protected and enhanced.” ELCC Chair Members voted unanimously to support officers recommendation that East Lothian Council object to the proposal pending further information to be provided by Fred Olsen Renewables. East Lothian Planning Committee update Video of Committee session May 5th 2026