Tourism and visitor attractions news

Council agrees to draw up plans for potential visitor levy in East Lothian

In the future, visitors to East Lothian could be charged a small fee as part of their accommodation costs, which would be used to invest in facilities and services used by visitors, as East Lothian Council today agreed to draw up plans for a potential Visitor Levy Scheme.

Published 29th October 2024.

New video showcases the best of East Lothian’s ‘agritourism’

Agritourism is a growing trend, with visitors seeking out authentic experiences that connect them to the countryside and Scotland’s natural larder. Showcasing the best of this thriving sector, a new video has been launched that highlights the rich agritourism offering in East Lothian and the region’s diverse farm-based experiences.

Published 5th September 2024.

Genesis Scottish Open 2024 traffic & travel

Local traffic management and travel advice for the Genesis Scottish Open, which returns to East Lothian this July.

Published 18th June 2024.

Ten year economy strategy for East Lothian approved

Partnership working will be key to building East Lothian’s economy over the next 10 years, councillors heard at a full meeting of East Lothian Council this week.

Published 25th April 2024.

Dunbar photography exhibition celebrates 10 years of the John Muir Way

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the John Muir Way, a coast-to-coast walking and cycling route in southern Scotland, John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar is presenting an exhibition of nature photography by Sharon McMenemy-Khan.

Published 17th April 2024.

John Muir's Birthplace celebrates 20th anniversary

Popular Dunbar visitor attraction marks 20 year anniversary

Published 24th August 2023.

Travel Trade Expert Help Programme success

Tourism businesses in East Lothian have benefited from an expert help programme designed to help them sell their experiences to UK and overseas visitors.

Published 24th July 2023.

Genesis Scottish Open 2023 traffic & travel

Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to East Lothian from 12-16 July for the Genesis Scottish Open golf tournament, which returns to the Renaissance Club, near Dirleton, for the fifth consecutive year.

Published 27th June 2023.

Geotourist Tourism Data Trail Launched in East Linton

Government-funded project with Geotourist and University of Dundee Goes Live

Published 6th June 2023.

Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Archaeology Conference 2022

Discover more about recent archaeological works in south-east Scotland

Published 2nd November 2022.

Saltire Festival 2022

The Saltire Festival is back for 2022 and there’s a great programme of events to choose from – all held in East Lothian – the home of the Saltire flag. Tickets are on sale now.

Published 20th October 2022.

Steel frame for new engine shed erected at Prestongrange Heritage Park

Construction work for new industrial heritage attraction underway

Published 13th October 2022.

Preston Tower opens its doors 24 September

Preston Tower and Gardens in Prestonpans is holding special events to showcase the work that has been carried out at this historic landmark as part of Doors Open Day 2022 (24 September 2022). 

Published 21st September 2022.

Busy weekend in North Berwick & Gullane – visitors & residents asked to plan ahead

Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to East Lothian this weekend for four events: the AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield, Gullane from 4-7 August; Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick from 5-14 August; North Berwick Highland Games & Parade on Saturday 6 August and Gullane Children’s Games on Saturday 6 August.

Published 3rd August 2022.

Lots to enjoy at East Lothian archaeology and heritage fortnight

Participate in archaeological digs, follow historical trails and discover East Lothian's rich heritage

Published 3rd August 2022.

Funding for three key East Lothian events announced & business grants in the spotlight

A total of £60,000 has been awarded to support three fantastic events in East Lothian this year, as part of economic recovery funding.

Published 5th July 2022.

Genesis Scottish Open & AIG Women’s Open traffic & travel

Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to East Lothian next weekend for the Genesis Scottish Open, which returns to the Renaissance Club for the fourth consecutive year, from 7-10 July.

Published 1st July 2022.

Improvements at East Lothian beaches to benefit visitors

Improved facilities at two popular East Lothian coastal locations have been unveiled ahead of the busy summer season.

Published 27th June 2022.

Visit East Lothian Launches New Destination Driving Routes

Taking inspiration from over 40 miles of stunning coastline, an expanse of open countryside, rolling hills and fascinating stories, Visit East Lothian has re-developed three driving routes which cross the county.

Published 12th May 2022.

New Visit East Lothian App

A new must-have app for East Lothian's residents and visitors

Published 29th April 2022.

Visit East Lothian Launches New Destination Website

New site is the 'shop window' for East Lothian

Published 13th April 2022.

New Visit East Lothian app to help visitors make the most of the coast

A new tool is set to be launched in time for the Easter break to help visitors to East Lothian’s coast avoid overcrowding and queues.

Published 11th March 2022.

Winter Wonderland to include first ever East Lothian Feast event

A new Victorian carnival and the first contemporary winter food festival of its kind are taking place in the grounds of Gosford House, East Lothian, this December.

Published 6th December 2021.

Saltire Festival 2021

The Saltire Festival is back and there’s a great programme of events to choose from – all held here in East Lothian – the home of the Saltire flag. Tickets are on sale now.

Published 3rd November 2021.

Exciting new East Lothian itineraries complement the John Muir Way long distance cross country route

Looking after our health and wellbeing has come to the fore during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Published 15th September 2021.

Tour of Britain cycle race East Lothian details

On Saturday 11 September, East Lothian plays host to the Tour of Britain for the first time in four years, when Stage Seven passes through on its Hawick to Edinburgh route.

Published 24th August 2021.

Tour of Britain returns to East Lothian

Some of the world’s best professional cyclists are expected in East Lothian as the penultimate stage of the Tour of Britain passes through the county on 11 September.

Published 21st July 2021.

East Lothian prepares to welcome top golfers to abrdn Scottish Open

Some of the world’s best golfers are set to have their skills tested in East Lothian this weekend as the abrdn Scottish Open returns to Scotland’s Golf Coast.

Published 6th July 2021.

Restoration work up and running at historic Preston Tower

The first stage of restoration work at historic Preston Tower is underway.

Published 5th July 2021.

Funding to improve toilet & changing facilities at Gullane Bents

A project to improve the toilet & showering facilities at Gullane Bents is to receive funding from VisitScotland's Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF).

Published 11th January 2021.

East Lothian Online Heritage Festival (29 August - 13 September)

An exciting East Lothian Online Heritage Festival will be taking place between (29 August - 13 September). This will replace the traditional Archaeology & Local History Fortnight.

Published 17th August 2020.

Safer spaces for cycling and walking

Proposals to support travel for work, school or leisure

Published 7th August 2020.

Further re-opening of public toilets

More toilets available from this weekend

Published 23rd July 2020.

Chester Race Company takes over the operation of Musselburgh Racecourse

Musselburgh Racecourse has new operator

Published 25th June 2020.

Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open tees off this week

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open heads to The Renaissance Club on August 8-11 and spectators are being encouraged to use public transport where possible.

Published 6th August 2019.

ASI Ladies Scottish Open set for bumper weekend of entertainment

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open has announced two themed days for the weekend to add to the fun at The Renaissance Club from 8-11 August.

Published 24th July 2019.

Travel advice for the Scottish Open this weekend 10-14 July

The ASI Scottish Open will take place at The Renaissance Club from 10-14 July. Spectators are encouraged to plan ahead and take advantage of a free shuttle bus from North Berwick.

Published 6th July 2019.

East Lothian beaches feature in 2019 Scottish Beach awards

Keep Scotland Beautiful announces 2019 Scottish Beach Award winners

Published 31st May 2019.

Musselburgh Silver Arrow 2019

Historic competition takes place at Musselburgh Links

Published 15th May 2019.

Access to golf course at Renaissance to be suspended

East Lothian Council's Cabinet has agreed to a request to temporarily suspend public access to the Renaissance Golf Club during two major tournaments in July and August.

Published 14th May 2019.