A series of events and activities to celebrate the richness of East Lothian’s cultural heritage and archaeology will run from 31 August to 15 September.
East Lothian Archaeology & Heritage Fortnight has become a mainstay in the county’s calendar bringing together amateurs and enthusiasts to showcase and enjoy the wealth of history on our doorsteps.
The 2024 programme is bigger than ever with over 60 exciting events including talks, guided walks, re-enactments, exhibitions and workshops, or tune in online to a series of presentations.
Traditional skills, Preston Tower, photography and film
This year’s highlights include a weekend of experimental archaeology and traditional skills in Cockenzie with the 1722 Waggonway Group, a chance to explore the newly conserved Preston Tower and Doocot at their open day and a photography workshop focusing on Musselburgh’s heritage.
The National Trust for Scotland will be shedding light on the work that goes on behind the scenes at the Trust, with talks about aspects such as the daily work of a curator, using historic sites as locations for film and TV, managing the Trust’s gardens, and looking after the conservation of historic collections and interiors.
Re-enactments
Re-enactments will bring the past to life and give a chance to get hands-on with history. ‘Besieged’ will portray elements of the siege of Dirleton Castle in the summer of 1298. An encampment of re-enactment groups will show crafts, skills and battle equipment of the era, and there will be a full tourney to conclude the day. Britain’s biggest Jacobite re-enactment weekend will give visitors the opportunity to see the Battle of Prestonpans unfold before them on 21-22 September just after the Fortnight closes.
Treasure Trove Finds
Eagle-eyed residents who have found items while metal detecting, gardening or out for a walk are being invited to bring their potential historical artefact to the Finds Day at the John Gray Centre. A member of the Treasure Trove Unit will discuss and identify the objects. There will also be a talk showcasing some of the most exciting objects which have recently been claimed as treasure from the Lothians, especially East Lothian.
Tours, walks and talks
Guided tours will explore the hidden histories of some of East Lothian’s historic churches and graveyards, including Spott Kirk, St Andrew’s Kirk Ports North Berwick, and Saltoun Church, or discover the fascinating historic houses of Lennoxlove and Pinkie House and Loretto School Chapel.
There are a number of guided walks on offer exploring the history of North Berwick, Musselburgh, Aberlady, Gullane and East Linton. The focus will be on historic buildings in Dunbar with the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme – come along for a guided walk or talk or drop in to the ‘pop up shop’ on the High Street for tips on how to manage repairs to your building. In Haddington the John Gray Centre archives provide the background for two talks on the history of witches in the area, or come along to the premiere of ‘Haddington Voices’, a film drawing on the memories of local people.
Full programme
The full programme is available online. Some events require to book places so please check and try to book early to avoid disappointment.
View the full East Lothian Archaeology and Heritage Fortnight programme
Archaeology & Heritage Fortnight is organised by East Lothian Council Archaeology Service with the support of the local history and heritage societies, the National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Battlefields Trust, and sponsored by AOC Archaeology Group. The Fortnight is part of Archaeology Scotland’s annual Scottish Archaeology Month. For more information visit www.archaeologyscotland.org.uk