Heritage Connections Update May 2025

With loads of great events taking place now and over the next few months, it's a great time to take a look at what some of our local heritage groups are up to in 2025!

Firstly, the Heritage Connections Group (that's us btw) has secured funding from East Lothian Council for hosting this website for the next three years! It's great to know that we have this secured. Funding was also sourced to ensure the website is suitably maintained until March 2026, and work is ongoing to source further funding beyond that point.

Preston Tower

The Friends of Preston Tower are now in a position to give tours of the tower to visitors - these must be booked in advance and demand is high, so please check out their Facebook page for details of upcoming open days and tours.

Cockenzie House & Gardens

CH&G have recently taken a big step in their journey, through the acquisition of the Auld Kirk and the hall. The future of the building was uncertain following the Church of Scotland merging the congregations of their two churches in Cockenzie & Port Seton, and CH&G successfully pursued a Scottish Land Fund bid to keep the buildings in community use. We await news of what will come next with anticipation - keep an eye on their Facebook page for all news relating to Cockenzie House & Gardens. And don't forget the regular flea markets on the first Saturday of each month!

1722 Waggonway Project

The 1722 Waggonway Heritage Centre at West Harbour Road opens every Saturday and the group also have some great events coming up, including an Open Day on 17th May - there will be guided walks, activities and a licensed bar - check out all the details via their website or Facebook Page. The group is also planning future archaeological digs, which will be advertised soon.

Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust

The Jacobite Museum at Prestonpans Town Hall is open every weekend, and visitors can immerse themselves in the history of one of the most fascinating periods in Scotland's history. Also, their latest special exhibition 'We saw the Enemy' gives amazing further insights into the battle, told in the words of those who fought it. Find all the details here.

Prestongrange Museum

PG is open for the season - check out the opening hours here. There will be various events taking place at PG through the summer season, so keep an eye out for those via their Facebook page.

Catching the Past

The well known reenactors continue to support our heritage and our local groups by bringing the past to life - you will find them at many events in the area through the year. Find out more about what they do here.

If you are planning a heritage event and want us to help showcase it, we'd love to help! Please get in touch via saltoftheearthweb@gmail.com