PSG Heritage Roundup - December 2024

It's been a very busy year (as always) for our local heritage groups and projects, with plenty to update on as we move from 2024 into 2025.

Heritage Connections (that's us!)

We are currently working to pull together further funding to ensure that our work to support local heritage in Preston Seton & Gosford can continue. Out thanks goes to all those who have been involved with this project - it's so rewarding to see so many local groups thriving (long may it continue!)

Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust

The Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust continue their hard work to keep the history of the Battle of Prestonpans alive for locals and visitors from further afield. Not least in September, when the triennial re-enactment took place at the Greenhills. Dedicated reenactors arrived from all over the UK to take part in what was the biggest re-enactment yet - it was quite the spectacle, and was enjoyed by hundreds of visitors across the two days.

The Trust are gearing up for 2025 with plans in place for many events throughout the year. Coming soon, on 11th January, with an illustrated talk by Arran Johnston on Colonel Gardiner - details here. Their museum is open at weekends.

1722 Waggonway Project

The Waggonway Project are fundraising for their grand plans to construct a working wooden waggonway in the area within the next few years. This project is in its early stages, but the group has already had some success through crowdfunding and other fundraising while they work on the logistics, permissions and arrangements required to be able to start construction. Find out more via their website.

The Waggonway Project also held a very successful experimental archaeology weekend in September, during which a small section of waggonway was recreated at Cockenzie Harbour. The Waggonway Heritage Centre is open Saturdays and the group would encourage anyone who wants to help with project in any way to get in touch.

The Friends of Preston Tower

It's been quite a year for the Friends of Preston Tower. Established by local volunteers to ensure that Preston Tower had some form of guardianship as it was restored and moving towards a state where it could be opened to the public, they have gone from strength to strength, with a passionate and enthusiastic core team who have succeeded in opening the tower to visitors for events and special visits, not least from some of our local school pupils.

The overall project was recognised as the Edinburgh Architectural Association Building of the year at their Annual Awards - great credit goes to all involved with the project.

Spectacular lighting displays have enhanced the already atmospheric building to create unforgettable memories for those who have visited so far. It will be fantastic to see what the group has in store for 2025. Find out more here.

Catching the Past

Catching the Past continue to throw their passion into celebrating the history of our local area through bringing its ordinary folk to life with costumes and accessories and items.

The local reenactors have also supported many of their fellow groups throughout 2024, including the Battle Trust, Friends of Preston Tower, Cockenzie House & Gardens and the Waggonway Project. Check out what they have been up to here!

Local Heritage Talks

We are aware that there are several local heritage talks being planned for the new year, by various groups.

• The Waggonway Project are hosting pilot Tim Rayner, who will speak about the replica Sopwith Strutter he has recently flown, which was built in East Lothian.

• Cockenzie & Port Seton History Society are also planning a talk on Cockenzie Harbour, with contributions from the Waggonway Project and Carl Barber (who is actively engaged in surveying the coastline). More to come on this soon.

We hope you all enjoy a wonderful Christmas and Hogmanay - see you in 2025 as we wait to see what our local heritage has in store for us!