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East Lothian

Unitary authority in southeast Scotland which was previously a district within Lothian region (1975-96) and a county until 1974.

Area

677 sq km/261 sq mi

Towns

Haddington (administrative headquarters), North Berwick, Dunbar

Physical

area of contrasts, with coastal plains of cliffs, beaches and estuarine marines, broad river valley of the Tyne, volcanic outcrops (Bass Rock, Traprain Law) and gentle slopes of the Lammermuir Hills

Features

Tantallon Castle (14th century); Muirfield golf course; Traprain Law fort

Industries

whisky distilling, agricultural-based

Agriculture

arable farming on plains

Population

(2001) 90,100

History Traprain Law (221 m/725 ft), a hill of volcanic origin near East Linton, had the most important native stronghold site of the Iron Age in Scotland. A hoard of 4th-century Roman silver coins was found here in 1919 (now in Edinburgh's Museum of Antiquities).

Economy It is an affluent area with a mixed economy. The western towns are within the Edinburgh commuter belt, with agricultural economies to the south, and tourist-based and service sector enterprise by the coast.

Environment There are 21 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, one Special Protection Area, and one country park.

Administrative history The county of East Lothian was more extensive than the present unitary authority to the east, but less extensive to the west.

Blair, Robert (poet) Carberry Hill

Cockenzie and Port Seton Douglas-Hamilton

Gullane Lothian

Musselburgh Tantallon Castle

Tranent