While COVID-19 has brought the world to a halt, a number of businesses in East Lothian (Edinburgh’s Coast and Countryside) have refused to let the pandemic stop them from creating some exciting new developments for visitors and locals to experience in 2021.  

Speaking of the new developments, Elaine Carmichael spokesperson for Visit East Lothian, the region’s destination marketing and management organisation, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that, in spite of the tough times our industry is experiencing, there are some wonderful examples of truly resilient businesses in East Lothian. A number have even launched or will soon be launching some exciting new developments and experiences - from stunning redeveloped hotels and new luxury family friendly lodges to a multi-million pound sensory whisky experience and the launch of our region’s first-ever Marine Fest for Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters.  

“As tourism reopens, we would encourage all those who visit to love East Lothian, and our beautiful countryside, responsibly. We look forward to welcoming you!”

VisitScotland Regional Director Neil Christison added: “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism and events industry, and it is testament to the hard work and perseverance of tourism businesses in East Lothian that we can look forward to these exciting new events and developments. As we continue to celebrate the Year of Coasts and Waters 2021, there is also no better time to take the opportunity to visit the region or take part in one of the events.

“Tourism is a force for good – creating economic and social value in every corner of Scotland and enhancing the wellbeing of everyone who experiences it.”

New developments in East Lothian include:

Events

• Marine Fest – The interactive 5 star Scottish Seabird Centre Discovery Experience, was recently refurbished prior to the first Covid-19 lockdown. In 2021, they will host their first ever Marine Fest from 31 May to 13 June 2021, supported by EventScotland, as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21 festival, and Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund. The programme includes a range of events, talks, walks and workshops in person at the visitor centre and digitally – from live science shows, rockpool rambles, bird identification walks, beach cleans and bio blitzes, to puppet shows, storytelling walks, felting, sand sculpting, sketching, and even a workshop to address football’s plastic problem. seabird.org/events/marine-fest-2021

• STORM at Fringe by the Sea - From the makers of Big Man Walking comes a folklore giant made-real, Storm lives in the waters around Scotland. In 2021, supported by EventScotland, as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21, she will walk on land to tell the story of the oceans in crisis, with her first outing at this free Fringe By The Sea performance on Sunday 15 August. A new feat of mechanical mastery from Edinburgh’s Vision Mechanics, the giant 10m tall puppet will walk around the streets of North Berwick.
  Fringe by the Sea is a showcase for exceptional arts, bringing the very best of local, national and international talent to East Lothian for the enjoyment of locals and valued visitors alike. This year the festival takes place from 6 to 15 August 2021.       
  fringebythesea.com/storm/

Hotels

• The Watchman - Reopening summer 2021, this delightful and relaxed hotel in the picturesque coastal town of Gullane, has 18 recently upgraded bedrooms, a cosy, inviting and dog-friendly bar, a private dining room, and a beautiful enclosed garden. The hotel overlooks four of Scotland’s best golf courses and there’s a fifth within walking distance.  watchmanhotel.co.uk
• The Marine North Berwick - Opening summer 2021, after a major refurbishment to restore the of the B-Listed building to its former glory. The new owners have completely revamped the hotel’s entrance, lobby, reception, restaurant, bar, bedrooms, spa and fitness centre. The new-look design was inspired by one of Scotland’s oldest golf courses, which the hotel overlooks. It is located in the popular coastal town of North Berwick, which was recently named “the UK’s most relaxing place to visit”.  marineandlawn.com/marinenorthberwick/
  
  

Lodges

• Whitekirk Hill Lodges - These luxury eco-friendly self-catering lodges, located within the settlement of Tyninghame and Whitekirk, will open for the first time in the reputable family friendly Whitekirk Hill lifestyle hub in July 2021. The site already houses the Orangery Café & Terrace, a bespoke indoor children’s play area, private leisure facility, boutique spa and contemporary event space. There will be an option for those staying in the new lodges to have Chefs prepare fresh meals and have them delivered straight to their door. Guests can also book into the spa and leisure facilities and dine in the Orangery during their stay.  whitekirkhill.co.uk

Hostels

• The Dolphin Inn, The Dolphin Inn has witnessed almost 250 years of Dunbar history, providing accommodation to travellers and then holiday makers. Sadly it fell into disrepair, but has now been lovingly restored and will reopen in June 2021 as a characterful hostel once again welcoming visitors to its rooms.It is the perfect base for adventure exploring and discovery. dolphindunbar.com

 
Visitor Attractions

• Glenkinchie Distillery – Visitors can discover Glenkinchie’s storied landscape and heritage at this new multi-million pound development, the Lowland Home of Johnnie Walker. The Victorian distillery and orchard gardens is set within abundant farmland and sweet-scented wildflowers near the town of Pencaitland, a mere 15 miles from Edinburgh. The new experience takes visitors on a wonderful sensory journey, as they discover how Glenkinchie creates the rare whisky. Open Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Book online.
  malts.com/en-gb/distilleries/glenkinchie
  
• Newhailes House - The National Trust for Scotland’s 17th-century Palladian villa Newhailes House in Musselburgh has reopened its doors for the first time since 2018 following significant renovation and refurbishment. The house is welcoming back visitors once again with a new visitor experience inside the house, as well as a new dairy parlour and cafe. Newhailes is also home to Weehailes Playpark, where children can enjoy the great outdoors through imaginative play. nts.org.uk/visit/places/newhailes
  

 
To plan your ultimate break, go to visiteastlothian.org

Notes to editors

• With over 40 miles of stunning coastline, golden beaches, rolling countryside, award-winning attractions, excellent food & drink and the world’s finest links golf courses, East Lothian offers the best of Scotland, and it’s only minutes from Edinburgh. It is a great place to visit, live and work.
• Visit East Lothian is the destination marketing and management organisation for East Lothian, and is part of East Lothian Council’s Economic Development team.
• visiteastlothian.org 
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