Home Report Hamilton

Haddington is a lovely town in East Lothian with about 9,100 residents. A former royal burgh and market town with much history and character, it is now the main administrative centre for East Lothian. The town itself is about 17 miles to the east of Edinburgh, on the banks of the River Tyne. Haddington’s proximity to Edinburgh, its thriving local community, range of amenities, and easy accessibility make it a desirable place to live.

There is evidence of human settlement in the area of Haddington as far back as the 6th century. Haddington as we know it today though really took shape around a prosperous agricultural industry. Today people still enjoy taking part in the Haddington Farmers’ Market, which takes place on the last Saturday of every month. The prosperity of the town is evident in attractive architecture throughout the town, adding to its appeal.

Today though, Haddington is predominantly a commuter town for residents working in Edinburgh, though there is a significant number that work in or near the town, or other settlements in East Lothian. This is primarily by car by way of the A1 trunk road that runs along the northern edges of the town, allowing for fast travel east to Dunbar and further or west to Musselburgh and Edinburgh. There is no railway station for the town – at the moment – though there are strong calls for one to be reopened. The nearest railway station is in Longniddry, but many residents travel a bit further on to take the train at Prestonpans which is closer to the A1 road.

As for amenities and things to do, Haddington has a good selection of local businesses and services for residents in the town and nearby. The town centre with its historic looking streets and grand buildings is home to an array of shops including salons, eateries, your typical brands like boots, as well as several independent coffee shops and eateries. There is a local co-op and Tesco too. There are plenty of places to stay too, as many visitors use Haddington as a base to explore wider East Lothian. Worth a mention is the nearby Traprain Law, the site of an Iron Age Fort with evidence of occupation as early as 1000BC and below the Law on the banks of the Riven Tyne the picturesque Hailes Castle.

In terms of local schooling then, Haddington is served by three primary schools which are Haddington Primary, St. Mary’s RC Primary School and the newer Letham Mains Primary. Secondary school pupils attend Knox Academy at Pencaitland Road.