Living in East Lothian

East Lothian is a captivating place to call home, offering a perfect mix of picturesque countryside and serene coastal beauty. Just a short distance from the historic and culturally vibrant city of Edinburgh, this area is rich in history and stunning scenery. Whether you're attracted to its rugged coastline, world-class golf courses, or charming, historic villages, East Lothian has a diverse offering of places to set up home.

Is East Lothian a good place to live?

East Lothian has long been a favourite spot for property buyers in Scotland, especially for those on the hunt for a perfect family home. One of the best benefits of living in East Lothian is the region's close proximity to Edinburgh, so commuters to the capital can enjoy quick and easy journeys to the capital.

And with effortlessly beautiful landscapes in the bucolic bliss of the countryside and stunning stretches of coastline decorated with gorgeous beaches, East Lothian is a very nice place to live where you will find everything you need for a charming and convenient lifestyle.

From larger commuter towns such as Haddington, Musselburgh, North Berwick, Tranent and Dunbar to the coastal treasures of Longniddry, Gullane and Aberlady, the region is rich in its choice of excellent places to live.

It's a wonderful region in which to raise a family or to retire, with property options to suit all ages, budgets and lifestyles.

What is the transport in East Lothian like?

Getting around East Lothian as well as commuting to Edinburgh is convenient and easy due to a fantastic transport network.

East Lothian by bus

For those considering living in East Lothian whilst working in the capital, you’ll find great bus links with reliable and frequent services running from the region. Connecting Edinburgh with the towns and villages of East Lothian, East Coasts Buses offer 3 main routes. The North Berwick & Gullane corridor follows a coastal route via Prestonpans, Longniddry and Aberlady, while the Dunbar & Haddington corridor runs through the heart of the region via Tranent and East Linton. You can also use the Pencaitland & Ormiston corridor to access the southern reaches of the region. All routes also pass through the popular town of Musselburgh.

For criss-crossing across the region without having to go to Edinburgh and back out again, you can use local bus services such as Eve Coaches and Prentice Coaches.

East Lothian by rail

East Lothian offers a reliable rail network that makes it simple to get around the county, head into Edinburgh’s city centre, and even explore further afield. Running from the capital, the main train line makes stops at Musselburgh, Wallyford, Prestonpans, Longniddry, Drem, North Berwick, East Linton and Dunbar.

The train line continuing from Dunbar is particularly useful for taking a scenic journey to Berwick-upon-Tweed and further south onto Newcastle in the north of England.

East Lothian by car

Running through the heart of the region, the A1 provides the quickest and easiest way to get into Edinburgh, while smaller A roads and B roads link the towns and villages of East Lothian.

What are the schools in East Lothian like?

The region features a range of state and private schools, both primary and secondary, that provide education in a supportive environment. Schools in East Lothian are known for maintaining strong academic standards and offering a commitment to student development that includes activities beyond the classroom. Additionally, many of these schools are located in scenic areas, allowing students to engage in outdoor learning and explore the natural surroundings.

There are several primary schools dotted throughout the region, many of which were named as some of the best primary schools in Scotland according to The Sunday Times' 2024 league table for Scotland. Gullane Primary School, Ormiston Primary School, Cockenzie Primary School, Law Primary School and Longniddry Primary School were named among the best in the region.

In terms of secondary education, East Lothian has 7 high schools located in the major towns of the regions. These are Dunbar Grammar School, Knox Academy (Haddington), Musselburgh Grammar School, North Berwick High School, Preston Lodge High School (Prestonpans), Rosehill High School (Wallyford) and Ross High School (Tranent).

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What are the best things to do in East Lothian

East Lothian's coast and countryside offer plenty of options for a great day out. Whether you're into adventure, history, wildlife, or just looking for some family fun, there's something here for everyone.

With award winning beaches dotted along 40 miles of stunning seaside spots, East Lothian locals are immensely proud of the region's sprawling coastline. Yellowcraig Beach, Gullane Beach, Belhaven Bay Beach and Ravensheugh Sands are just a few of the blissfully beautiful beaches in East Lothian.

Some of the best attractions in East Lothian, loved by locals and visitors alike, include Foxlake Adventures in Dunbar, Dirleton Castle and Gardens, the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick and Glenkinchie Distillery.

Providing year-round horse-racing action, Musselburgh Racecourse is one of the UK's best racecourses, hosting several well-attended race days featuring first-class hospitality and plenty of excitement.

East Lothian is home to some of the world's finest links golf course, including Muirfield, one of the oldest golf courses in the world and home to The Open Championship. Gullane Golf Club, known for its stunning views and challenging courses, is a golfer’s paradise. East Lothian is blessed with no fewer than 22 golf courses, and with many located by the seaside, it’s no surprise that the region is home to Scotland’s “golf coast”.

Types of property in East Lothian

The region offers an array of property types, so no matter what your vision of property perfection is, you'll find the home of your dreams in East Lothian. Discover both traditional and modern homes, including quaint cottages, new developments, properties with period features, seaside apartments and a great selection of high-end homes.

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Planning on moving to East Lothian?

If you have decided to move to East Lothian, what’s the next step? We recommend finding a solicitor estate agent to help you find your perfect property!

Find a solicitor estate agent in East Lothian

You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in East Lothian, or your local town or village, such as North Berwick or Dunbar and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.