Cockenzie and Port Seton

Cockenzie and Port Seton Millennium Garden

Cockenzie and Port Seton
Council area	East Lothian
Lieutenancy area	East Lothian
Country	Scotland
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	Prestonpans
Postcode district	EH32
Dialling code	01875
Police	Lothian and Borders
Fire	Lothian and Borders
Ambulance	Scottish
EU Parliament	Scotland
UK Parliament	East Lothian
Scottish Parliament	East Lothian
List of places: UK • Scotland •

Cockenzie and Port Seton (Middle Scots: Cockenȝie, the "ȝ" being the letter yogh, Scots pronunciation [koˈkɪni]; Scottish Gaelic: Cùl Choinnich, meaning cove of Kenneth)^[1] is a unified town in East Lothian, Scotland, situated on the coast of the Firth of Forth, four miles north east of Musselburgh. The burgh of Cockenzie was created in 1591 by James VI of Scotland. Port Seton harbour was built by George Seton, 11th Lord Seton between 1655 and 1665.

The town has a population of 4,493 as of 2001.^[2] Since the last Census in 2001, there have been many new houses built. The population is currently around 5,460. Cockenzie and Port Seton has continued to grow over the years and is now a dormitory town for Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh.

Power station

To the west of the town, between Cockenzie and Prestonpans is the site of Cockenzie power station, a large coal-fired power station which has been a major employer since the 1960s, and has enabled the town to survive and prosper.

Fishing

Port Seton Harbour

Cockenzie and Port Seton has grown from what were initially two small fishing villages. The older parts of the town, between the two harbours, retain a more traditional feel and look, similar to many other small fishing villages on the east coast of Scotland. Although the fishing industry has declined in recent years the harbour at Port Seton still retains a small fleet of vessels, mainly fishing for prawns. In the past Cockenzie was also involved in the salt making and coal mining industries.^[3]

Tourism

To the east of Port Seton there is a large caravan campsite/holiday park at Seton Sands. The promenade area and the creation of a coastal walk, a part of the John Muir Way, have improved the environment in recent years.^[4]

To the south east is Seton Collegiate Church, a collegiate church also known as Seton Chapel, an Ancient Monument in the care of Historic Scotland. Next to it was Seton Palace, now Seton House.

Transport

Cockenzie and Port Seton are served by direct bus links to and from Edinburgh, Prestonpans and Musselburgh, including services operated by First Bus (routes X24, 128 and 129) and Lothian Buses (routes 26 and X26). The nearest railway station is at Prestonpans.

Churches

Cockenzie and Port Seton have several churches of different denominations, including:

• Chalmers Memorial Church (Church of Scotland)
• Old Parish Church (Church of Scotland)
• Methodist Church
• Two Gospel halls

Leisure

In 2006, Cockenzie and Port Seton along with the neighbouring towns of Prestonpans and Longniddry were twinned with the town of Barga, Tuscany, Italy.^[5]

Five years ago, the Three Harbours Festival was inaugurated by Cockenzie, Port Seton and Prestonpans. It takes place in early June.

The town is also home to the popular and active Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club (CPSARC) which draws members from the local area and across the country.

Notable people

• Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark's family originates from Port Seton; her father John Dalgleish Donaldson was born there in 1941
• Robert Cadell, Sir Walter Scott's publisher, lived in Cockenzie
• John Bellany, artist, was born in Port Seton in 1942

External links

• East Lothian Council Website
• Chalmers Memorial Church - home page
• Port Seton Golf Club

See also

• Preston Lodge High School
• Tranent to Cockenzie Waggonway
• List of places in East Lothian
• List of places in Scotland

References

1. ^ Cockenzie and Port Seton East Lothian Council. Retrieved January 17, 2008, from:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/content/0,1094,113,00.html
2. ^ 2001 Census - Cockenzie and Port Seton(PDF). East Lothian Council. Retrieved January 17, 2008, from:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/documents/contentmanage/2001%20Census%20-%20Cockenzie%20and%20Port%20Seton-2364.PDF
3. ^ Cockenzie and Port Seton. East Lothian Council. Retrieved January 17, 2008, from:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/content/0,1094,113,00.html
4. ^ Cockenzie and Port Seton. East Lothian Council. Retrieved January 17, 2008, from:http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/content/0,1094,113,00.html
5. ^ Prestonpans: Battles of the '45

Coordinates: 55°57′N 2°57′W / 55.95°N 2.95°W / 55.95; -2.95