Home > Tourist Information on Scotland > East Lothian
East Lothian is notably a coastal area, with sandy beaches, fishing harbours, cliffs and islands home to thousands of seabirds.
Just a short trip from Edinburgh city, the area also has much to see and do in the villages and towns such as Haddington, a fine county town, the harbours of Dunbar and North Berwick, and Mussleburgh, which boasts the oldest racecourse in Scotland.
The area has played a important role in shaping the history of Scotland, from Iron Age forts to romantic ruined castles such as those at Dirleton and Dunbar. A number of battles were fought here, including at Athelstaneford in the 9th century which gave Scotland the Saltire, the national flag.
East Lothian is also world-famous for its golf. Mussleburgh has the oldest surviving golf course in the world, dating back to 1672, but the county is probably best known for the Muirfield course which has hosted The Open Championships 15 times.
