THE first-ever John Muir Coast festival has been declared a success by organisers.

It began with the county’s first-ever night golf experience, at Dunbar Golf Club, which allowed players to tackle the course in the dark (all pics by Rob McDougall/Greg MacVean).

East Lothian Courier:

There was also an ultra-marathon, which started at Port Seton and finished at Foxlake Adventures near Dunbar.

East Lothian Courier:

Other events over the weekend festival included the Foxlake Outdoor Festival and an open day for golfers at the Nike Performance Fitting Centre at Archerfield.

East Lothian Courier:

Impressive crowds took to each of the events, and organisers were delighted.

The festival was hailed “incredibly successful” by Jonathan Brown, tourism projects officer – golf and events, at East Lothian Council, which put on the festival.

East Lothian Courier:

He added: “Thousands of locals and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country took part in the array of events, from East Lothian’s first ever night golf event at Dunbar Golf Club, to an ultra marathon and wakeboarding competition.

“The festival had something to suit everyone”.

East Lothian Courier:

Meanwhile, Gael Pollitt, the captain of Dunbar Golf Club, said the first-ever night golf experience had been “a novel event”.

She added: “The lasting memories will be the fits of laughter and enjoyment that emanated from all parts of the course.”

East Lothian Courier:

Elly Douglas-Hamilton, from Archerfield Walled Garden, added: “We were delighted to be involved with The John Muir Way Ultra Marathon.

“It was a fantastically well-organised event bringing lots of new visitors to East Lothian.

“We have had much positive feedback about our cakes and the estate.”

East Lothian Courier:

The John Muir Coast Festival was held at the weekend to mark what would have been the birthday of the world-famous naturalist, with events held all along the John Muir Way.

Organisers have praised the inaugural festival, and hope to see it return next year.

For more, visit www.visiteastlothian.org/johnmuirfestival.asp