Published: Thursday, 15th October, 2009 5:00am

Understanding of past is essential to protect county's future

A TOP expert on historical monuments delivered a compelling presentation to a packed audience at a memorial event hosted by Haddington and District Amenity Society (HADAS) last Wednesday.

At the 7th annual Frank Tindall Memorial Lecture, held in the Trinity Centre, Professor John Hume used black and white slides to show his appreciation of the qualities of East Lothian - the rolling agricultural landscape, the defining Traprain Law, Berwick Law and Bass Rock, small towns and villages of history and character and a coastline with harbours against the backdrop of the Lammermuir Hills.

He made clear that an appreciation of what the county has to offer is constantly changing.

Modern buildings of quality were also to be welcomed provided they were of high quality.

A HADAS spokesman said: "A central theme of the lecture was that an understanding of the past was essential in planning for the future.

"Professor Hume suggested that East Lothian was small enough to be the subject of a masterplan approach, clearly expressing the qualities of the area and setting a high standard for new development.

"This would be the best possible way of keeping the legacy of Frank Tindall - one-time county planner for East Lothian - alive."

Graham Duncan thanked Professor Hume for his lecture which followed the HADAS agm.