There was an impressive turnout for the opening of a poignant new exhibition at the Coastal Communities Museum at North Berwick, which gives visitors an insight into life in the trenches.

The ‘Coastal Ward 1914-1918’ exhibition was officially opened by historian Trevor Royle last Friday evening, as part of Scotland’s commemoration of the centenary of the great War.

Mr Royle, who is a member of a panel of experts supporting nationwide efforts to mark the centenary, said: “I am delighted to have been invited to open this exhibition for the people of North Berwick.

“The First World War affected Scotland in every way of life, and this exhibition brings the war back to the people who fought in it.” The opening of the exhibition represented the culmination of six months’ work for a team of volunteers, who have researched and put together the exhibition, which gives an insight in life during the War. There are a wide range of exhibits on display, from weapons and uniforms, to postcards and letters sent home by soldiers, as well as informative display boards.

All those killed from the North Berwick coastal ward are also remembered, as their names take centre stage in one room of the exhibition, while there is also a chance for visitors to find out what life was like in the trenches (see pic above).

Rosemary Everett, Coastal Communities Museum Trust (CCMT) chair, was hopeful the exhibition on School Road would attract more visitors than last year’s Open Golf exhibition She said: “This is our local contribution to a global commemoration, and hopefully once the national events start in August we will see an increase in visitor numbers.” Beth Steel, a volunteer from the museum who is also the Drama Circle president, was heavily involved with the creation of a replica trench, while there is also a display showing a living room of that era, representing the war effort at home. Beth told the Courier: “We thought it was really important that we were able to use the space to allow people to imagine life at home during the war, and in the trenches.

“It’s come together really well – it’s taken a lot of time to put together – but it looks great.” The exhibition is open five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday.