Best of East Lothian on display in the Capital

Mairi Gordon • Published 10 Aug 2012 09:00 2 Comments

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These three little pigs from East Links Family Park, near Dunbar, visited Edinburgh.

From a pop-up beach to pitch and putt... the best of East Lothian has taken up residence in the Capital.

'Wish you were there', a two week long event being run by East Lothian Council, showcases the county's many lures at St Andrew Square in the centre of Edinburgh.

At the official launch last Wednesday East Lothian Provost Ludovic Broun-Lindsay explained the idea saying: "'Wish you were there' is an exciting initiative set up by East Lothian Council's economic development team to encourage friends, both old and new, to come along to East Lothian and enjoy what's on offer.

"We are proud of our county and want to share some of its delights with both Edinburgh residents and visitors alike."

Those delights include a miniature petting zoo from East Links Family Park, cookery demonstrations from county restaurants, and even ice cream and whisky tastings.

Gavin Ferguson, co-owner of the Waterside Bistro in Haddingtonwelcomed the council's innovative bid to pull in visitors. He said: "We created a little Waterside Bistro hear today and our head chef Andy Rees did a cookery demonstration making smoked salmon, venison and a de-constructed lemon meringue pie.

"We had quite a lot of people come along who don't even know where Haddington is but we've also had a lot of people coming up to say they've heard about the Waterside, and I think people will come."

Allan Minto, golf tourism officer for East Lothian Council, said he hoped their pitch and putt offering at St Andrew Square would encourage the many visitors who flock to Edinburgh every August to sample the county's 22 coastal courses and discover its many other attractions.

He said: "We want visitors to come to the County for longer and to stay at the county's hotels and eat at the restaurants. That's why our motto is east, sleep, drink golf."

Belhaven Bikes owners Colin and Mandy Cairns-Ford will be promoting their, Belhaven Bikes, as well as nearby attractions Coast to Coast Surfing, East Links Family Park and Foxlake Adventures with a race to see which visitors can reach all four in the fastest time on a static bicycle they've installed at St Andrew Square.

Angela Leitch, chief executive of East Lothian Council said: "There was a feeling people in Edinburgh don't know what's on their door step and this is a way to promote the county. It's the first time we've brought all these attractions together in one place.

"We want people to come to the towns and villages of East Lothian and spend their money here. We have a lot of festivals from the Scifest in Dunbar, to Lammermuir, Three Harbours and the Lennoxlove Book Festivals. There is something for visitors all year round."

For those inspired to see the real thing, Prentice Coaches is offering free bus tours to Dunbar, North Berwick and Haddington departing from St Andrew's Square.

Wish You were there runs until Tuesday. For full event listings visit: www.visiteastlothian.org/wishy ouwerethere.asp

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Steve
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Aug 10, 13:13
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This really is an excellent initiative - well done to all involved.

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santoran
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Aug 11, 09:46
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The staff there are very welcoming and professional - a real credit to East Lothian and the council.

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