WHAT do a battle, a distillery and a castle all have in common?

They all feature on a new local information/history board unveiled on Salters Road, Wallyford – commissioned by the village’s community council.

It depicts the village’s history, featuring industries such as coal mining and brickworks, as well as highlighting local landmarks and key historical figures.

Recognition is given to famous Wallyfordians, such as former Rangers FC manager Jock Wallace.

The board also pays homage to the Crookston First World War Memorial (now inside Inveresk Cemetery, with its 61 names of those from Wallyford, Whitecraig and Smeaton killed in the conflict), as well as the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh Memorial Stone, which is in memory of the 10,000 Scots slain in the adjacent fields.

It also encourages local residents to explore and discover key historical locations in and around the village, such as Wallyford Bing, with its 10 mining stones telling the story of coal mining in the area.

The board tells of the rich wildlife that exists along the Pinkie Cleugh Battlefield Trail from Wallyford to Musselburgh, and of stunning Fa’side Castle, just across the A1 footbridge.

The board, made by Shelley Signs and sited at the junction of the road to Wallyford Industrial Estate, was funded by East Lothian Council’s Civic Pride Fund.

It was designed by local graphic designer Sara Bourhill, free of charge, helped by her mum Janet, the community council’s secretary.

Local photographer and historian Angus Bathgate supplied many of the images and much of the featured information.

Alister Hadden, Wallyford Community Council vice-chairman, led the project by applying for funding and securing planning permission.