Sadly, this year for many there will not be the usual relaxation, sun, sea and heat of a holiday abroad due to coronavirus with the recent introduction of travel corridors.

For many, foreign holidays have already passed or been cancelled, would be too expensive to book at this late stage, or they do not want to take either the health or financial risk of booking one. So the lure of the staycation has become attractive to many for the first time and, luckily being in East Lothian, we have plenty to keep us entertained.

We have a huge number of attractions, whether that be our numerous world-renowned golf courses, the nationally recognised National Museum of Flight and Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, or as one of Scotland’s premier coastal destinations for food and drink.

What always interests me is that there is so much available that not everyone knows everything. I am often struck by people not knowing some of the sites in my ward of Preston, Seton and Gosford. Therefore, I thought this week I would take the opportunity to plug them and encourage you to visit us.

To start in the west of the ward in Prestonpans exists the Prestonpans Murals Trail, which is made of over 30 pieces of art, and depicts the town’s culture and history.

This includes murals on its witch hunts, industrial past, the influence on famous conservationist John Muir’s early life, and relation with migration both to and from Scotland – well worth a few hours’ walk around the town.

Also in the town there is the unappreciated Preston Tower, a structure with parts still standing from the 14th century. It is a one-of-a-kind building, with different parts and floors having been added over the years and other bits destroyed since it was first built.

Currently it isn’t open but Prestonpans Community Council has been pushing to get it in a fit state so that the people of Prestonpans can truly benefit from this one-of-a-kind building.

Moving east into Cockenzie and Port Seton, next to the harbour is the 1722 Waggonway Museum. It is a fantastic museum and project that tells the story of the area’s extensive industrial history, including of the Tranent-Cockenzie Waggonway, built in 1722 and associated with the coal and salt industries.

Nearby sits Cockenzie House, a mansion and gardens dating from the 17th century. It is now home to a brilliant wee cafe and numerous craft businesses well worth a visit.

In between Longniddry and Port Seton sits Seton Colligate Church, considered “one of the finest medieval collegiate churches in Scotland”. It was built in the late 1400s by landowner Lord Seton so the community of priests could pray for his family’s salvation.

Finally on the coast there is Longniddry Bents, East Lothian largest tourist attraction. It is a beautiful stretch of coastline home to a large variety of wildlife, including many types of birds, voles and seals.

So if you are having a staycation this summer, visit the Preston, Seton and Gosford area and, whilst here, support our local cafes, shops, restaurants and pubs.