A DISPLAY highlighting the story of a former historic abbey between Haddington and East Linton has been unveiled.

Members of Haddington’s History Society have been researching the story of the Abbey of St Mary for some time.

Now, after securing funding from Haddington and Lammermuir Area Partnership (HALAP), Archaeology Scotland and utilising their own funds, they have erected an information panel on the site where the abbey used to stand near the River Tyne, the Abbey Bridge and Abbey Mill farm next to the public footpath to Hailes Castle and East Linton.

On the panel, which covers 1158 to 1560, there is a QR code which leads to the society’s website where more information is available.

There is also a trail leaflet which features a walk from the John Gray Centre to the abbey.

Bill Rarity, from Haddington’s History Society, offered an insight into the history of the structure.

He said: “The story of the abbey is rich with local and national history.

“Margaret Tudor, aged 13, daughter of Henry VII of England stayed here in 1503 on her way to marry James IV of Scotland. Her grandson, James VI of Scotland, became the first monarch to rule over both Scotland and England after the death of Elizabeth I.

“Henry VIII wanted Mary Queen of Scots, daughter of James V, to marry his son Edward. Parliament met in the abbey in 1548 and agreed that Mary was to marry Francois, the heir to the French throne – Henry was furious.”

The plaque was erected by kind permission of landowner Billy Logan. It was designed by Peter Blood.