Brunton Hall bauble to raise funds for East Lothian Foodbank

Designed by Inveresk resident Alison Paterson, the seasonal decoration is on sale at Blueberry gifts on Musselburgh High Street as part of a festive initiative organised by Inveresk Village Society.

Alison said: “This is the fourth Christmas bauble I have designed on behalf of Inveresk Village Society, the last two of which have raised funds for East Lothian Foodbank, as will this one.

“Last year’s featured Santa putting a star on the mussel sculpture and 2023 was the Musselburgh archer dressed as Santa.”

The first bauble was based on the St Michael’s Kirk nativity.

Alison said: “The Brunton, a popular theatre, social hub and dominant building in the town centre but now facing an uncertain future, seemed an appropriate  choice for this year’s bauble.”

The bauble shows Santa, helped by one of his elves, hanging a banner saying ‘Save the Brunton’ on the building.

The baubles cost £5 each or three for £12.

Councillors voted in October last year to permanently close the Brunton Hall, after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered in the building; it now faces demolition.

Historic Environment Scotland announced that a consultation was taking place on whether the building should be listed, describing it as “a major example of post-war civic architecture in Scotland”.

But the move has attracted concern, with East Lothian Council saying that pursuing a listed designation would “compromise” its ability to progress an “affordable solution to replace The Brunton”.