New road named after former council leader Willie Innes opens

Willie Innes Way, located in Cockenzie, was officially opened on Thursday, in a ceremony attended by Mr Innes’ family, including his son Craig, daughter Gillian, and granddaughters Hanna and Isla.

The road runs through part of the former Cockenzie Power Station site and is named in honour of the former council leader, who died in October 2021.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, current council leader and a long-time colleague of Mr Innes, also attended the events and said: “It was an honour to meet Willie’s son Craig, daughter Gillian and granddaughters Hanna and Isla here to officially open this new road.

"Under Willie’s leadership, East Lothian Council bought the former Cockenzie Power Station site for economic and community benefit, and that’s why this road has been named after him as a lasting tribute to all he did for East Lothian.”

Council representatives including chief executive Laurence Rockey, provost John McMillan and council leader Norman Hampshire with members of Willie’s family and representatives from Hub South East, Balfour Beatty and subcontractors (Image: Andrew Moncrieff / East Lothian Council)

Mr Innes’ daughter, Gillian McEwan, said: “I was really pleased to help cut the ribbon today on behalf of all the family.

"We’re very proud of what dad achieved during his time as a community councillor, local councillor and council leader, and to have a road named after him is a real honour and something the family really appreciates.”

The route connects the Alder Road junction on the B6371 to the B1348 Edinburgh Road.

Constructed by Balfour Beatty on behalf of East Lothian Council, the road forms part of a wider redevelopment scheme for the former power station and coal store site.

It largely follows the path of the original service road and is intended to reduce traffic pressure on surrounding roads.

Construction began in September 2024, with support from Hub South East.

The project includes a separate lane for walking and cycling, to encourage safe walking and cycling.

East Lothian Council purchased the former ScottishPower site in 2018 as part of its strategy to drive economic growth and create jobs in the area.

Ian Bowd, project director for Hub South East, said: “It was great to see Willie Innes Way formally opened.

"We are proud to have played our part in bringing these important projects to fruition.”

Iain Henry, commercial manager at Balfour Beatty, said: “It’s been a privilege to work alongside East Lothian Council and Hub South East to bring the newly inaugurated Willie Innes Way to life.

"This new road is an important step in unlocking the long-term potential of the former Cockenzie Power Station site, improving connections for local people today while creating opportunities for investment, jobs and growth for years to come.”