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East Lothian Life captures the very essence of this beautiful county – its people, history, towns, villages, and future, in a quarterly glossy independent magazine, combining lifestyle with local interest. With a stimulating choice of diverse articles and features, every issue covers many aspects of life in East Lothian, past and present.

Well-researched and beautifully written, East Lothian Life is an outstanding example of a county magazine with a truly profound understanding of the county it represents. We work with a team of writers who live locally and have a strong local insight, enabling us to bring content for our readers on the people and places that make East Lothian so unique. Whatever your interest, East Lothian Life’s blend of editorial coupled with a strong sense of heritage captures the faces, places, pastimes and pursuits, which make up this wonderful county. Renowned for its wide-ranging, compelling content, the articles very rarely date and can be constantly referred to.

Highly Commended for six years running by the prestigious PPA Scottish Magazines ‘Best Small Publishing Company’.

Current Issue

Issue 125,
Spring 2024

Letter from the editor

As I write, there is a very heavy frost outside and plunging temperatures across the country, so it’s hard to imagine the world will soon awake from its winter slumber. Yet, looking over this issue has been a cheering reminder that spring is on its way.

With the changing of the season, colour starts to slowly fill the county as the first flowers and bulbs spring into life, and we couldn’t think of a better image for our spring cover. Not only does it represent nature bursting into life, but its quirky signage brings a smile to our faces. Dr James Herring has been taking photos of spring flowers in different parts of East Lothian for several years. In this issue, he shares the images and information about the varieties on show.

There is also the urge to suffuse interiors with uplifting and joyous tones as the days brighten. Alison Gibb tells us that rustic details are the perfect way to frame the newness around us before we embrace summer’s sharper, more vibrant tones. While this month’s antiques content explores how antique beds could become a stylish centre-piece and a talking point in the bedroom. And what better way to celebrate the new season than by updating your wardrobe with a unique blend of comfort, style and self expression? Elaine Ramanauskas shows us how shiny metallics and blooming florals, will put a spring in your step.

We also chatted with the fabulous people at Leuchie House. The service provided by Leuchie House is not only a chance for respite but a lifeline for those with neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, motor neurone disease and cerebral palsy. Regular Andrew Guest and staff member Sally McGuinnes share their stories.

If you’re looking for culture, relaxation, or a little bit of both, then spring is the perfect time to get out and explore nearby places of interest. Jennifer Sharp introduces us to the delights of the villages of Ford and Etal, just a few miles over the border in Northumberland. And James Hedrie inspires us to travel further afield as he explores the East Coast of the USA by rail and coach.

We’ve attempted to pack as much into the 84 pages you have in your hands as we possibly can, and I hope you’ll agree we’ve succeeded. As ever, there is far too little space here to convey the wonders within, but we hope you enjoy uncovering them.
Until next time.

Cover: Shepherd House © Scotland’s Gardens Scheme

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