Coastal Communities Museum

13/10/2026

It’s our first Winter Talk next Tuesday 20 October and it promises to be a good one, with thrilling tales of courage from North Berwick RNLI Lifeboat, by Matthew Gibbons (RNLI Helm).

Matthew will take us behind the scenes of the town’s lifeboat station. Operating a D-class lifeboat from its historic boathouse, the volunteer crew at North Berwick RNLI have a proud record of service. Their dedication has been recognised with three gallantry awards and three gold Blue Peter badges.

Matthew’s talk will explore the history of the station and give an insight into what it means to be a lifeboat crew member today. The evening will feature photographs and footage from the BBC documentary series Saving Lives at Sea, offering a glimpse into the work carried out by the crew and the challenges they face.

There will also be an opportunity to put your questions to Matthew, who will be available for a Q&A following the talk.

The evening begins at 7.30pm with the Coastal Communities Museum AGM, followed by the RNLI presentation at 8pm.

The event will be held at St Andrew Blackadder Church, St Andrew Street, North Berwick, EH39 4NU. Entry is free for Coastal Communities Museum Members and Patrons, while Non-Members are welcome with a £5 donation.

Image Copyright: North Berwick RNLI

09/10/2026

An exciting new Virtual Bass Rock interactive exhibit has arrived at the museum! A touch-screen display shows key moments of the human history of the Bass during the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, which are brought to life through 3D modelled visuals with informative storyboards.

We are keen to receive comments while we are still working on it, so come and have a go and give us your feedback. We’re open until 31 October from Wednesday until Saturday, 11-4pm.

The exhibit is produced in collaboration with University of St Andrews School of Computer Science, Open Virtual Worlds Department, who are an interdisciplinary team working closely with immersive digital technologies to preserve and promote heritage.

The University of St Andrews received grant funding from the Standard Innovation Voucher Scheme to undertake the project, matched by the Coastal Communities Museum providing the historical research and technical hardware to display it. The Coastal Communities Museum Trust is very grateful to all involved for bringing this insightful new exhibit to the museum for all to enjoy.

Bass Rock Visuals © Open Virtual Worlds

08/10/2026

‼️Exhibition Alert‼️
📽️CINEMATIC EAST LOTHIAN
John Gray Centre Museum Temporary Gallery
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY: 2 October 2026 to 6 March 2027.
✨You are cordially invited to view our latest temporary exhibition, which has been curated by our Local History Centre as part of its 50th Anniversary celebrations in collaboration with John Gray Centre Museum.
✨Cinematic East Lothian showcases a brief history of the old picture houses in the county, popular film locations in East Lothian, nostalgic items in the Museum Service collection and memorabilia loaned by local residents and groups, as well as a screening of very short films with a local history theme from the Archive Service collection.
✨To complement the exhibition, a series of short local history film shows will also take place in the Local History rooms on selected dates throughout November 2026 till March 2027. Titles and screening times will be posted here soon.🎬
✨Cinematic East Lothian aims to evoke treasured memories of Saturday matinees, crowded foyers and nights spent lost in the visual pleasures of the silver screen.
We hope you will enjoy the exhibition and share your memories of going to the movies!🤩
*Please note that the Museum is only open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays from 10am to 1pm & 2 to 5pm.

03/10/2026

It’s Scottish Museums Day! 🎉

Join our friendly volunteers at the Coastal Communities Museum in North Berwick and explore the inspiring tales of local people who shaped our history.

This impressive original optic lens amplified the beam of the Bass Rock Lighthouse, helping save lives at sea. Come and find out more about the famous ‘LIghthouse Stevensons’ and other members of this famous family.

We’re open from 11am until 4pm today and every Wednesday to Saturday until the 31 October.



Bass Rock Lighthouse Lens ©East Lothian Museums

16/09/2026

We will be at this event tonight - come and find out about youth volunteering at the museum. It can count towards a Saltire Award:

With 63 confirmed exhibitors we will also be offering the following information talks in our library:

6:40 - 7:00pm ELWORKS - Foundation Apprenticeships

7:10 - 7:30pm EDF - Modern Apprenticeships

7:40 - 8:00pm Napier University - Graduate Apprenticeships

Our 2026 careers fayre returns on Wednesday 16th September.

6pm-7pm for S1-S3 pupils; 7pm-8pm for S4-S6; early access available for sensory needs from 5:30pm.

13/09/2026

We're just a week away from our battle anniversary weekend events, so don't forget to head to the museum on 19-20 September. You'll be transported back to 1746 as General Cope takes to the stand to testify at the Inquiry; you'll discover the tools and weapons of the naval gun crews who served the cannon at the battle; and there'll even be a chance to get up close to some real archaeological finds as well. Plus lots more - so see you there!

09/09/2026

Find out about youth volunteering with us if you’re 16+! Counts towards Saltire Award!

08/09/2026

We’re taking part in this event next week – come to our stand and find out about volunteering at the Coastal Communities Museum (16+).

You can also gain Saltire Awards hours for volunteering with us:

WEDNESDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER:
Our very popular, NBHS Career Evening returns for 2026! This is a whole school event where we welcome all year groups (S1-S6) to attend.

After the incredible turnout last year of 750 people, we are widening our offer of exhibitors across a variety of industries and pathways with 60 signed up already. Exhibitors will be able to provide advice for applications, ideas, opportunities and much more.

6pm-7pm for S1-S3 pupils, 7pm-8pm for S4-S6 pupils.

Early access is possible from 6pm for those requiring extra space for mobility or sensory needs.