Coastal Communities Museum

28/05/2026

Applications for this year’s popular North Berwick Law Race have now sold out – you have to be quick to get a place! You can still soak up the atmosphere of previous races at our Law Race exhibit. We have photographs by Holger Mophaut and a video by one of our volunteers Hugh Trevor of the 2007 race – why not come along and see if you can spot a familiar face? 🏃‍♀️🏃🏽‍♂️

We’re open 11am – 4pm from Wednesday to Saturday every week. Come and meet our friendly volunteers and find out more.

21/05/2026

As we head into the Spring Bank Holiday (and hopefully some sunny weather!), we’re looking back at The Children’s Special Seaside Mission and their services on North Berwick Beach.

Launched by the Church of Scotland in 1934, the Seaside Missions (later renamed the Scripture Union) brought services to the shore, along with games and activities for children. Our exhibit highlights the 50th anniversary celebrations in 1984.

We’re open from 11am until 4pm from Wednesday to Saturday every week. Come and see photos and stories from the beachside services and share your own memories in the comments! 🌊☀️📸

14/05/2026

We’re delighted to have a beautiful collection of Georgian and Victorian button hooks on loan this year.

Among the collection are several fascinating examples of Trench Art, which are functional and decorative objects created by soldiers, prisoners of war, and civilians during times of conflict, often using battlefield debris such as shell casings, bullets, and shrapnel.

These unique pieces offer a remarkable glimpse into both craftsmanship and resilience in difficult times.

We’re open Wednesday to Saturday, from 11am to 4pm each week. Come along to explore these beautiful objects and discover our fascinating displays celebrating local history and culture.

11/05/2026

Happening tonight:

Special Event Reminder: AN EVENING WITH PROF. SIR TOM DEVINE🎉
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✨East Lothian Library Service Local History Centre, in collaboration with The Brunton, are delighted to be hosting this SPECIAL EVENT as part of the Local History Centre's 50th Anniversary!
Date: 11th MAY 2026 (MONDAY)
Time: 6.30PM
Venue: HADDINGTON CORN EXCHANGE
Tickets: £10 (£6 for students)
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Professor Sir Tom Devine will enlighten us on his career, publications, as well as his wisdom on Scottish and local history, and answer questions from the audience.
Sir Tom's books will also be on sale by Kesley's Bookshop and he will happily sign autographs.
You can also buy drinks at the bar and take it to your table!
THERE ARE STILL PLENTY OF TICKETS AT: https://www.thebrunton.co.uk/.../an-evening-with.../
Or you can telephone Brunton Box Office at 0131 653 5245.
DON'T MISS THIS AMAZING COMMUNITY EVENT.
The Brunton East Lothian Library Services East Lothian Council

08/05/2026

Many thanks to Gullane Village Association who have included us in their current newsletter.
We share the culture and heritage of the North Berwick Coastal Ward which includes Gullane, Dirleton, Aberlady, Whitekirk and North Berwick.
We’re open Wednesday to Saturday every week from 11am until 4pm. Come along and find out more:

06/05/2026

We’re sharing this on behalf of our friends at the Rotary Club of North Berwick, who are staging this exhibition in August with local historian and curator John Fergie. This special exhibition brings together a fascinating collection of historic photographs from local archives, organisations, and personal collections.

Would you like take part and be a volunteer during the exhibition? Do you have any stories, photographs or memorabilia you would like to share?

Get in touch with the team by visiting their website viewsofthepast26.org or emailing: [email protected]

Sponsors: The Rotary Club of North Berwick, Fringe by the Sea, The National Lottery Community Fund, North Berwick Common Good Fund, Fatface Foundation.

05/05/2026

📣LOCAL HISTORY EVENT ALERT!📣
The Local History Centre's 50th Anniversary Celebration continues with
"Witch or L***r Nurse? Christian Saidler at Blakhaus, Haddington, 1597".
Date: 25 May 2026 (Monday)
Time: 5.30 to 6.30pm
Venue: Star Room, John Gray Centre
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✨Professor Nicola Ring of Edinburgh Napier University will give a presentation on her research into Christian Saidler, executed as a witch, and her possible connection with the leprosy hospital at St. Lawrence in Haddington.✨
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PLACES ARE LIMITED SO BOOKING IS COMPULSORY.
Email: [email protected] OR telephone: 01620 820680
Join us for this enlightening community event!🎉

30/04/2026

We’re delighted to have been gifted this lovely postcard featuring views of North Berwick from West Beach, by one of our members and watercolour artist, Ken Bruff.

A selection is now on display at the museum and available free of charge. If you’d like to support our volunteer work at the museum, donations are always very much appreciated.

30/04/2026

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY CLOSURE – Thursday 30 April
We will be closed today until 2pm for the funeral of a long standing volunteer. We will be open again at 2pm and then tomorrow onwards with our normal opening hours (11am – 4pm).
Thank you for your understanding.

22/10/2025

Although the Coastal Communities Museum will be closing for the winter months at the end of October (our last day will be this Saturday 25 October), our first Winter Talk kicks off on Tuesday 28 October 2025 with ‘Shivery Bites, Memories of North Berwick’s Outdoor Pool’, a film by Ann Reilly about the iconic pool and the community push to save it.

The film will be introduced by Gill Surfleet and Sarah Lewis, who will also be available to answer any questions afterwards.

North Berwick Outdoor Pool existed for just short of 100 years before it was demolished, leaving behind only the changing rooms and strong memories. In this nostalgic film, local film-maker Ann Reilly combines the enduring power of community spirit with photos and footage of this iconic pool.

The evening will commence at 7.30pm with our AGM, followed by ‘Shivery Bites’ at 8pm. It will be held in St Andrew Blackadder Church, St Andrew Street, North Berwick EH39 4NU. Parking available. Entry is Free for Members of the Coastal Communities Museum, and by £5 donation for Non-Members.

Photo of North Berwick Outdoor Pool ©Tom Kidd (usage agreed).