Events

As part of East Lothian Archaeology and Heritage Fortnight, and Scottish Archaeology Month, our popular tours of St Andrew’s Kirk Ports will again take place this September.  

Two of the tours will focus on stories of the people and families buried in the graveyard, while the third will cover the campaign to save the kirk and explore the conservation challenges ahead. The tours are led by Joy Dodd (historian), Olwyn Owen (archaeologist) and Fraser Bell (conservation architect). Everyone is welcome and entry is free. No need to book, just come along and meet us at St Andrew’s Kirk Ports – and tell your friends! Tour dates and times:

• Wednesday 3rd September at 11am (graveyard stories);

• Friday 5th September at 10am (conservation challenges);     

• Saturday 6th September at 2pm (graveyard stories).

And there’s lots more to see and do during East Lothian Archaeology and Heritage Fortnight! You can explore the full programme here.

(September 2025)

Join us for "More than Lighthouses", an insightful talk by Mike Bullock OBE, Chief Executive of the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB).

With 34 years in the Royal Navy, Mike served on ships and submarines, worked at the British Embassy in Washington, NATO HQ, the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall, and the Pentagon as the UK representative for logistics. He holds an MA in International Security and Strategy from King’s College London and is a trustee of several maritime heritage organizations, including the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses. In 2021, he was awarded an OBE for Services to the Safety and Welfare of Seafarers.

In "More than Lighthouses", Mike will explore the rich history and vital work of the Northern Lighthouse Board, which has safeguarded mariners since 1786. Responsible for managing lights, buoys, and beacons across Scotland and the Isle of Man, the NLB plays a crucial role in preventing accidents, protecting lives, and preserving our marine environment.

Following the talk, enjoy nibbles and refreshments. Everyone is welcome—bring your friends! ⚓🚢

📅 Date & Time: Tuesday, 25th March, 7:00 PM

📍 Location: St Andrew Blackadder Chapel

(March 2025)

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for yesterday’s North Berwick Environment & Heritage Trust AGM. We were delighted to see such a full turnout and to share an evening of reflection, inspiration, and connection with so many of you.

We were especially grateful to Mike Bullock, Chief Executive of the Northern Lighthouse Board, for his brilliant talk on Scotland’s lighthouses — a fascinating insight into the history, innovation, and ongoing importance of these iconic structures.

Our 2024 Annual Report is now available to read online, summarising our work over the past year and sharing what’s ahead.

(March 2025)

Our Chair, Olwyn Owen, will be giving a talk on ‘The Importance of Being Ruined’ to the Friends of the Coastal Communities Museum on Thursday 20th March 2025 at 7.30pm in St Andrew Blackadder Church. As Olwyn says: ‘North Berwick’s ruined monuments are an important part of the town’s story and help us to understand the shape and character of the town today. This talk will explain how and why we protect archaeological sites and monuments, and it will explore the archaeology of North Berwick and its monuments, with a focus on the ruins in our midst such as St Andrew’s Kirk Ports – and why they matter’. This event is free to members of CCM and open to non-members with a small entry charge.

(February 2025)

August saw the town host another fabulous Fringe by the Sea, where the Trust held two events. We spent a lovely afternoon at the Encounter Stand and invited visitors to tell us what they love about historic North Berwick – greatly helped by a wonderful drone photo taken by Tobi Trügg (above). The harbour and historic High Street won this ‘people’s vote’! Another afternoon saw us in the Wild Side tent. Joy Dodd (historian) and Olwyn Owen (archaeologist) were interviewed by Ruth Wolstenholme about the St Andrew’s Kirk Ports project and our hopes for its future.

(August 2024)

Come and join us at East Lothian Archaelogy and Heritage Fortnight 31/8/24 to 15/9/24

North Berwick Environment and Heritage Trust is taking part in the East Lothian Archaeology and Heritage Fortnight which takes place from 31st August – 15th September 2024. The link to the full programme is at the end of this post. 

The programme is packed full of exciting activities and visits to heritage sites, so do have a look through. We’re especially delighted that the programme includes three events at St Andrew’s, Kirk Ports, North Berwick – all arranged and hosted by NBEHT. The events are as follows:

Wednesday 4th September at 2pm – a guided tour of the historic church and graveyard. Discover the fascinating tales of people buried in the graveyard and hear about our plans for the future of the kirk. Led by historian, Joy Dodd, and archaeologist, Olwyn Owen.

Saturday 7th September at 11am – a guided tour, as above.

Friday 13th September at 10am – a tour of the kirk, looking to the future. Come and hear about the plans for the kirk and the conservation challenges that lie ahead. We’d also love to hear about your memories of the kirk and your hopes and ideas for its future. Led by conservation architect, Fraser Bell, and archaeologist, Olwyn Owen.

We hope to see you there! Everyone is welcome, no need to book for any of the above, and the events are all free.

(September 2024)

Our Chair, Olwyn Owen, met with pupils from North Berwick High School’s Eco Group to discuss how they might help with the project, for example, by helping improve biodiversity in the graveyard. It was wonderful to engage with the young people and we have been invited to a follow-up visit at the school.

(September 2024)

North Berwick Environment and Heritage Trust (NBEHT) celebrated its 50th anniversary at its recent AGM, complete with a fabulous celebratory cake and prosecco. Guest speaker Paul McLennan MSP reflected on NBEHT’s commitment to conserving and enhancing East Lothian’s environment and heritage and a lively discussion followed, exploring both the benefits and challenges of living in North Berwick. Discussion touched on the shortage of affordable housing, the negative impact of short-term lets and second homes lying empty, and the perennial issues of traffic congestion and parking.

The pandemic reduced the Trust's activities, but NBEHT is now re-launching and looking ahead. The Trust focuses on the conservation, enhancement and promotion of all aspects of North Berwick's environment and heritage, including environmental campaigns and cultural activities. An example of the latter is the ‘telephone exchange’ art space on the High Street, run by NBEHT’s pARTicipate arts team. The Trust is also preparing a series of leaflets, starting with a short history of Edington Hospital to support the campaign to reopen the hospital; other leaflets will deal with some fascinating but less well-known aspects of the town.

Plans are afoot to strengthen the work of the Trust by developing its on-line presence. A social media campaign, launching in late spring, will invite everyone who cares about North Berwick and its future to join the Trust. We especially hope to encourage more members from those in the new housing, many of whom are already contributing to shaping the town's future. Meanwhile, the long-established task of scrutinising planning applications affecting North Berwick, and responding to proposals which might adversely affect our town, will continue.

The town’s conversation about its future will also reflect the climate and ecological emergency, with NBEHT hoping to work collaboratively with other organisations to ‘think global, act local’. The Trust also continues to campaign for the historic kirk in Kirk Ports to be consolidated, so that it can be safely opened again and play its part in telling the fascinating story of North Berwick.

(April 2022)