'Oor Toon' Tranent

Tranent (Population of 8992; 2001 Census).

Tranent is a small town in East Lothian, Scotland. It is close to the main A1 road and approximately 11 miles east of Edinburgh.  It is one of the oldest towns in East Lothian, and built on the gentle slopes, about 300 feet above sea level, approximately 2 miles from the Forth River Estuary.

The name is thought to be of Brythonic origin, possibly containing the elements ''Tre'' and ''Nant'', meaning Town of the Stream. When the small village settlement was first founded and populated here is unknown, according to tradition, Tranent derives its name from its natural situation. 'Trev-er-nent' signified 'the village on the ravine'. In ancient writings the name has been given variously as 'Traunent', Travernet' and 'Treuernent'.

Once an important mining town, coal was first worked in Tranent in the 12th century. The history of coal mining in Scotland is mirrored in the history of the coal heughs, mines and pits of Tranent. Tranent is now based around local agriculture and is a  'commuter' town supporting East Lothian, Edinburgh and the East of Scotland.

Local History

It was here that the Tranent Militia Riot of Tranent took place in 1797,  historians later dubbed  this "Scotland's Forgotten Massacre". Twelve unnamed people were killed by soldiers after protesting against conscription into the British Army. The massacre was the subject of a cover-up at the highest levels, with none of the perpetrators brought to justice. A memorial statue to those killed now stands in the centre of the town as a permanent reminder of the atrocity. One of the 12 victims was Jackie Crookston, her statue is found in Civic Square.

Places of Interest

• Fa'side Castle
• Elphinstone Tower

Community and Service Groups

• Rotary Club of Tranent
• Tranent Inner Wheel
• Probus Club
• Belters
• Freemasons
• Burns '25' Club
• Centre Stage
• Tranent Gala Committee
• Tranent District Pipe Band
• Tranent Local History Society
• Tranent Visually Impaired Reading Group
• Scottish Co-Operative Women's Guild

Youth Community Groups

• 1st Tranent Scout Group
• Tranent Girl Guides
• Recharge
• Lothian and Borders Army Cadet Unit
• Elphinstone Junior Youth Club
• Elphinstone Senior Youth Club

Sport Clubs and Associations

• Ross High R.F.C.
• East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club
• Tranent Juniors F.C.
• Tranent Colts F.C.
• Tranent Colts U19 F.C.
• Tranent F.C.
• Fitness / Palates Classes - St Martins Hall
• Tranent Karate Club
• Tranent Aerobics
• Ross High Hockey Club
• Loch Centre Canoe Club

Educational Establishments

Nursery & Playgroups

• Tranent Nursery School
• Wraparound Nursery School
• Salvation Army Toddler Group
• Elphinstone Playgroup

Primary Schools

• St Martins Primary
• Sanderson's Wynd Primary
• Windygoul Primary

Senior School

• Ross High School

Places of Worship

• Church of Christ
• Methodist Church
• Tranent Christian Centre
• Tranent Parish Church
• St Martin of Tour
• Salvation Army Hall

Local Facilities

• Town Hall
• Police Station
• Sports Centre - Loch Centre
• Health Centre
• Post Office
• Pharmacy
• Dentist
• Optician
• Golf Range
• Riding Stables
• Recycling Centre

Local Government and Community Councils

• East Lothian Council
• Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council
• New Winton Community Association

Political Representation

MP -  Fiona O'Donnell (Labour)

MSP - Ian Gray (Labour)

Fa'side Electoral Ward

• Scottish Labour - 3
• Scottish National Party (SNP) - 1

Fa'side Councillors

• Shamin Akhtar
• Jim Gillies
• Donald Grant
• Kenny McLeod