No sooner had we caught our breath after the fanastic Jacobite Festival programme, we have launched into playing our part in both the East Lothian Walking Festival and the Archaeology & Heritage Fortnight.
Taking advantage of the two overlapping festivals, our curator Arran led a walking tour of the battlefield which coincided with the 1722 Waggonway Group’s archaeological dig in the heart of the battlefield area. Arran’s group of 25 enthusiastic walkers ended their route at the excavations, where Alan Braby kindly took time out of the trenches to explain what they’ve been uncovering – and what that might have meant in terms of the battlefield landscape.
Our friends at Catching the Past have also been busy, leading another Mini Murals Walk around Prestonpans which finished up at the museum – where a welcome cup of tea was awaiting! On Saturday the group also hosted a special event in the museum gallery, exploring the history of local trades and industries in the area. Their displays featured artefacts and costume items, a fabulous display of old photographs courtesy of our friend John Greenwood, and some fantastic music.
And since all this wasn’t quite enough for us, we’ve still got our special illustrated presentation to come on Friday evening, exploring the story and landscape of the Riggonhead march which led the Jacobites to victory. The talk is free to attend (donations welcome on the night), and begins at 7.30pm at the museum (EH32 9AY).