East Lothian

East Lothian is a county area on the east coast of Scotland, stretching from the outskirts of Edinburgh to the North Sea. The landscape is defined by fertile farmland, rolling countryside and a varied coastline of beaches, cliffs and harbours. Its coastal position and productive land have shaped settlement and local life for centuries, giving the area a strong rural and maritime character.

The county includes towns such as Haddington, Musselburgh, Dunbar, North Berwick and Tranent, each supporting surrounding communities in different ways. Haddington serves as the county town and has a long history as a market and administrative centre, while coastal towns developed around fishing, trade and later tourism. Inland villages and towns remain closely tied to agriculture and local services.

East Lothian benefits from access to open countryside, coastal paths and outdoor spaces, making walking and recreation part of everyday life for many residents. The area is also influenced by its proximity to Edinburgh, supporting commuting alongside traditional rural activity. Overall, East Lothian offers a calm and balanced mix of countryside, coastal living and historic settlement, giving it a steady and distinctive place within Scotland.

What is the population of East Lothian?

East Lothian has a population of about 113,073 people, at a density of 168 per square kilometre.

East Lothian has 76 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in East Lothian.

East Lothian is served by 2 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.