East Lothian lies on Scotland's east coast, bordered by the Firth of Forth to the north and the Lammermuir Hills to the south. The district includes towns such as Musselburgh, Prestonpans, Tranent, Haddington, North Berwick and Dunbar. Low-lying farmland reaches close to the shoreline, with sandy bays, pebble beaches and stretches of agricultural land separated by hedgerows and small burns. The River Esk runs through Musselburgh to the Firth of Forth, and the coastal path links harbours, bays and golf links along a stretch that has long attracted walkers and anglers.
The district has a long coastline of cliffs, islands and tidal waters. North Berwick's view of Bass Rock marks a volcanic outcrop that supports a large colony of gannets, visible from boats and from the shore. Dunbar was the birthplace of naturalist John Muir and the John Muir Way finishes at the town. Golf courses at Gullane and Muirfield host international events, while Haddington remains the county town with medieval streets and a market tradition. Local economy mixes farming, fishing, tourism and small industry, and transport links connect the coastal towns to the A1 and to Edinburgh by rail.
