Musselburgh: East Lothian's Honest Toun on the Esk With a Racecourse and Roman Roots
Musselburgh sits at the mouth of the River Esk on the Firth of Forth, about six miles east of Edinburgh city centre. The population is around 22,000. The town's motto "Honestas" and its nickname "The Honest Toun" derive from a story about the townspeople caring for the dying Earl of Moray in the 14th century, refusing to steal his belongings. Musselburgh has Roman origins; a bridge and bathhouse were built here, and the Old Roman Bridge over the Esk still stands (rebuilt in medieval times). Musselburgh Racecourse is the oldest racecourse in Scotland and one of the oldest in the world, with records of racing dating back to 1816. Musselburgh Links, the short seaside golf course, has been played since at least 1672.
The High Street runs from the Tolbooth at the centre toward the harbour and the seafront. Fisherrow Harbour, at the river mouth, has a small fishing fleet and a beach. Musselburgh station is on the East Coast Main Line local services, with trains to Edinburgh Waverley in about 10 minutes.
Show more
Musselburgh sits at the mouth of the River Esk on the Firth of Forth, about six miles east of Edinburgh city centre. The population is around 22,000. The town's motto "Honestas" and its nickname "The Honest Toun" derive from a story about the townspeople caring for the dying Earl of Moray in the 14th century, refusing to steal his belongings. Musselburgh has Roman origins; a bridge and bathhouse were built here, and the Old Roman Bridge over the Esk still stands (rebuilt in medieval times). Musselburgh Racecourse is the oldest racecourse in Scotland and one of the oldest in the world, with records of racing dating back to 1816. Musselburgh Links, the short seaside golf course, has been played since at least 1672.
The High Street runs from the Tolbooth at the centre toward the harbour and the seafront. Fisherrow Harbour, at the river mouth, has a small fishing fleet and a beach. Musselburgh station is on the East Coast Main Line local services, with trains to Edinburgh Waverley in about 10 minutes.
Country selected
Region selected
City selected
