Tranent

Tranent is a town in East Lothian, Scotland. It is close to the A1 road and approximately 11 miles (18 km) east of Edinburgh. It is one of the oldest towns in East Lothian, and built on a gentle slope, about 300 feet above sea level.

Memorial in Civic Square

History

The name is thought to be of Brythonic origin, possibly containing the elements Tre and Nant, meaning Town of the Stream.

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 a 'commuter' town supporting East Lothian, Edinburgh and the East of Scotland.

It was here that the Tranent Militia Riot and the Massacre of Tranent took place in 1797, when a number of local people were killed by soldiers after protesting against conscription into the British Army. One of the 12 victims was Jackie Crookston, and there is a statue of her in Civic Square [1].

As part of the 2008 commemoration of the Battle of Prestonpans, it is planned to recreate a small portion of the Tranent to Cockenzie Waggonway [2]

Literature

William Dunbar's poem the Lament for the Makaris includes the name Clerk of Tranent as a poet probably of the fifteenth century, citing him as author of the Anteris of Gawain. Some examples of such works exist but his has not been traced.

Notable people

• Gordon Kennedy - the actor appeared in the comedy sketch show Absolutely and inserted photographs of Tranent in its sketch based on the bizarre, fictional town of Stoneybridge.

• Neil Martin - the centre forward enjoyed a distinguished career as a professional footballer and gained three full international caps for Scotland.

• DJ Bull - the hardest boy on the planit. He will nock you out as fast as a racing car.

Places of interest

• Fa'side Castle

See also

• List of places in East Lothian

References

• East Lothian Museums/Tranent

Coordinates: 55°56′N 2°57′W / 55.933°N 2.95°W / 55.933; -2.95