Gullane, the largest village in the Community Council area, is an ancient settlement which grew into a small thriving village by the sixteenth century. By the early seventeenth century it had become indundated by sand, the church was transferred to Dirleton, and the parish renamed Dirleton. In the nineteenth century the coming of the railway and the development of golf brought many more visitors to Gullane and the start of a growth that has continued to this day. The village still attracts huge numbers of visitors to its magnificent beach, its many interesting walks, and to world famous golf links which host Open Championships and many other top tournaments.
The village is bounded to the north by the Firth of Forth whilst to the south is a rural hinterland which is part of the Community Council Gullane ward.
The Drem ward of the Community Council comprises the village of Drem and a stretch of countryside to the east and west, bounded on the south by the East Coast railway line. Drem itself is a small hamlet, at the centre of which is Drem Railway station, on the main East Coast line. Drem station, with free car parking, has a frequent service to North Berwick and Edinburgh, stopping at stations in between. Drem also has a Post Office. Most of the ward area is farming land. Just north of Drem, on the B1345, is a former First and Second World War airfield. It is now occupied by a growing number of businesses, workshops and retail outlets, notably the Fenton Barns Retail and Leisure village.
Dirleton is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s most picturesque conservation villages. The origins of the village dates from the thirteenth century when the castle was built by a Norman nobleman. The impressive castle is set within attractive grounds, overlooking a village green surrounded by houses. The houses date from the sixteenth century and the green forms a hub for many village activities. The sixteenth century Kirk houses the beautiful ‘Archerfield window’, a stained glass depiction of wildlife found in the local area. A thriving primary school, a shop with post office, and two hotels provide focal points for village life along with a gallery and tea-room which showcases and sells art and craft work.
Dirleton lies one mile from Yellowcraigs, which combines sandy beaches and woodland walks and which has a popular caravan site. Many golfing and leisure facilities are available in the local area, including a new golf and leisure facility being developed in Archerfield, adjacent to the village.
Details of the Aberlady ward can be found at the Aberlady Community Association website – www.aberlady.org