We are sad to report that West Saltoun resident, Community Councillor and father of three Derek Smith, who previously taught PE and led the guidance team at Ross High School in Tranent before he retired, died on September 15th. His three children all went to Saltoun Primary School, Catriona, younger sister Debbie, who sadly passed away three and a half years ago and brother Euan.

Derek was a member of Humbie East & West Saltoun and Bolton Community Council, receiving a long service award. He rarely missed a meeting and was very committed to his home village of West Saltoun and doing the best for the Community. He was a key part of the resilience effort in the village during lockdown, collecting shopping for a number of people who could not venture out due to Covid-19 restrictions. He was very much a community person who did not expect the council to do everything for him.

Derek remained active in his retirement and was heavily involved in cricket and rugby. He continued to help Ross High in in many ways, not least his presence at the annual sports days. The Community Council bequeathed a cup in his name to be presented for Outstanding Sportsperson at Ross High School.

He was involved in many community activities. He ran wine tasting events in Gifford and Saltoun. He was an excellent quiz master in Bolton Village Hall.

He was a lovely man who will be missed by many groups of people.

We have been advised that there will be a new 30 mph speed limit introduced through Humbie. Previously traffic had only to follow 40mph restrictions.

This will be a welcome change for many local residents who have campaigned for the lower speed limit. The electronic sign at the entrance to the village will be reset to match.

Do you know someone who is digitally excluded?

Connecting Scotland is a Scottish Government programme set up in response to coronavirus. It provides ipads, chromebooks and support to develop digital skills for people who are digitally excluded and on low incomes.

Scottish Government is extending the Connecting Scotland initiative to include applications from organisations working with older people and disabled people who are living through social isolation and loneliness.

East Lothian has been given an allocation of iPads other devices with an unlimited data allowance for up to 24 months.

Applications will be open until 18^th January 2021 at https://connecting.scot/for-organisations/apply.

For more information contact Diann Govenlock, Connected Communities Manager at  [email protected]

Haddington & Lammermuirs

The Haddington & Lammermuir Area Partnership is one of six Area Partnerships in East Lothian. They are the “local voice of community planning” and each has a delegated budget from East Lothian Council to deliver improvements in their area.

The membership of the Area Partnership is comprised of a broad range of local community groups and local councillors. The group is also supported by a dedicated Area Manager employed by East Lothian Council.

With a substantial budget the Area Partnership is open to applications for grants or proposals from local residents.

Click on the link here to see the Area Plan for Haddington & Lammermuir.

For more information please contact the Community Council or Area Partnerships at East Lothian Council.