This East Lothian cycle path could revolutionise road safety for families and Edinburgh commuters alike

After a 14 year battle to secure a four mile off-road pedestrian and cycle path, the end might finally be in sight for a long running campaign for a safe route between the East Lothian villages of Gullane and Drem.

Local campaigners have been fighting to keep cyclists away from the busy B1345 road.

The main road has no cycle or foot paths and is narrow despite its national speed limit.

Drem is the only ‘countryside’ train station on the popular North Berwick to Edinburgh Scotrail service - meaning Edinburgh workers in less connected East Lothian villages commute to Drem via bike in order to get into the capital.

East Lothian Council has now appointed engineering specialists Peter Brett Associates to seek permission from landowners and develop a masterplan for the route.

The consultants now have until the end of May to present path blueprints to the Council.

Housing giants CALA Homes have already guaranteed to fund a large section of the path near Gullane due to their new builds in the area.

Drem/Gullane Path Campaign spokesperson Iain Monk said:

“High quality cycling and walking infrastructure is not only good for health and the environment, it also helps attract visitors that get cash registers ringing in local bars, shops and restaurants.

“Pedal power generates up to £345 million annually for the Scottish economy, and we believe businesses in East Lothian’s coastal villages can exploit thriving and lucrative cycle tourism.

“Businesses we have spoken to are in absolutely no doubt about the positive economic impact of the proposed four mile path.”

East Lothian businesses have now begun to throw their weight behind the campaign’s plans which if successful could deliver one of Scotland’s biggest cycling and walking infrastructure projects.

Dominic Campanile, General Manager of The Old Clubhouse Bar and Restaurant in Gullane said:

“We have many customers from Drem, who will walk or cycle to Gullane. I can only imagine how potentially dangerous this can be, especially in the summer months when the main road is busier than usual.”

Alan Rae of Fidra Fine Art Gallery on Gullane is another business owner who is in favour of the campaign:

“Gullane, with its village green and access to a beautiful beach, shops, cafes and restaurants is the ideal destination for those looking for an active day out.

“The link between Gullane and Drem is crying out for a cycle path, both as a safe commuter option to the train station for the growing population of Gullane, and also, as a recreational route for those from further afield to access the beautiful countryside of East Lothian.”

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