East Lothian Council Secures £1.5m for Prestonpans Active Travel Route

New funding from the Scottish Government will enhance walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities, improving community connections and sustainability.

Generic image of a scenic coastal path in Scotland with cycle and pedestrian routes.
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Generic image of a scenic coastal path in Scotland with cycle and pedestrian routes.

East Lothian Council has secured £1.5 million in funding from the Scottish Government to develop a new active travel route connecting West Pans to Prestonpans, aiming to improve community access and promote sustainable transport.

The project, set to begin in January 2027, will enhance walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities along the B1348 corridor. It includes a new Toucan crossing for pedestrians and cyclists in Prestonpans and improved links to the National Cycle Network Route 76 and the John Muir Way.
The scheme has evolved since its inception in 2024, incorporating feedback from residents, businesses, and community groups to maintain bus access, minimise traffic disruption, and ensure the route is accessible for all ages and abilities. Improvements within Levenhall village will also widen pavements and create better pedestrian crossing points.
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"I’m grateful to the residents, businesses and various groups who shared their views during the consultations for this scheme and helped ensure it reflected the aspirations of the community. The council is committed to improving health and well-being by reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. This active travel route between West Pans and Prestonpans will offer safer options for those walking, wheeling or cycling, whether they are commuting to work, taking some exercise, or out enjoying the countryside."

John McMillan · Councillor and Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, East Lothian Council
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"When journeys are safe, accessible and convenient, more people will choose to walk, wheel and cycle. We’re pleased to be working closely with East Lothian Council on these improvements to create those healthier choices. This project will also reconnect the area to the National Cycle Network, opening up more possibilities to be active, get out into nature, and reach places further afield without needing a car."

Chris Brace · Principal Network Development Manager, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
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"I’m pleased that £1.5m from the Scottish Government will support construction of this important active travel project between Prestonpans, West Pans and Levenhall. By improving connections between communities, local services and public transport links, these upgrades will make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to choose walking, wheeling and cycling for everyday journeys. We are investing £226m in active and sustainable travel in 2026-27, and the evidence from previously funded projects gives us confidence that creating safer and easier routes leads to more people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle as part of their daily lives. Active travel remains one of the best solutions to some of our most complex challenges. Whether it’s helping people save money, improving health, reducing emissions or supporting thriving local communities, investments like this deliver benefits for both people and communities while helping Scotland transition to a more sustainable transport system."

Stephen Flynn · Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport
Construction, expected to last around four months, will be delivered through a partnership between the council and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, with support from consultants AECOM. The project aims to expand East Lothian's active travel network and support the council's climate change objectives. Subject to final approvals, work will commence in January 2027.
Based on information from the official source: East Lothian Council (02/11/2026)