TWO hugely popular events in Haddington’s social calendar will not take place this summer – the second year in succession they have been cancelled. Organisers of the Nungate Gala stated at the weekend that the event would not take place, with the Haddington Festival confirming on Tuesday that its fun day would also not be happening. Haddington and Lammermuir ward Councillor Tom Trotter, who was previously chairman of the Nungate Gala committee for about 20 years, felt it was “sad but inevitable” both events would be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. He said: “It is more than sad; it is tragic. We missed out last year and it is soul-destroying, especially for the organisers and volunteers that put in so much time. When it does come back, it will be a good cause for celebration.”
CONTROVERSIAL exercise stations beside a picturesque riverside walkway are to be removed. Discussions took place surrounding the future of the green metal bars beside the River Tyne in Haddington at the end of last year. Now, after consultation with Haddington’s community council, East Lothian Council has agreed to remove the exercise stations – with the possibility of installing some in Neilson Park instead. A spokeswoman for the local authority said: “The Tyne walkway exercise stations were erected in early 2016, following discussions with local stakeholders, including Haddington and District Community Council and Friends of the River Tyne group, to provide opportunities for people to improve their physical activity levels, with support from the Ageing Well initiative and local health professionals.