Enabling the community to thrive
Established in 1967
In 1967 the late Elizabeth, Duchess of Hamilton founded what is today The Lamp of Lothian. The aim was to bring together the whole community by restoring some derelict buildings to make them available for all forms of community use.
The Lamp was initially involved in the restoration of Haddington House followed by the conversion of the old mill, cottages and granary in 1992. In 2000, a new hall was constructed which greatly increased the activities that The Bridge Centre could make available to members of the community. The Bridge Centre was substantially refurbished in 2007 with funds raised as a result of the visit by HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
The Bridge Centre has expanded significantly, becoming the main community centre for Haddington catering for all ages of people from within the community. The malt house has continued to house the successful Motorcycle Project working with young people aged 8-25 supporting any difficulties they may be having in everyday life by providing off road training motorcycle and team activities.
PAAC, occupying the Poldrate buildings host classes in a wide variety of disciplines including painting, sculpture, pottery, basket weaving and embroidery as well as the camera club and poldrate quilters.
The Lammermuir Festival, having originated as part of The Lamp in 2010, has now burgeoned into its own successful charity enhancing local communities with some of the country’s finest musicians every year in some of the county's most stunning buildings.
Most recently a comprehensive refurbishment of Haddington House provides much needed flexible office accommodation for a wide variety of users.
Past Chairmen
Elizabeth, Duchess of Hamilton 1967 - 1997
Sir Alistair Grant 1997 - 2001
Sir Garth Morrison 2001 - 2011
Patrick Gammell 2011 - 2019
Roy Martin 2019
Jenny Harper 2019 - present day
Trustees & Staff
Our trustees and staff have overall control of the Lamp and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do. They aim to make positive impact on people’s lives and make a difference to the local community.
Our Affiliates
The Lamp of Lothian Trust has had a long tradition of promoting and supporting an annual series of concerts, including the birth of the Lammermuir Festival. We also support Haddington Garden Trust, to preserve gardens for the enjoyment of the public, and to encourage the study of gardening itself.
Your support means everything to us
Please help us to empower our community and change lives.
