Thoughts on moving to Edinburgh/East Lothian

[piratekids]

I'm looking for some views on different areas of Edinburgh and East Lothian and what they are like to live in.

Our family is thinking of moving to Edinburgh/East Lothian in time for the start of the next school year. Kids would be going into P1 and P3, and aside from the logistics of school places etc I'd like a few ideas of good areas to live that are great for families, commuting to Edinburgh, have good outdoorsy things to do, decent facilities. I lived in Edinburgh about 15 years ago but I'm keen for east of the city and out into East Lothian - Musselburgh, Cockenzie etc. Ideally out along the coast. Thank you!!! :-)

A friend in a not dissimilar situation moved to Dunbar a year or so ago. They love it!

Really interested in the answers. We stayed on the coast east of Edinburg this summer and loved it.

Thanks @pencreed. I think Dunbar is a bit far out from the city for us as have family west and in Fife but its so good to hear that the move is working out. @otter46 - when might you move?

Just be aware that registration for P1 may have already taken place (it certainly has in Edinburgh, 1-2 weeks ago).

A lot of the schools are at capacity, with no external placing requests accepted, and if you move in to catchment now you're not guaranteed a place.

The school registration hasn't taken place yet in East Lothian or Midlothian. Think it's around 18th November.

Oh, and if you can afford it, North Berwick is lovely.

Thanks, I think the schools will be a headache. The stage we are at now, I’m going to have to wait til the places have been allocated for P1 then find out where the places are, rent (I make this sound simple ha!). The East Lothian council team were great when I spoke them last week and said that they could advise nearer the time etc. So to an extent this could influence the area we move to and that’s why I’m trying to get an idea of lots of good locations. Also, having been in the English system for 3 years (although originally from Scotland) it’s odd to me that the schools don’t publish their intakes so you can’t get a feel for what schools have been at capacity. Any insight or thoughts or wild speculation welcome!

I agree, North Berwick is lovely but, yes, expensive compared to other areas. Although the new build prices aren’t quite so steep. Well, comparatively.