It was a momentous day for East Lothian activists yesterday after construction began on a pedestrian and cycle path after 15 years of campaigning.
The longest running campaign of its kind in Scotland, activists have lobbied for 15 years for an off-road route away from the busy B1345 road, linking Gullane and Drem.
The main road currently 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.
After reaching agreement with landowners, housing giant CALA Homes has guaranteed to fund a one mile section of the path from Gullane to West Fenton, with construction starting yesterday.
In the coming weeks CALA will build the first quarter mile, of a one mile stretch starting from the corner of Fenton Road and Main Street, eventually stretching the length of the C111 to West Fenton.
Campaigners hope the new path will eventually connect Gullane and Drem.
Locals are now urging East Lothian Council to complete the remaining three miles to Drem to make good on their pledge to tackle Scotland’s climate emergency.
Drem-Gullane Path Campaign spokesperson Iain V Monk said:
"We are delighted to finally see the diggers moving in to start work on the first section of the path. This is a significant milestone for our 15-year campaign, which commands widespread support across the community.
"Pedestrians and cyclists should be able to travel safely between Drem and Gullane, free from the busy and dangerous main road.
"The Drem-Gullane path will transform our coastal communities and the lives of the people who live in them. It will also attract visitors to the area, which will be good news for local shops, pubs and restaurants.
"Having declared a climate emergency last year, it’s now time for East Lothian Council to complete the remaining three miles of this family friendly route to Drem."
