Friday November 13th 2026
Cockenzie House and Gardens (credit: Tom Parnell - Own work)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
An historic East Lothian house has been given the green light to carry on hosting round-the-year events, including a free summer festival, after councillors praised its community efforts.
Cockenzie House and Gardens had applied to renew its public entertainment licence which allows it to hold a range of events each year.
A meeting of East Lothian Licensing Sub Committee heard that there had been one complaint from a neighbour about the noise from the events and its impact on them.
However committee members said the benefit of the events in the community were welcome,
Acting chair of the committee Lee-Anne Menzies welcomed a venue which offered something to people living in the west of the county.
She told the meeting: “I am delighted to see something come to this side of the county. We have huge events in North Berwick and Dunbar and it is great see things here as well.”
Cockenzie House and Gardens has hosted the EH32 Festival for several years in the summer as well as other events through the year.
The former Jacobean home is run by a charity which has, in recent years, been used to provide studios and workshops to small businesses as well as hosting private and community events in function rooms and gardens and its popular cafe.
No concerns about renewing the licence were raised by Police Scotland or the council’s licensing standards officer.
The objector had told the committee in writing they had experienced “unmitigated negative impacts” from the events held at the house over the years citing 4.30am deliveries and patrons heading to the nearby British Legion club at closing time.
However the committee heard deliveries related to events were made between 8am and 5pm and the house itself had no links to the Legion.
Councillor Colin McGinn told the meeting: “In my experience this venue has put itself at the heart of Cockenzie and the staff are first class and really considerate about their clientèle and neighbours.
“It is disappointing if someone does not agree with what is going on.”
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