Friday July 31st 2026
Council representatives including Chief Executive Laurence Rockey, Provost John McMillan and Council Leader Norman Hampshire with members of Willie’s family and representatives from Hub South East, Balfour Beatty and subcontractors
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
An official naming and opening ceremony took place on Thursday 30 July at the Willie Innes Way, a new road through part of the former Cockenzie Power Station site.
Members of Willie’s family joined Council Leader Norman Hampshire to cut the ribbon and officially open the road, named after Willie, who had been Council Leader from 2012 until he sadly passed away in October 2021.
Councillor Hampshire said: “It was an honour to meet Willie’s son Craig, daughter Gillian and granddaughters Hanna and Isla here today to officially open this new road. Under Willie’s leadership, East Lothian Council bought the former Cockenzie Power Station site for economic and community benefit and that’s why this road has been named after him as a lasting tribute to all he did for East Lothian”
Willie’s daughter Gillian McEwan said: “I was really pleased to help cut the ribbon today on behalf of all the family. We’re very proud of what dad achieved during his time as a community councillor, local councillor and Council Leader and to have a road named after him is a real honour and something the family really appreciates.”
The new road links the Alder Road junction on the B6371 approach to Cockenzie with the existing B1348 Edinburgh Road. It has been built with the support of Hub South East and built by contractor Balfour Beatty on behalf of East Lothian Council, as part of the wider work to bring the industrial site up to standard for redevelopment. It largely follows the route of an original service road to the former power station coal plant and is designed to ease pressure on existing roads in the community in preparation for potential new commercial and other developments on the former power station and coal store sites.
Work began on the road in September 2024 alongside the other redevelopment work. As well as the vehicle carriageway, it features a lane, largely set back from the main roadway, to encourage safe walking and cycling.
The former ScottishPower site was purchased by East Lothian Council in 2018 to support ambitions to promote economic growth and create employment opportunities.
Ian Bowd, Project Director for Hub South East, said: “It was great to see Willie Innes Way formally opened. It has been a pleasure to work as delivery partner for East Lothian Council alongside Balfour Beatty and the wider project team in delivering Willie Innes Way, as well as the initial development works at the former Cockenzie Power Station site. Together, these projects mark a key milestone in unlocking the council's vision for the area, creating the infrastructure needed to attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and support future regeneration opportunities. We are proud to have played our part in bringing these important projects to fruition.”
Iain Henry, Commercial Manager at Balfour Beatty said: “It’s been a privilege to work alongside East Lothian Council and Hub South East to bring the newly inaugurated Willie Innes Way to life. This new road is an important step in unlocking the long-term potential of the former Cockenzie Power Station site, improving connections for local people today while creating opportunities for investment, jobs and growth for years to come.”
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