Towns & Villages - Tranent

Population: 8,892

One of the most ancient towns in East Lothian, Tranent lies 10 miles east of Edinburgh and 7 miles from Haddington, The town is built on a gentle slope, about 300 feet above the level of the sea, and about a mile and a quarter from the estuary of the Forth.

When the small village settlement was first founded and populated here is unknown. According to tradition, Tranent derives its name from its natural situation. 'Trev-er-nent' signified 'the village on the ravine'. In ancient writings the name has been given variously as 'Traunent', Travernet' and 'Treuernent'.

Once an important mining town, coal was first worked in Tranent in the 12th century. The history of coal mining in Scotland is mirrored in the history of the coal heughs, mines and pits of Tranent from the workings of the outcrops of the 'stone that burns' by the monks of Newbattle, through to the history of the serfdom or neyship of the collier, to recent times.

Over 200 years ago, Tranent was the site for what historians late dubbed "Scotland's Forgotten Massacre". Twelve unnamed people were slain by regular cavalry unit following the Tranent Militia Riot of 1797. The massacre was the subject of a cover-up at the highest levels, with none of the perpetrators brought to justice.

A memorial statue to those killed now stands in the town's Civic Square as a permanent reminder of the atrocity.