Major landowner backs path

A landowner controlling a critical stretch of the proposed Drem–Gullane path has publicly backed a safe link between the East Lothian villages.

D C Watson & Sons (Fenton Barns) Ltd owns Fenton Barns, a family-run farm near North Berwick and Gullane, with a busy commercial, leisure and retail village providing work and business opportunities for several hundred people.

The Drem–Gullane Path Campaign has attracted widespread cross-community, business and cross-party backing for a safe route that keeps children, families, commuters and visitors away from the busy and dangerous B1345.

Nicola Simpson, managing director at Fenton Barns, said:

"We at Fenton Barns strongly support the creation of a safe cycling and walking route between Drem railway station and Gullane, some of which would be over our land. We believe that responsible, managed access to parts of Fenton Barns will take cyclists off the dangerous B1345 and will encourage safer travel to our businesses. We stand ready to work with campaigners, neighbouring landowners, and East Lothian Council to agree on the most suitable route for this important and common-sense proposal." 

Drem–Gullane Path Campaign spokesperson, Iain V Monk, said:

"This marks real progress, and we are delighted that Fenton Barns — as a key landowner along the proposed route — has publicly pledged its support for the path. Gaining landowner consent is vital, and we have developed a constructive relationship with Fenton Barns based on mutual respect, community spirit, and a shared determination to see the path built."

Chief Executive Officer of Walking Scotland, Kevin Lafferty, said:

"Walking Scotland is delighted to support the Drem-Gullane path campaign, and to see such strong progress through a positive and constructive relationship with Fenton Barns. Support from this key landowner marks a real step towards an accessible path that would connect communities, improve safety and encourage more people to choose walking and wheeling across East Lothian and beyond.”

Scott Runciman, Scotland Advocacy Lead at Cycling UK, said:  

“It’s great to see such widespread support as the Drem-Gullane Path campaign gathers even more momentum. This short stretch of path has the potential to improve access to public transport, increase revenue for local businesses and raise safety standards for the whole community. It’s essential for businesses, families and visitors that this path goes ahead and we will continue to support the campaign as it grows from strength to strength.” 

Photo: Keith Chalmers-Watson & Nicola Simpson of Fenton Barns flanked by path campaign supporters Robin Haynes & Chris Holme.