Tranent

Coordinates: 55°56′42″N 2°57′14″W / 55.945°N 2.954°W / 55.945; -2.954

Tranent (Scottish Gaelic: Tranant; Scots: Turnent) is a town in East Lothian (formerly Haddingtonshire), Scotland. It is near the A1 road and about 11 miles (18 km) east of Edinburgh. It is one of the oldest towns in East Lothian, and built on a gentle slope, about 300 feet above sea level. Population of the town is approximately 8,940

History

The name is thought to be of Brythonic origin, possibly containing the elements Tre and Nant, meaning town of the stream.

Tranent was once an important mining town, and coal was first worked there 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. Tranent is now a commuter town supporting East Lothian and more especially Edinburgh.

The Massacre of Tranent took place in 1797, when local people were killed by soldiers after protesting against conscription into the British Army. One of the 12 victims Jackie Crookston is depicted on the memorial that commemorates the dead in Civic Square.