Elphinstone, East Lothian
Elphinstone is a village in East Lothian, Scotland, southwest of Tranent. The ruins of Elphinstone Tower, the former seat of the Elphinstone family, lie nearby.
| Elphinstone | |
|---|---|
Elphinstone Elphinstone Location within Scotland | |
| Population | 590 (mid-2020 est.)[1] |
| OS grid reference | NT396702 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | TRANENT |
| Postcode district | EH33 |
| Dialling code | 01875 |
| Police | Scotland |
| Fire | Scottish |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| UK Parliament | |
| Scottish Parliament | |
| 55°55′19″N 2°57′58″W / 55.922°N 2.966°W | |
Etymology edit
The village's name was first recorded in the 13th century.[2] It may mean "estate belonging to Ælfwine", from Old English Ælfwinestun.[3] A local fairy tale offers a more fantastical origin for the name, tracing it back to an elf who was imprisoned in stone by a witch whom he had crossed.[4]
History edit
The Protestant reformer George Wishart was brought to Elphinstone by Patrick Hepburn, 3rd Earl of Bothwell en route to St Andrews where he was tried and burned at the stake on 1 March 1546.[5]
Between 2011 and 2018 the population of the village increased from 520 to 590[6] and it has basic amenities, including a primary school, a community centre, a newsagent, and a miners welfare club.[7]
Landmarks and economy edit
Located half a mile west of the village, Elphinstone Tower, built in the 13th to 15th century, is a former five-storey tower, now a ruin, with only the lower level remaining.[8] The Elphinstone clan held the lands of Elphinstone and took their name from their lands.[9]
Mines owned by the Edinburgh Colliery Company, Limited were formerly the main employer in the village. Many of the houses in the village were owned by the company.[10] now Inveresk Research International is one of the main employers in the area.[citation needed] Elphinstone Tower Farm produces cereal crops.[11]
References edit
- ^ "Mid-2020 Population Estimates for Settlements and Localities in Scotland". National Records of Scotland. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
- ^ Black, George F. (1971) [1946]. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. New York Public Library. p. 244. ISBN 0-87104-172-3.
- ^ Harrison, Henry (1996) [1912]. Surnames of the United Kingdom. Baltimore: Clearfield Company. p. 134. ISBN 0-8063-0171-6.
- ^ Tim Porteous (15 September 2018). "Tim's tales: The origin of 'Meg's Chuck' in Elphinstone". East Lothian Courier. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ R W Cargill. "Torchbearers of the Truth: George Wishart (1513-1546)". Believers' Magazine. John Ritchie Ltd. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Elphinstone in East Lothian (Scotland)". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Tranent and Elphinstone Community Action Plan 2014-1019" (PDF). www.coalfieldsregen.co.uk. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Elphinstone Tower". Historic Environment Scotland. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Elphinstone". Scotweb Marketing Ltd. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Lothians Housing Evidence given by Robert Brown". Scottish Mining Website. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Elphinstone Tower farm" (PDF). Savills. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
External links edit
- Website of Elphinstone Primary School