The name, Musselburgh, derives from the extensive mussel beds which lie along its shore on the Firth of Forth. The Coat of Arms for Musselburgh is made up of three mussels and three anchors, with the anchors referring to the fishing tradition of the community.
The interesting old market town of Musselburgh lies six miles east of Edinburgh, where the River Esk meets the sea. The 'Honest Town' developed from the 12th century as a rival to the capital nearby, with trade helped by having a port, which today is still lightly used for fishing and pleasure boating.
Musselburgh Racecourse, the oldest in Scotland, has been a venue for racing since 1816. It was originally known as Edinburgh Races with meetings held on Leith sands. The racecourse then moved on to the attractive meadows setting at Musselburgh where it has been ever since. As a boutique venue, and VisitScotland Five Star Visitor Attraction, the racecourse is the ideal location for a great day out.
The Racecourse is also home to the historic 9-hole Musselburgh Links, apparently used by James IV in 1504, home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers from 1836 to 1891 and was host to the first Open Golf Championship. The record books date the course to 1672, making it the oldest surviving golf club in the world.
Musselburgh is also home to many examples of great architecture. Newhailes House, which was recently bought by the National Trust for Scotland was built in the late 18th century by Sir David Dalrymple. The Tolbooth in the High Street is one of the finest and oldest buildings of its kind in Scotland and dates from around 1590. The Mercat Cross, which dates from the 1700s, stands on the site of the original medieval cross. Musselburgh also resides the newly renovated Brunton Theatre which hosts major dramatic productions throughout the year.
Musselburgh was the birthplace and residence of Dr Macbeth Moir, the Delta of Blackwood, Born 1798, died 1851. He was a physician by profession and a poet at the centre of the literary circle of the day.