Candidates for Scotland’s newest parliamentary seat are being asked how they will deliver a greener, healthier, fairer country.
Constituents for Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent are invited to attend a hustings on 27 April to ask questions of the main party candidates in the Scottish national elections.
The event at 7pm in St Andrew’s High Church, Musselburgh, is being hosted by Sustaining Musselburgh, East Lothian Climate Hub and Volunteer Centre East Lothian.
Residents are encouraged to submit questions for candidates on the themes of climate, fuel and food poverty, as they prepare to send their first MSP to Holyrood.
The cost of living, fuel prices and climate resilience are likely to be decisive issues in the coastal seat, on the edge of rural East Lothian.
“In Scotland, like many places, the effects of climate change are felt by the most vulnerable parts of society the hardest. It’s one of the key drivers of rising grocery costs,” said a spokesperson for East Lothian Climate Hub.
The Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent constituency was created during the 2025 parliamentary boundaries review.
Scottish national elections on May 7th will be the first opportunity to elect an MSP for the seat.
The hustings will take place from 7pm, sharp in St Andrew’s High Church. Doors open from 6.30pm with light refreshments.
“We welcome questions on the topics of climate, food and fuel poverty and nature. We ask attendees to submit questions in advance, while reserving places at this free event, in order that as many points can be covered as possible,” said the Climate Hub.
Gaynor Allen, chair of Sustaining Musselburgh, said: “This hustings brings together candidates from all the major parties, giving constituents the chance to put their questions directly to those hoping to represent them. It’s a valuable opportunity not only to make an informed decision at the ballot box, but also to ensure that future MSPs understand the issues that matter most to our community.”
CEO of Volunteer Centre East Lothian, Maureen Allen, CEO Volunteer Centre East Lothian, says:
“Volunteer Centre East Lothian is delighted to be supporting these hustings. It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone in the constituency to put candidates through their paces on these crucially important issues before the vote on the 7th May. I hope that the community will take advantage of the hustings to share their views and ensure that candidates are clear about how they will tackle these key issues of climate change and poverty.”
With the new electoral boundaries there are several hustings being held across East Lothian. On 22 April there is a hustings for the East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs constituency, hosted by Dunbar Churches Eco-Group and Sustaining Dunbar in Dunbar Parish Church. #Holyrood2026
Places can be reserved and questions submitted via the event page: tickettailor.com/events/eastlothianclimatehub1/2097653
About the Holyrood Election hustings hosts
East Lothian Climate Hub is a collaboration between East Lothian Climate Action Network and Lil CIC funded by the Scottish Government.
Scotland’s Climate Hubs are a network of 24 regional community climate action networks and part of the Scottish Government’s strategic regional approach to climate change action. gov.scot/policies/climate-change/community-led-climate-action
Sustaining Musselburgh is working to create a net zero carbon, biodiverse and socially just community throughout the Musselburgh Area, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
sustainingmusselburgh.wordpress.com
Volunteer Centre East Lothian are the Third Sector Interface for the county, supporting organisations with capacity building, governance, and operational advice.
volunteereastlothian.org.uk
