Lothians

The Lothians, commonly referred to in historical contexts as East Lothian and West Lothian, is the traditional region of southeastern Scotland surrounding the capital, Edinburgh. The name is used to describe the two historic counties that lie to the east and west of the Firth of Forth, and, in a broader sense, the rural and urban areas around Edinburgh.

Geography and composition: East Lothian runs along the North Sea coast and includes towns such as North Berwick, Dunbar, and Haddington, with a landscape that combines coastline, soil plains, and rolling countryside. West Lothian lies to the west of Edinburgh and features suburban and rural areas as well as towns like Livingston, Bathgate, Linlithgow, and Uphall. The two counties are bordered by Midlothian to the south of Edinburgh and by the City of Edinburgh to the north and northeast.

History and etymology: The term Lothian has medieval origins and developed as the name for the lands around the Auld Alliance capital. East and West Lothian became distinct counties in historical administrative arrangements, and they remained important units in Scotland’s local governance until recent changes.

Administration and status: Today East Lothian and West Lothian operate as separate council areas within Scotland, each with its own local authority (East Lothian Council and West Lothian Council). The City of Edinburgh Council governs the city itself, and the Lothians remain a commonly used geographic and cultural designation rather than a current top-tier administrative unit.

Economy and culture: The region shows a mix of agricultural areas, commuter towns, and light industry, with the economy increasingly linked to the Edinburgh metropolitan area. East Lothian is known for its coastline and golf courses, while West Lothian has a strong residential and industrial presence.