Tag Archives: salt pan

East Lothian Salt Pan Sketching

At the weekend I took part in the East Lothian Tradition Skills Festival at Cockenzie House and Gardens.

After a couple of warm up sketches in Tranent we headed to Cockenzie House, a beautiful 17th mansion with stunning gardens, plus a cafe, bakery and gift shops.

Open to the public most days, they have craft workshops and studios to rent. It is a beautiful location, on the banks of the Firth of Forth and was looking particularly pretty in the sunshine on Sunday.

I walked around the grounds capturing these sketches of some of the skills that were being demonstrated. It was fascinating to hear the history of these traditions and also to be able to have a go at some of them was a real treat.

I loved the salt pan in particular, the smell of the furnace and the sea water bubbling away was amazing, and so interesting to see an egg white used to take the impurities from the water.

It was my first visit and I would well recommend a visit to their sun trap of a garden and terrace cafe. There is a great crafty vibe and I am sure there will be something interesting going on whenever you come. Do check the website below first though 🙂

In the afternoon I took a group out sketching around the block to the harbour and gardens. A wonderful day and less than an hour from the city.

Cockenzie House Facebook page

One from Tranent too.