Six reasons why you should move to Musselburgh

Dreaming of a life beside the seaside, but still love the buzz of city living?

Musselburgh is an East Lothian harbour town perfectly positioned on the coast, close to the beach, city and countryside. Musselburgh offers buyers at all ages and stages the ideal balance of city, seaside and suburbs.

So, whether you’re a first-time buyer, a downsizer, or a family searching for your forever home, here are just six reasons why you should consider moving to Musselburgh.

Easy access into Edinburgh

Whether you’re commuting daily or want to be able to enjoy Edinburgh's attractions at a moment’s notice, Musselburgh is ideally located six miles from Edinburgh. You can be in central Edinburgh in just 20 minutes, or several bus routes will deliver you to Princes Street in less than an hour. Trains from Musselburgh station reach Edinburgh Waverley in six minutes - perfect if you’re in a hurry.

Excellent schooling

If you're considering moving to Musselburgh, there are plenty of school options for pupils of all ages. There are four primary schools, feeding into the widely regarded Musselburgh Grammar School. One of Britain’s leading boarding schools, Loretto, is also situated here, with pre-school, junior and senior options. Plus, Queen Margaret University is based beside the train station, offering courses on everything from nursing to drama and public relations. 

Delicious food and drink

The clue’s in the name – you’ll enjoy delicious seafood if you're living in Musselburgh. East Coast is a renowned seafood restaurant, with a chip shop next door, and there's also local fishmongers if you prefer to cook. Musselburgh also has a variety of popular restaurants, cafes and bars, including the famous Luca’s Ice Cream flagship parlour on Musselburgh High Street.

Horseracing and golfing

Musselburgh is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic courses – although they’re very different in kind! The Old Golf Course is the world’s oldest golf course (Mary Queen of Scots is even rumoured to have indulged in a round there), while there’s another championship course at The Musselburgh Golf Club.

If you’re more of an observer, you’ll love the glamour and excitement of Musselburgh Racecourse, with its variety of fixtures throughout the year, including Ladies Day and the Gold Cup.

A thriving local high street

Musselburgh High Street boasts a mix of independent businesses, and core favourites like Costa Coffee and Boots. For ultimate ease, supermarkets include Tesco Extra, Aldi and Lidl, and just a short drive away from Musselburgh town centre, you’ll find Fort Kinnaird: a retail park that’s home to more than 70 shops, including H&M, Marks & Spencer and Next.

Family-friendly activities

Musselburgh’s coastal location provides plenty of picturesque things for residents to see and do. From the wide sandy beaches at Fisherrow Sands and the tranquillity of Musselburgh Lagoons, to the River Esk and the stunning views from Musselburgh Harbour, with Arthur’s Seat looming large on the horizon, there’s much to be enjoyed. For culture vultures, there’s several National Trust for Scotland properties nearby, including Newhailes and Inveresk Lodge Gardens.

There's also plenty to see and do all around Musselburgh, with the scenic backdrop of East Lothian all around.

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This article originally appeared in the August 2021 issue of the ESPC magazine. Find out more about the ESPC magazine and read the latest issue.