River Tyne

Catchment Description

The River Tyne is a river that rises in the Moorfoot hills in Midlothian near Tynehead. It then continues 48 km in a north-eastern direction and empties into the North Sea at Belhaven Bay. The catchment is predominantly farmland due to the fertile soils found in East Lothian. 

Historic influences

The rich arable lands of East Lothian are a testament to the county’s history of agricultural development and are still a mainstay of the economy. However, all across the county survive traces that relate equally compelling stories of innovation in a diverse spectrum of industrial activity.

Agriculture fed into malting, brewing, distilling and soap-making as well as tanning, saddlery, shoemaking and textile industries based on wool and linen. Fishing gave rise to processing facilities in the coastal communities.

Did you know ?

There is a number of historical and coastal walks that follow the river and its catchment. One such walk takes you to Hailes Castle which sits above the River Tyne.