TWO films showcasing working life in East Lothian in the 20th century will be screened at Chalmers Memorial Church in Port Seton on Wednesday.

They are based on interviews gathered as part of the Regional Ethnology of Scotland Project (RESP), along with film and photographic resources from the John Gray Centre in Haddington.

Caroline Milligan, project researcher, said: “These two films, Musselburgh Mills and The Past is Still With Us, are an entertaining and engaging way to learn more about the industrial and fishing history of East Lothian.”

Musselburgh Mills tells the story of the three main mills in the town: Inveresk Paper Mill, Stuart’s Net Mill and Brunton’s Wire Mill.

They were, for many decades, a major source of employment locally.

Caroline said: “At the sound of the mill horns, thousands of workers flocked to put in their shift in factories which were operating at the highest level in their respective marketplaces.

“Brunton’s were one of the leading experts in wire and rope making, producing huge ropes for bridges such as the Humber Bridge, as well as fine wires for musical instruments or aeronautic application.

“Meanwhile, at Inveresk Paper Mill, the workers were producing specialist papers for discerning clients such as Reader’s Digest and Tatler magazine, while further down the Esk, at Stuart’s Net Mill, the workforce were producing at the cutting edge of net technology, both in terms of construction and raw materials.”

A shorter film, The Past is Still With Us, will be shown alongside the mills film and features the memories and recollections of Port Seton local Charlie Horne.

Caroline said: “Charlie went to sea at 14 and to war and the D-Day landings just a few years later.

Charlie and Jenny Horne from the film The Past is Still With Us

“This biographical film includes memories of his life at sea, on his uncle’s fishing boat, the Thorn Tree.

“Charlie’s film is full of humour and candour, charting a life of hard work and wartime experience, but also one filled with fun, romance and quite a bit of dancing.”

Charlie Horne's memories of his uncle's fishing boat The Thorn Tree, which he first went to work on as cook at the age of 14, feature in the film

The films, which start at 2pm, are about 40 minutes and 20 minutes long respectively. There will also be the opportunity to chat to members of the project team to find out more about the films and the work of the RESP in East Lothian.