I HOPE you are all enjoying your summer and trying your best to enjoy the fleeting summer weather.

Whilst there is plenty to enjoy about the summer, it can bring about emotional and financial stress for many families with kids to entertain.

These costs have been exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis that continues to hurt family finances. What may have been affordable last year may now not be the case.

I hope the Scottish Government-funded under-22 bus pass helps alleviate the stress this summer.

Fortunately, East Lothian has a variety of cheap and free activities for families and children of all ages.

The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh Trail is a beautiful scenic walk and is a worthwhile day out for families whilst learning about an important era of the country’s past.

Five new information boards have been installed along the trail, with each having a specific audio commentary which can be accessed via a QR code on each board.

If you are interested in exploring this trail and learning more about our area’s history, you can find copies of the battlefield leaflet in the Musselburgh Museum.

One of my personal summer highlights is the Musselburgh Festival, which begins on Saturday and runs until next Sunday (July 28).

There is a variety of events for all ages.

The fancy dress parade on July 26, the children’s treasure hunt on July 22 and the festival dog show on July 21 will be sure to entertain your kids this month.

There is sure to be an event for everyone and I hope to see you there.

We are lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country and I would encourage everyone to see what natural beauty Musselburgh has to offer.

For example, Inveresk Lodge Garden is a truly peaceful area with abundant wildlife and beautiful flowers, proving a great spot to escape life’s stresses.

I hope the above encourages you to take advantage of all East Lothian has to offer this summer with free or low-cost activities.