Cockenzie House

The Great Tapestry Of Scotland, which we last saw at the Scottish Parliament, is on display at Cockenzie House until December 8th, so I dragged Mr Flum along for another view. Though it is better displayed and not nearly so crowded as before, we limited ourselves to close examination of panels up to Number 70, before repairing to the excellent café. I hope to return before the exhibition ends.

Cockenzie House itself is new to us and has an interesting history. Built in 1675 for the Seton Family, who made their fortune in salt, coal and shipping, the house was forfeit after the 1715 rebellion and bought by York Building Company. They leased it in 1732 to William Cadell, a merchant from Haddington, who, with John Roebuck and Samuel Garbutt, founded the Cameron Iron Works near Falkirk.

Cadell bought the house in 1777 and the family remained in residence for over 200 years. More recently the house became a nursing home which closed in 2008 amid great controversy. It is now used by the Community.