This project was planted in 2004 with assistance from East Linton Primary School.

It is intended to mark the link with East Linton and orchards. Apple growing was an important activity in the East Linton area two hundred years ago and the local Laird, Sir George Buchan Hepburn of Smeaton was keen to see land owners encouraging their tenants to grow fruit bearing trees and contribute to their income.

You can read more about this project in the leaflet compiled by pupils of East Linton Primary school which is available in East Linton Library. All the apples are harvested when ripe and supplied for use at the local Day centre where they are much appreciated by the members. The project is managed by East Linton Horticultural Society..

Details of varieties planted. ( All culinary.)

• Catshead – Originated in the 1600’s and first cited in 1629. Looks like a cats head when viewed in profile. Very large and prolific. Will keep to January. Widely grown in the 19th Century.
• Keswick Codlin – Found on a rubbish heap in Lancashire in 1790. Victorians claimed none better as jelly. Needs little sugar. Prolific and reliable
• White Melrose  -Probably introduced by the monks of Melrose Abbey but not recorded till 1831.   Keeps its shape when cooked with a good sweet-sharp flavour.
• Rev Greaves – Listed as a Scottish variety but not much known of its origins. It is a late maturing apple, looks similar to Lord Derby and seems good for baking with raisins and brown sugar.
• Scottish Dumplin – Probably from Clydeside. Very attractive in flower. Date unknown
• Scottish Bridget – First described in 1851 but older. Rather insipid cooker.
• Hawthornden – Raised near Edinburgh before 1780. Best baked and makes well flavoured sauce.
• Stirling Castle – Raised 1820’s. Good and reliable.
• Golden Hornet – A seedling crab apple. A colourful pollinator with showy fruit persistent to early November
• East Lothian Pippin – First recorded in 1881 from Tyninghame Gardens. Good, with sweet taste.