Prestonpans

Prestonpans ( , Scots: The Pans) is a mining town, situated approximately eight miles east of Edinburgh, Scotland, in the council area of East Lothian. The population as of is . It is near the site of the 1745 Battle of Prestonpans (first called the Battle of Gladsmuir, then renamed the Battle of Tranent, and later still renamed the Battle of Prestonpans – although evidence shows the battle occurred a few miles outside of town). Prestonpans is famous for its murals, with many such artworks depicting local history.

==History== thumb|left|Royal unicorn on Preston Cross thumb|left|Prestonpans Town Hall ===Foundation=== According to legend Prestonpans was founded in the 11th century by a traveller named Althamer, who became shipwrecked on the local beach/coastal area. Finding it impossible to get home, the survivors of the wreck decided to remain where they were and founded a settlement named "Althamer" in honour of their leader. The monks of Newbattle and Holyrood arrived in the district in the 12th century and, by 1198, were undertaking salt manufacturing using pans on the seashore: the settlement, which had been named "Althamer" was renamed "Prestonpans". Preston Tower, an L-plan keep, was built by the Hamilton Family in the mid-15th century.