Nostalgia: The Honest Toun's staying true to its traditions

As this picture shows, they also huddled eagerly on the banks of the River Esk as more than 80 riders took part in the gripping cross-country chase to Fa'side Castle where they hoisted a flag to announce the official start of the festival.

That may have been 32 years ago, but this week similar celebrations have been taking place as festival week grips the town.

This afternoon, the family fun day takes place at the racecourse, topping off a week that has seen a fancy dress parade, festival tea dance and shop window display competition, to name only a few events.

Another historic celebration in Musselburgh is the Fishermen's Walk, which was traditionally held at the end of the fishing season on the first Friday in September, involving the whole of the community.

The public would donate money at the event to be used for the common good, allowing residents in need to be helped and to provide weekly allowances for retirement.

The town's fishing quarter would be decorated and bands would play through the streets while locals danced and paraded to Pinkie House for an afternoon of sport and games.

In 2001, residents set about resurrecting the event after interest had dwindled in previous years.

Musselburgh certainly has a strong history and remains a popular location for visitors owing to its many attractions, include the popular racecourse, pictured here in April 1964.

In August 1956, the Queen Mother arrived in Musselburgh to be given the freedom of the town.

She made herself very much at home as she walked around, greeting locals. She even pulled up a fireside seat to chat with an elderly woman in her home.

"I feel myself to be no stranger to this ancient burgh," the Queen Mother said at the time. "Long before I married, I had the good fortune to become very familiar with its qualities and its long and famous history."

Another of Musselburgh's many attractions is its lagoons at the mouth of the River Esk, created in 1964 by the South of Scotland Electricity Board using landfill of pulverised fuel ash from Cockenzie Power Station.

The lagoons are popular with birdwatchers, but in May 1977, they were the location for the dramatic rescue of four Edinburgh school children who had become trapped in the mud. Fireman used ropes and ladders to rescue the youngsters, who had been there for more than an hour up to their armpits.

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