The third Lennoxlove Book Festival is billed by the promoters to be a cracker.

It seems that the authors on the programme give their time completely free and go to Lennoxlove for the love of it – which is understandable, for it can be quite lovely. But not all events are free. A respectable number of events are child-friendly, and the adult sessions suitably grown up.

On balance it should be an entertaining 3 days, even with that miserable Alistair Darling, whose palate drying and almost imperceptible sense of humour could well have saved us from an even Greater Depression. Thrilling and unmissable? I’ll let you be the judge.

Doors Open Days is a free architectural event, but alas only annual. The Scottish Civic Trust, supported by Historic Scotland organises the event.

East Lothian Properties Open on 11th September

Other Local Open Doors Days

Edinburgh 24th-25th Sept
West Lothian 10th-11th Sept
Mid Lothian 10th Sept
Scottish Borders 17th Sept

Gosford House & Gardens are among a number of properties (buildings and land) and collections (works of art and other objects), that benefit the nation under an inheritance tax and/or capital gains tax exemption. The taxes are not paid under the exemption as the new owner has agreed to look after the item, allow public access to it and, if it is moveable, keep it in the UK. It is only a conditional exemption, so the owner obliged to fulfil their side of the bargain, or else the exemption is withdrawn and tax is payable.

While the Marble Hall, in the south wing, is arresting it feels a bit like a City Chambers, which I believe it was modelled on, chilly and cold.

Completed as recently as 1891 by William Young for the tenth Earl of Wemyss it is the older Adam exterior, delightful gardens, and picture galleries (before they are all sold, a Poussin recently sold fetched £6m – nice if you can get it) that you should really visit. The nice Venetian windows tie in with Adam’s original design.

The house is open each Thursday to Sunday from 1pm to 4pm starting on Thusrday August 4th through to Sunday 11th September 2011.

Tours depart at approx 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:00pm each day the gates close promptly at 4.45pm. http://www.gosfordhouse.co.uk/webpages/the-house.html

Get the list of all properties

Your rights and obligations

Art Roots is an Artists Open Studios weekend event with workshops and demonstrations. Our aim is to introduce and connect a new audience to the artistic community in East Lothian, to raise awareness of the rich diversity of artistic life in the area and to encourage involvement and participation in the visual arts.

Haddington Farmers Market

Check out the wide array of local producers. The next market should be advertised.