Prestonpans

Prestonpans, a coast-town of Haddingtonshire, 8 miles E. of Edinburgh. Its salt-pans flourished from the 12th century till 1825; now brewing and fishing are the principal industries. Pop. 2223. To the south-east, on 21st September 1745, was fought the battle of Prestonpans, Preston, or Gladsmuir, when in a five minutes' rush Prince Charles Edward's 2500 Highlanders completely routed 2300 disciplined soldiers under Sir John Cope and Colonel Gardiner (q.v.).