East E Fortune F
Near East Linton, East Lothian EH39 5LF
East Fortune, which is run by the Melville Motorcycle Club, has only recently become a full-time circuit. Located next to Scotland’s National Museum of Flight, it’s another former airfield.
Only a few miles away is a scooterists’ favourite, the seaside resort of Dunbar, while the seaside town of North Berwick is also only a few miles away if you want to make a weekend of it in Scotland.
The circuit is quite remote though, and be aware that when you park in the car park you have to access the paddock and the best viewing places by a gate going over the track into the centre. This can only be done under marshal control between races, so you will need to bear this in mind, especially when leaving, as if the race schedule gets behind the pedestrian access will be a low priority and you may have a wait to exit.
Once you have made the trek you will find a compact paddock inside the 1.6 mile circuit which is a pretty fast track being essentially a big triangle with a very long straight and Dickie’s straight – which actually has a slight curve to it and inevitably ends in a hairpin which is technically a tricky corner before looping back to the start after the equally tricky Hannah’s Chicane.
East Fortune as a whole is perhaps the least spectator-friendly of the circuits featured, but there is good viewing in the inside of the Dickie’s straight and Esses, which are very fast, as well as the Law straight and Hannah’s chicane – where there’s the chance of some spills. The Scottish weather can be erratic and I’ve been frozen and sunburnt on the same day.
If you are camping there is plenty of grassy space on the inside of the circuit by the race paddock and you will be close to the take away cafe which the local club runs. You will find the local sausage meat slices, and of course some pies to feed yourself with. There are undercover benches to sit at.
With the circuit being quite remote most people stay within the circuit confines at night and there is a unique, relaxed and very friendly vibe to the circuit which is run not for profit by the Melville club, which is putting all the money back into the circuit and facilities.
If you are into trains keep an eye on the railway line that passes close by – I’ve actually seen Flying Scotsman twice during race weekends. The East Fortune circuit can be a bit of a trek to go to but is well supported by Scottish scooterists and you will enjoy the very welcoming vibe.