Inveresk
Over the period 1945-75, town council meetings took place in the evenings. This enabled people from all walks of life to stand for election. Control of the council alternated between the Labour party and the Ratepayers Association (allegedly non-political but predominantly of a Conservative persuasion).
Two Labour councillors, Thomas White and Peter Hamilton, both former provosts were prominent in directing council affairs. Thomas White with wise counsel and Peter Hamilton as an expert on local government finance. Councillor William Caird, also a former provost was the driving force behind the Ratepayers Association. The councillors were ably assisted and advised by a widely respected town clerk, David Taylor and the town chamberlain James Mackie. A major problem facing the town council was a shortage of council housing due to a lack of building land. Midlothian County Council opposed applications at different times, but on each occasion Musselburgh Town Council appeals were upheld. This enabled large housing projects to be implemented, thus easing overcrowding and reducing housing waiting lists.