Tranent is a town in East Lothian (formerly Haddingtonshire), Scotland. It is near the A1 road and about 11mi east of Edinburgh. It is one of the oldest towns in East Lothian, and built on a gentle slope, about 300 feet above sea level. The population of the town is approximately 11,642, an increase of over 3,000 since 1991. Tranent was formally a major mining town but now serves as a commuter town for Edinburgh. Tranent is located within the Edinburgh City Region.HistoryThe name is thought to be of Brythonic origin, possibly containing the elements Tre and Nant, meaning town of the stream.Tranent was once an important mining town, and coal was first worked there in the 12th century. The history of coal mining in Scotland is mirrored in the history of the coal heughs, mines and pits of Tranent. Tranent is now a commuter town supporting East Lothian and more especially Edinburgh.The Massacre of Tranent took place in 1797, when local people were killed by soldiers after protesting against conscription into the British Army. One of the 12 victims Jackie Crookston is depicted on the memorial that commemorates the dead in Civic Square.In connection with the annual commemoration of the Battle of Prestonpans, there are plans to recreate a small portion of the Tranent to Cockenzie Waggonway.There is a long history of settlement in Tranent, perhaps dating back to the 13th century. There area number of historic buildings in and around the town including the old parish church, parts of which are 15th century while a few miles southwest of the town stands Fa'side Castle, sometimes known as Falside or Fawside, a 14th-century L-shaped tower house.