To 1975, Saltoun was linked with Bolton in having one county and one district councillor; the parish has never been very active politically.
At the reorganisation of local government in 1975, the representation was one district councillor (again linked with Bolton) and one regional councillor who covered the Tranent area. For some residents the distinction between the functions of Lothian region and East Lothian District Council has not always been clear.
Since 1996, the parish has been linked with East Linton and Gifford, and more recently with Haddington West, in having one East Lothian councillor.
Most administration being in Haddington was thought to make it easier, but every time the councils changed, in 1975 and again in 1996, additional expenditure seemed to be required, and wheels seemed to be re-invented. There was little evidence of economies of scale.
Saltoun shares its community council with Humbie and Bolton. Planning applications are checked out and public meetings called when necessary, for example, recently in respect of plans for more new housing in East Saltoun. Saltoun parish sends three members to the Humbie, Bolton, East and West Saltoun Community Council Minutes of meetings are published on public notice boards in the two settlements and the public is invited to attend meetings.
The community council has organised ‘Community Capers’ biennially in recent years, and after many years has succeeded in improving the children’s play area in West Saltoun. It organised fireworks for the Millennium, and has been involved in the Community Woodland Project.
Politics in the parish
There are no strong political influences in the parish. No SNP councillor has ever been elected, although a prominent nationalist resident flew the Saltire flag on a private house in the 1970/80s.
The parish was in the constituency of East Lothian and Berwickshire until the reorganisation of constituencies, and is now in the constituency of East Lothian.
A Conservative/Unionist Association was active in the 1950/60s There are currently no strong political influences.
In spite of the fact that EU policies, especially those connected with the common agricultural policy, have a major impact on the parish, there is very little interest in politics. Numbers participating in elections have declined in line with national trends. Perhaps there are too many elections?