A bridge has been here in Haddington since the 13th century but the present Nungate Bridge dates from about 1550 and is one of the oldest bridges in Scotland.  It was the major entry point into the town which was once the fourth largest in Scotland and on an important medieval trade route between England and Scotland.   Various invading armies had to cross the strategic bridge over the River Tyne which provided a boundary during various sieges as in the 1548 Siege of Haddington when 12000 men attacked and the original bridge was damaged.  Now it is hard to imagine its former strategic importance as it appears very tranquil as a few people walk across the river boundary on the steep narrow pedestrian bridge.