Temperance hotels were an offshoot of the 19th century Temperance Movement. They offered family accommodation in an environment guaranteed to be free from the iniquities of strong liquor.

This watercolour painting is by a local artist, Dorothea Nimmo Smith. Haddington's Temperance Hotel can be seen in the foreground of the painting.

The Temperance Movement campaigned for abstinence (or moderation) from distilled alcoholic drinks, which members believed could cause the ruin of family life and businesses alike. The movement originated in the United States of America and spread throughout areas of Europe. The movement had many members in Ireland and Scotland.