JOHN Lamont MP, Scotland Office Minister, toured several county towns on Tuesday as he visited various community groups and initiatives.

The MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh & Selkirk was welcomed at Tranent and District Community Football Club where he chatted to club officials and East Lothian Council employees.

The UK Government, he said, had provided £50,000 towards repairs to the 3G sports pitch at Foresters Park, which sustains heavy use as it is kept unlocked so that the community can use it informally too.

East Lothian Courier: Jennifer Malone, Regional Partnership Manager (South East Region); Sean McAuley, Scottish FA Football Development Officer Kevin Bathgate chair of Tranent FC, Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont Jamie Chapman, Ross High School active schools

He also toured the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, where he discussed with staff and supporters a number of marine environment issues, such as how to achieve the right balance between conservation and economic interests, and also the merits of The Coastal Communities Fund (CCF).

The Minister was also given a tour of the Fringe by the Sea festival site at North Berwick's Lodge Grounds and heard about its challenges and aspirations for the future.

He also visited Dunbar-based social enterprise The Ridge which was awarded £98,548 by the Scottish Government-backed Scottish Land Fund.

The Ridge provides training and support in order to allow individuals to reach their full potential.

It provides access to training and support for people who live in Dunbar and the surrounding area, aiming especially to develop the skills and employability of marginalised and vulnerable people.

Mr Lamont received a tour of the charity’s sites, finishing where they are building a new training centre to provide SQA qualifications.

After the visits, he said: "It was inspiring to see and hear how UK Government and partnership funding is helping sporting, marine conservation, business, community and cultural groups and charities thrive in East Lothian.

“We are committed to help levelling up and building stronger communities across all parts of Scotland and it was a pleasure to see the hard work of local people putting this into action."