I write regarding a recent letter in the Courier which I think is somewhat guilty of “short-term let-ism”.

It is a huge and unfair generalisation to suggest that all users of short-term lets are basically lager louts, hellbent on causing noise, mess and disturbance.

My own experience could not be more different.

For the past five or six years, I have let out my own apartment over the summer months if I am away; and in that time, I’ve not had a single issue with any of the above, far less any guest causing a “commotion”.

My guests have been wealthy golfers from the UK, Boston, Texas, Paris and Toronto. They are here to play golf at North Berwick West Links, The Glen, Muirfield and Archerfield and they do impact the local economy, having breakfast at No. 12, buying sports goods from Gannon Sports, whisky from Lockett Bros, and eating out at night in the restaurants on the High Street.

Other guests include small families spending a few days at the seaside, or couples and friends attending Fringe by the Sea, the sailing regatta, East Lothian Open tennis tournament and, indeed, the Scottish Open, now an annual event in the area.

If more and more short-term lets become unavailable, where are all these people going to stay?

I urge the council to consider each licence application on its own merits. Property owners should be more discerning with the bookings they accept.

A property such as mine is providing a service to those who wish to visit our lovely town and enjoy the many pastimes it has to offer.

Name and address supplied