January Newsround

With Bob Mitchell

News Archive

The long running and unedifying saga of East Lothian Council's Chief Executive appears to be over with the announcement that local man, Alan Blackie is set to take over the top job in February. Alex McCrorie, originally earmarked by the then ruling Labour group, for the £103,000 a year post will revert to his post as director of corporate finance and IT.

An astute political observer and friend of 'Newsround' said ' There is little doubt that in many people's eyes, last

year has been an embarrassing one for East Lothian. I would expect that most people would hope that a line has now been drawn under the whole affair and hope that it can now be back to business as usual'.

Mr Blackie, the current director of education and children's services faced stiff internal and external competition and is said to be 'honoured' by his appointment.

We wish him well.

Despite increasing competition from new superstores within the county, Haddington traders have declared themselves satisfied with their Christmas sales. Although the well-publicised slow start nationally was replicated to some extent in the county town, a late surge in gifts, food and drink sales more than compensated.

Local butcher, Colin Peat reported one of his busiest Christmases ever, culminating in more than 1000 orders

being collected on Dec 24^th. Elsewhere, a surprise best seller was Maw Broon's Cookbook whose high fat, high calorific recipes from some fifty years ago proved much more palatable to the customer than the politically correct offerings of their competitors. Perhaps it is a question of a little bit of what you fancy...

After years of promises and disappointments it appears that the eyesore that has long been the eastern entrance to Haddington is about to be given a makeover. The site of the old Oak Tree Café and Filling Station, now owned by a subsidiary company of Rangers Chairman, David Murray is set to be cleared by the end of the month.

Sainsbury's has earmarked the site, for a 25000 squ. ft foodstore and filling station set to create some 200 jobs, and they had already planned to tidy it up. The latest announcement, however, means that subject to asbestos and utilities checks, work can start almost immediately.

Community Council Chair, Jan Wilson who has long campaigned for the clear up, is delighted. 'This is positive news,' she explained. 'We were delighted that Sainsbury's had agreed to take action, but this takes things a stage further.'

As local pubs, clubs, individuals and societies prepare to mark the 249^th birthday of Robert Burns, pride of place must surely go to the Haddington Burns Club, who will this year hold its 119^th such celebration. Held for many years in the George Hotel and pausing only for the two World Wars this year's supper will be held in the Maitlandfield Hotel on January 25^th. Secretary, Alan Sheerin, who will himself be attending his 25^th such supper, said 'The event seems to be as popular as ever, and with MSP Iain Gray proposing the 'Immortal Memory' this year, it is one not to be missed.' Alan Collie will chair the supper.