There was an angry reaction from politicians today as First Bus revealed plans to stop services in East Lothian.

The bus firm, First Scotland East, said it was no longer 'viable' to run services in the county.

However they were accused of treating East Lothian as a 'second hand county' and letting people down.

Councillor Stuart Currie, whose Musselburgh East ward is home to the bus firm's main East Lothian depot branded the proposal shocking.

He said: "The buses they put on are poor, there are countless complaints about their condition, the number of times they break down and the fees charged.
"In 2012 First Bus let staff and customers down by dropping some services, now they have let the whole county down.
"Their staff do not deserve to be treated this way and neither do their customers."

East Lothian MSP Iain Gray said: ""The truth is that these communities have not always been well served by First. 
"Poor quality buses and poor reliability have been a problem over the years, and I have had many occasions to complain to the company on my constituents' behalf."

Meanwhile, Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, described the potential job losses as "terrible news".

South of Scotland MSP Rachael Hamilton said: "This is devastating news for the workers in the area and their families, and they need to be supported throughout this upsetting process.
"People who depend on these services, particularly the elderly and those in rural areas, will also be concerned.
“For many, their local bus service is a lifeline, and these closures will impact them badly."