CONCERNS have been raised as to how Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU) will affect businesses across East Lothian.

More than 33 million people up and down Britain went to the polls last Thursday on whether the UK should remain in or leave the EU.

Almost 52 per cent of people in the UK voted to leave, despite 62 per cent of Scotland opting to remain.

In East Lothian, the figure was even greater, with nearly 65 per cent voting Remain.

Willie Thomson, an arable farmer at Wheatrig, near Longniddry, and East Lothian branch chairman of NFU Scotland, told the Courier: “No business likes uncertain times, but there will be new opportunities that arise as a result of this decision.

“What those opportunities are is not yet clear, but when it does become clear, we have to be ready to take them.

“The vote between farmers was pretty split, and people did get in touch beforehand expressing their concerns.

“It is done now, and we have to see what the future holds.”

Meanwhile, Thistly Cross Cider, near Dunbar, said it too had concerns.

Peter Stuart, head cidermaker, told the Courier: “We export to more than 30 different countries and Thistly Cross are great believers that everybody that we work with, whether it is importers or customers, are our friends. As my granny used to say, ‘we have all got to work together to make the world a better place’.

“We are concerned about the future and the message sent to the rest of the world.”

Thistly Cross Cider was formed by Mr Stuart, an artist-turned-cidermaker, and farmer Ian Rennie in 2008 and has since gone on to grow into an internationally sought product.

The range of ciders have also been snapped up by various supermarket chains, as well as Virgin Trains.

Mr Stuart added: “The craft sector is already more expensive than the commercial mainstream and any fluctuation in the value of the pound will mean people will tend to move away from this responsible drinking and go back to a world of cheap alcohol and high volume.”

Currently, the company has shipments of cider ready to head out to the USA, with “additional conversations in light of the EU vote” now set to take place.

Meanwhile, Rooney Anand, chief executive officer at Greene King, which owns Belhaven Brewery, said it was “likely” ‘Brexit’ would have an impact.

He said: “I am pleased to report a strong start to the new financial year, although it is likely that consumer confidence will be affected by Brexit in the near-term.

“However, Greene King has a strong track record of performing well in challenging conditions; we are a resilient business with a talented team and a strong balance sheet, and we will benefit from the opportunities created by the Spirit acquisition.

“We are well placed to continue delivering value to our shareholders.”

County politicians have also had their say following the result.

Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie said: “I want to tell the citizens of other EU countries living in East Lothian that you remain welcome here, Scotland is your home and your contribution is valued.

“The many EU citizens studying or working at Queen Margaret University should also be reassured that the Scottish Government is doing everything possible to protect our membership of the EU.

“It’s deeply disappointing that the result in Scotland was not echoed across the whole of the UK – but Scotland has spoken decisively and we will make that voice heard.”

East Lothian MP George Kerevan said: “The convincing majority in East Lothian reflects the true aspirations of our county. I will take that as my mandate in deciding how to vote on any measures brought before Parliament regarding the EU. I will be consulting with those most likely to be affected, including our farmers.

“It is now the paramount duty of MPs of all political parties to protect Scotland’s interests in any exit negotiations. If those interests are threatened, we should not flinch from seeking alternative direct links with our European neighbours.”

And county MSP Iain Gray added that the Leave vote was a “disaster” and that “it has left only uncertainty as to what happens next, or even what choices there might be”.