THE future of a popular Haddington art gallery remains unclear after it closed unexpectedly.

Peter Potter Gallery, a registered charity, has been in operation for 40 years.

However, it has been shut for some time and there is no indication when – or if – it will re-open.

A spokeswoman for the gallery said: “The gallery is currently closed and will unfortunately remain so indefinitely.

“We currently have an insufficient number of trustees and volunteers with which to operate.

“We are seeking guidance and assistance from [the charity regulator] OSCR and other relevant bodies.”

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “It used to be the hub of the community: everybody came and went and brought their grannies and their aunties.”

She added: “It is such a shame because it was such a lovely place.”

The tearoom in the building closed its doors at the end of April, with Helen Gray, who ran the business, telling the Courier there were “a lot of different reasons [for closing] but the main one is that it does not make enough money”.

In the wake of that, the gallery held an open weekend, with members of the public encouraged to drop in and give their views on the development of the cafe.

The venue also celebrated Volunteer Week at the beginning of June and invited people along to a special volunteer afternoon on June 12.

A spokeswoman for East Lothian Council said: “We are aware that it appears to be closed but there is no notification on the building and certainly stock within the ground floor. It is a council-owned property and we are getting in touch with the lease holders to clarify the situation.”