SMALL businesses are being encouraged to come forward after 10 new offices were opened at the heart of Haddington.

The Brewery Park Business Centre, next to John Muir House, off Court Street, has been transformed by East Lothian Land Ltd, the not-for-profit organisation which developed the Macmerry Business Park.

The building is a former council office, which became vacant due to departmental restructuring.

Councillor John McMillan, the local authority’s spokesman for tourism and economic development, cut the ribbon to open the new offices at the end of last week, alongside Eric Murray, director of East Lothian Land; East Lothian Council depute chief executive Monica Patterson; and Richard Baty, the local authority’s business development team leader.

He said: “We’ve had a lot of interest in these superb new offices already, which shows that our aim to meet the demand for small business space in the town centre has been achieved.”

Each of the 10 units features high-speed broadband and secure individual access.

Mr McMillan added: “I’ll be delighted to welcome our new tenants.

“I’m sure the business centre will attract a diverse range of companies and organisations.

“This will benefit the local economy hugely by providing quality, affordable office space in the heart of East Lothian’s county town – and it will inevitably bring extra trade into the existing town centre businesses.

“I’d advise anyone interested in these units to get in touch quickly, as there will be high demand.”

A spokeswoman for East Lothian Council confirmed there were no tenants yet in the building, although there had been considerable interest.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the new business space can send an email to estates@eastlothian.gov.uk