THERE will be no more racing thrills and spills at Gladsmuir as Scotland’s largest karting centre, Raceland, is to close.

An official announcement about the future of the complex is due to be made tomorrow (Friday).

But the Courier understands that the country’s only indoor and outdoor karting centre has held its last races.

The move comes a year after proposals were revealed by developers Clarendon to build a petrol station, drive-thru takeaway and hotel on the site, just off the A1.

Karting Indoors Ltd, the company which operates Raceland, has been on the site for nearly three decades under the directorship of businessman Tom Cameron.

As well as karting, the centre offered paintballing activities and has a cafe. But the Cameron family have now decided to call time on the business.

On Sunday, regulars at the site took to Facebook to share their thoughts on the closure and thank Tom and his family and staff for their work.

Stef Narrie said: “Thanks for the memories Raceland. Sad to see it close. End of an era. Great last race. Thanks to Tom, Jan, Fergus, Graham and all the other staff over the years, Wish you well for the future.”

And Laura Turner said: “An amazing last day today at Raceland, massive well done to Graham for organising it and awesome seeing everyone, was great fun, the place will be truly missed. Can’t believe it’s the end.”

There was even a message of support from Toronto, Canada, from Iain Tait, who said: “Just want to wish everyone at Raceland today all the best, not too many tears.”

At Raceland this week, staff were still on-site but remained tight-lipped about plans for the future of the site.

They would only say that no announcement would be made until tomorrow, which is due to be its last day.

Developers Clarendon held a public consultation on the proposals for the land early last year, when they said up to 300 new jobs could be created if their vision went ahead.

At the time, a spokeswoman for Clarendon said: “Having operated Raceland for many years, the Cameron family are understandably looking to the future and are keen to work with both East Lothian Council and the local community in delivering what we believe to be an exciting and positive economic-generating prospect for the area.

“Whilst the existing facility continues to operate, our remit is to explore consent for a sustainable redevelopment of the land that will create local employment opportunities and meet latent demand for the likes of a petrol filling station and complementary commercial uses, all taking advantage of the existing road network and proximity to the existing junction.”

To date no formal plans have been submitted to East Lothian Council for the site and Clarendon has not provided an update on its proposals.

Councillor John McMillan, council spokesperson for economic development and tourism, said: “It’s always disappointing to hear of any business closing.

“I’d like to wish all former employees well and remind anyone who needs support that East Lothian Works offer a whole range of services to anyone looking for employment advice. They can be contacted at elworks@eastlothian.gov.uk “I note the site is an established leisure use and we have a current Pre Application Notice for the site, which would also potentially provide job opportunities. I look forward to seeing further details.”

East Lothian MSP Iain Gray said that the closure of the visitors attraction would be met with sadness throughout the county.

He said: “Raceland has been a county landmark for decades and I think many will be sad to see it close.

“It was even visited by then Labour leader Kezia Dugdale during the last election – and I know she had a great time there. like so many others over the years.

“My understanding is it has always been a family business and sometimes that leads to this kind of decision as time passes, but we need to see the detail of any proposals for the site, whatever that might be, before the local community can take a view.”