FORMER Still Game star James Martin cut the ribbon to declare a new coffee shop in Musselburgh open for business.

Mr Martin, who lives in Musselburgh and played Eric in the show, was invited to officially open The Coffee Gallery in the historic Tolbooth at the Old Town Hall, leased from East Lothian Council.

The outlet is run by Gibraltar-born Arcon Patron.

He said: “I have been in Edinburgh for nearly 20 years and now live in Musselburgh. So far this year I have passed my driving test, bought my first car, moved house, opened my first business and am getting married.

“I was looking to open my own place, partly because I wanted to be my own boss and partly because I wanted to explore more.

“I have had several people approach me over the years to invest in me, so I eventually took the plunge.”

His partner in the business is John Edmonds, who opened Fat Sam’s restaurant in Fountainbridge in 1986.

Mr Patron said working in the old Tolbooth was special as he loved history. He said: “This building is fantastic.”

In keeping with the building’s heritage, he is displaying coffee related antiques in the shop, including a 200-year-old coffee roaster and, to mark a forthcoming golf exhibition in nearby Musselburgh Museum, is hoping to exhibit and sell golf prints.

“Once we are up and running we are going to devote a wall to local artists to exhibit their work. The gallery is going to be a big aspect of it,” he added.

Mr Patron added that it was also hoped to commit to give a proportion of The Coffee Gallery’s profits to local charities.