A FORMER councillor who served as honorary provost of Musselburgh three times has taken on a new role. . . on the buses as a tour guide.

John McNeil was elected to represent the town on East Lothian Council for nearly 20 years before deciding not to stand at last year’s local authority elections.

Now he has revealed that he has taken on a role as a tour guide with Lothian Motor Coaches, a new venture by Lothian Buses, and is loving being back in the public spotlight as he travels around Scotland introducing visitors to some of the most scenic parts of the country.

Mr McNeil, 66, said: “I was sitting at home and my ex-partner Archie, who is my best friend, said to me I needed to get off the internet and find something to do.

“I saw the job advertised and applied before going on holiday to Malaga. The next thing I get a call while in Spain telling me I had an interview the next day.

“I went on and talked about Musselburgh for three minutes, from the jewel in its crown, the racecourse, to the golf course and the time the Queen landed her helicopter on the first green. I got the job.”

When Mr McNeil decided not to stand for re-election he had suffered two heart attacks and two mini strokes in recent years; however, since leaving office he has shed four stones in weight and says he has never felt in better health.

He said: “I have lost weight making my life better and am part of a team trying to promote five-star travel tours around Scotland.

“I’ve always been in the public eye and I’m used to the public stage so this was a natural role for me to take on and people say I am a natural at it.

“I am loving every part of this role and delighted to let everyone know I am still alive and kicking.”