DISTRIBUTION staff at Scotland’s oldest working brewery have now moved from Dunbar to Alloa.

Greene King, which owns Belhaven Brewery – which was established in 1719 – made the decision last year to move distribution staff from East Lothian to Clackmannanshire.

Currently, Belhaven Brewery is split over sites on Brewery Lane, in Belhaven, and Spott Road, in Dunbar.

Staff, including the lorry drivers and warehouse staff, came under review last year and Chris Houlton, Greene King brewing and brands managing director, said: “Following our proposal last year to improve Belhaven service and efficiency by restructuring our Scottish distribution operations and centralising them in Alloa, we have been working hard to minimise redundancies at our Spott Road depot.

“A number of our colleagues in distribution roles at Spott Road have now left the business, with just five compulsory redundancies necessary, and we wish them well for the future.

“We are pleased that a substantial number of people have remained with the business, whether by continuing to work as part of a smaller distribution team in Dunbar or by relocating to Alloa.”

Last month, a number of members of staff from the distribution centre gathered in Dunbar’s Royal Mackintosh Hotel for a farewell drink.

At least 18 of the members of staff had more than 20 years’ service.

Greene King also stressed it remained committed to Dunbar and previously highlighted significant investment had been made in recent years.

Mr Houlton added: “Our colleagues who were based in the offices at Spott Road are currently moving to refurbished offices on Brewery Lane.

“Dunbar is a significant part of the heritage of Belhaven, and Brewery Lane will continue to be the home of Belhaven Brewery and all of the teams who work there.

“We have made a significant investment in our Scottish business over the past few years and we remain absolutely committed to its ongoing success.”

Iain Gray, East Lothian MSP, felt it was a sad day and highlighted the importance of the company in the town.

He said: “Belhaven is Scotland’s oldest working brewery and has been an important employer in Dunbar.

“So it is very disappointing that Greene King decided to centralise its distribution operations in Alloa and, in particular, that five members of staff at Spott Road faced compulsory redundancy.

“This is not the first time since Greene King took over the business that there have been job losses in Dunbar, but I hope it will be the last.”