A RESTAURANT re-opened by two brothers three decades after their father founded it will fly the flag for East Lothian at a national awards ceremony.

James and Jack Findlay were celebrating on Sunday evening after The Waterside Bistro, Haddington, was crowned Best Restaurant 2018 in Edinburgh and the Lothians at Scotland’s Business Awards.

The brothers only re-opened the restaurant, next to the River Tyne, last summer.

Less than 12 months on, their hard work has paid off, with the business now going on to represent the east of Scotland against rivals from throughout the country at a national ceremony next month.

Jack said: “We were speechless.

“I think I speak for everybody who was at the table when I say your name gets called and you don’t really take it in.

“You sit there for a couple of seconds and then you have to go and collect it.

“When they say to do a speech, I was certainly not prepared for that.

“James said a few words and then the Best Restaurant in Edinburgh and the Lothians award is sitting in front of you.”

James and Jack grew up next door to the eaterie, which was originally opened by their dad, Jim, 33 years ago.

Jim also took charge at The Drovers Inn, East Linton, in 1993 and ran The Rocks, on Dunbar’s Marine Road, from 2004 until 2016.

However, the family cut ties with The Waterside in 2004 before the chance came up to move ‘home’ last year.

Jack, who concentrates on the bar area while James deals with the restaurant, said it had been a busy but “very enjoyable” last year or so.

He added: “We cannot imagine ourselves being away from here now.

“We feel like we are at home but really it does feel like there would not be anywhere else for us at this point.”

Provost John McMillan, East Lothian Council spokesman for tourism and economic development, offered his congratulations to the team at the restaurant.

He said: “It is great news and so well deserved.

“I think with Jim’s reputation and the boys and the whole history of quality, it is well deserved.”