MORE than 350 people queued outside as Tranent’s new Asda store finally opened its doors last Thursday morning.

Local fundraiser Scott Glynn had the honour of cutting the ribbon at the High Street store, which employs 64 people.

Mr Glynn, who has raised more than £100,000 through his Walk with Scott fundraisers, was delighted to open the store and said: “It was like Christmas Eve.

“The queues were round the side of the building and down onto Haddington Road; it was mayhem.

“It’s my first-time ever opening a store and I gave a wee interview and then cut the ribbon.

“I told them I had sore thumbs because I had been up all night practising with the scissors – you should see my curtains!” Joining him at the store – at the site of the former Co-op – were special guests including MP George Kerevan, MSP Iain Gray and Deputy Provost and ward councillor Jim Gillies.

Tranent Pipe Band provided musical entertainment as well as leading the official countdown to the doors opening, while Radio Saltire broadcast live from the store’s car park.

Mr Gray said: “The new store in Tranent is very impressive and will offer local people welcome additional choice.

“Scott Glynn was a very fitting choice for the official opening, while the huge number of people who were there shows how popular it is likely to be. It’s also pleasing to see that almost all of the former Co-op staff are continuing to work in the new store.

“Asda has a good reputation when it comes to supporting community activity and I’m sure there will be plenty of requests for support from local community groups. I’m also looking forward to developing a relationship with the store in the coming months, including holding more of my supermarket surgeries there to be as accessible to constituents as possible.” The first 100 customers were also given a gift card to spend in store, which was worth anywhere between £1 and £50.

Kerry-anne Brechin was the lucky woman who got her hands on the £50 voucher.

Jason Clark, the store’s manager, was delighted to see the big day finally arrive. He said: “We’re really proud to have opened our new store; we’ve been overwhelmed with the interest and support from people living locally.

The new store, which includes a takeaway hot pizza counter, bakery and rotisserie, is joined by the recently opened petrol station.