Having been an East Lothian resident most of my life I have always been proud of its beauty and diversity; from the purple heather of the Lammermuirs to the golden fields of wheat and barley down to the coast’s sandy beaches – it has everything.

But while out on Saturday with my young family, I was saddened by the state of John Muir Country Park.

It has a fabulous play park and gorgeous views to the hills and sea, but the first impression of the large amount of ragwort, nettles and thistles (to name but a few) was disgraceful for a main attraction in East Lothian.

I know John Muir is all about conservation but poisonous ragwort, stinging nettles overgrowing into the narrow pathways and large burr and Scotch thistles I’m sure are not on any endangered lists, and surely have no place being so close to the public visiting and living in our beautiful county.

G. Kerr Gifford