RESIDENTS from as diverse nations as Libya, Germany, and the USA celebrated becoming UK citizens at a ceremony in Haddington last week.

Overseen by the county’s Lord Lieutenant Michael Williams, the ceremony saw seven people vow allegiance to the Crown and loyalty to the UK.

For some it was a practical way to live in the country they have chosen to call home; for others it was a way to end anxiety over their future under Brexit.

Christa Gerdwilker, 51, has lived in Scotland for over 30 years. She and wife Susan live in East Saltoun but she said the uncertainty over what would happen when Britain leaves the European Union had prompted her to seek UK citizenship.

Christa said: “Brexit is the reason I decided to apply for citizenship.

“I’ve lived here for 30 years and came with certain expectations thinking we were secure but it has pulled the rug from right under our feet and suddenly the future is uncertain.

“It has caused some sleepless nights and so it made sense to get permanent residency.”

The ceremonies, which are held in East Lothian three or four times a year, are the final part of applying to become a British citizen.

Since April 2016, 103 people have taken part in a ceremony in East Lothian.

Each person who takes part is presented with a certificate confirming their residency status and a welcome pack. East Lothian Council also presents everyone who takes part in a ceremony in the county with a memento of the occasion.

The Lord Lieutenant said: “For the people here it is the end of a journey which for some has been a very long one. It can be an emotional moment for many and is important to them.

“It is extraordinary to see the range of places people are from who want to be UK citizens.”

The ceremony was held in the Adam Room at John Muir House and overseen by registrar Janet Fairnie.

East Lothian Provost John McMillan and Angela Leitch, chief executive of East Lothian Council, joined the ceremony welcoming the new citizens, who were watched by family and friends invited along.

Mr McMillan told the new citizens: “Citizenship brings certain privileges. You now live in a parliamentary democracy where everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. It brings with it a responsibility to treat fellow citizens with respect and be good neighbours, and to take an active part in society, which I hope you will.”

Ms Leitch praised the East Lothian residents who had gained their new status.

She said: “I know it has been quite a journey for some who have come through a process that many of us who have lived in this country all our lives do not have to go through.”

The citizenship process involves a series of tests which those applying have to pass, quizzing them on all aspects of British life.

Mohamed Sherif, 31, an engineer from Musselburgh, has lived here for 10 years and is originally from Libya. He said: “It is a lot easier to have citizenship than have to spend a lot of money on renewing visas.

“We know we want to stay in this country so it made sense to apply.”

The seven new citizens who attended were: Christa Gerdwilker (originally from Germany), East Saltoun; Mohamed Sherif (Libya), Musselburgh; Carmen King (Mexico), Ormiston; Bernadette Fitzgerald (Australia), Tranent; Diego Onate (Colombia), East Saltoun; Gabriele Hegerl (Germany), East Linton; John Crowley (USA), East Linton.