FIFTEEN venues from across East Lothian have picked up awards for ensuring their premises are well managed.

Best Bar None status was given to more than a dozen pubs and restaurants at a ceremony in Musselburgh.

The national scheme aims to reward well-managed venues, promote a safer local community and social responsibility, and reduce alcohol-related harm, crime and disorder.

Ten venues were accredited with gold status, with three given silver and two bronze as proof of their commitment to a safe and welcoming environment in the county.

The awards were presented by Chief Inspector Steven Duncan, Police Scotland’s former Local Area Commander for East Lothian, along with Kenny Black, East Lothian Council safer communities manager.

Allen Paul, local Best Bar None co-ordinator, said: “Congratulations to all the award winners in this year’s Best Bar None initiative.

“The awards are a recognition of the hard work and dedication that these licensed premises have made in working in partnership with Best Bar None to help make East Lothian a safer and more welcoming place.

“I would encourage all licensed premises in the county to consider participating in the scheme next year.”

The successful gold award winning venues were: The Pine Marten, Royal Mackintosh Hotel, and Dunmuir Hotel (all Dunbar); The Anchor Bar and The David Macbeth Moir (both Musselburgh); The Coalgate (Ormiston); Golf Tavern (Haddington); Tweeddale Arms Hotel (Gifford); The Golfers Rest (North Berwick); and Queen Margaret University Student Union (Musselburgh).

Silver awards went to The Puffin (North Berwick); The Plough Tavern Hotel (Haddington); and The Craig House (Whitecraig); and bronze awards went to The Auld Hoose (North Berwick); and Cockenzie and Port Seton Bowling Club.

Two venues – The Dunmuir Hotel and QMU Student Union – were finalists in the Best Bar None Scotland National Awards but, unfortunately, missed on national awards.