MUSSELBURGH is set to be ‘blooming marvellous’ again this summer thanks to volunteers who have offered their services to tend its floral displays.

The Covid-19 lockdown has failed to put a stop to the efforts of community members who have come forward to help water planters in the town centre.

The local business partnership worked with Musselburgh Area Partnership and ward councillor Katie Mackie to launch the project in the town centre last year.

The containers have now been restocked with new blooms by East Lothian Council’s amenity services staff.

Additional displays have been added this year such as a large three-tier planter outside the police station on High Street, and various displays outside the Brunton Hall which will be looked after by staff from The Brunton Bistro.

Sharon Brown, of Blueberry gift and card shop, and Mhairri Duxbury, of Mint Fig, delicatessen, both located on High Street, are continuing to water the plants and have been joined by volunteers from Hamill Decorating Services.

“Between us, we are watering the planters near the town hall,” said Sharon, a member of the business partnership.

She also paid tribute to Julie Ramsay from the Rotary Club of Musselburgh who was coordinating volunteers from the club, and local residents Eve Dickinson, Pat Kane and Stefanie Talac, who had also offered to water containers further along High Street.

Councillor Mackie said: “The planters look great and really brighten up High Street. More volunteers have come forward this year to help with watering, which is really important as, without their support, there would be no planters.

“I would also like to thank Hall Mossman of Greenscape Grounds Maintenance for donating the planter which has been placed at the front of the police station.”

A council spokeswoman said it was hoped that interest could lead to an ‘in bloom’ group being formed in the town in the future.

She said: “Following a trial last year, these are being funded by the area partnership and maintained by shopkeepers and the Rotary. It is hoped that further interest may stimulate the establishment of an ‘in bloom’ group for the town similar to others run by volunteers elsewhere in East Lothian.”

Local resident Inez Visser, a member of Fisherrow Yacht Club, said: “It was such a cheery welcoming sight to see the gardener putting this year’s blooms into Musselburgh’s High Street planters.”