Traditional festive extensions to closing times for pubs and restaurants in East Lothian have been approved for this year - if they meet Scottish Government guidelines.

In a bid to curtail the spread of Covid-19, pubs, bars and restaurants must currently close at 10pm and there are limits on who can be together - no more than 6 people from up to two different households can meet at these venues at a time.

However on Thursday, East Lothian Licensing Board  gave the go ahead for plans to allow establishments to serve alcohol until 2am over Christmas weekend and New Year - but only if national rules at the time allow it.

The board also agreed to delegate powers to the convenor and clerk to change the late opening times "should further legislation or guidance relating to the festive period be issued by the Scottish Government".

The licensing board's current practice allows longer licensing hours over the festive period.

It applies to on-sales only and allows a 2am extension on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

However it also allows for changes to be made "in recognition of events of local or national significance, as these arise".

Licensing board members agreed to approve the festive extension unanimously.