A ROUND of applause greeted the efforts of a community council leader whose tenure has come to an end after nearly a quarter of a century of service.

Jan Wilson has been at the heart of Haddington and District Community Council since the mid-1990s but will not continue as the group’s chairwoman following last week’s group AGM.

Chris McEwan, previously vice-chairman, will take the helm and thanked his predecessor for her incredible efforts over nearly 25 years.

He said: “Thanks, Jan, for absolutely everything you have done for Haddington and all the areas around Haddington.

“Your dedication to everything and the commitment we have had for the last 20-plus years has been absolutely fantastic.

“You have brought us all on board and shown us everything. Thanks very much.”

Mrs Wilson – who will remain a community councillor – joined the community council in October 1994 before going on to succeed Malcolm Lyons as the group’s leader two years later.

The mum-of-two has worked alongside a number of groups – including Haddington and District Amenity Society (HADAS), Haddington Business Association, Haddington Community Development Trust (HCDT), and Haddington Business Community Partnership (HBCP) – during her time at the helm.

Mrs Wilson, who lives on Sidegate Lane, described it as “a pleasure” being the community council chairwoman.

She said: “I’ve had so much support from everybody, past councillors, present and the people of Haddington.

“That was one of the best bits – putting a wee bit back into a town that is so beautiful and a lovely place to live in and bring up a family.

“It has just been a privilege to serve and I know that Chris will be a good chairman. He has got a good head on him.”

Councillors Shamin Akhtar, Craig Hoy, John McMillan and Tom Trotter – who represent Haddington and Lammermuir ward on East Lothian Council – also paid tribute to the outgoing chairwoman.

Ms Akhtar said: “I’d like to thank Jan for the contribution that she has made to the community council over the last 24 years.

“As chair, she has given a considerable amount of her time and support to the community of Haddington and I know that has been very much appreciated by everyone.”

Mr Hoy said: “A huge thank you to Jan not just for the community council but East Lothian Council as well.”

Mr McMillan wished her all the best and said to Mr McEwan: “You have got a hard act to follow but I know you can do it really well.”

Mr Trotter, who worked alongside Mrs Wilson when he was a community councillor, said: “I think everybody within this organisation and further afield owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Jan for her input over the years.

“I would like to make sure it is known that she is thanked.

“She has been a tremendous servant to the community for a long, long time.”