THE reopening of the Marine Hotel in North Berwick has been “pushed back slightly” due to delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The hotel, on Cromwell Road, closed in January ahead of a major refurbishment.

In February 2020, it was bought by Chicago-based AJ Capital from Macdonald Hotels.

Work on the hotel was scheduled to begin last autumn but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The new-look hotel was due to reopen on July 15 but a spokesperson for AJ Capital told the Courier that there had been “some delays with the opening”.

A new opening date has not been made public but it is hoped it will be in late summer, possibly the second half of September.

Bruno de Schuyter, Marine Hotel general manager, said: “The opening of Marine North Berwick has been pushed back slightly due to delays caused by the pandemic, but we are excited to be finally opening our doors later this summer.”

The delay does not affect the upcoming Fringe by the Sea festival, which has some of its events and shows at the hotel.

The Marine is hosting festival masterclasses and seminars on food and drink.

Part of the hotel refurbishment includes a new-look restaurant called The Lawn, overseen by former Masterchef: The Professionals contestant Chris Niven, and bar called The Bass Rock.

Other features include a new entrance, reception, lobby, spa and fitness centre.

The number of rooms has also increased at the landmark hotel.