FOUR former presidents of North Berwick Rotary Club will lead it for three months each over the next year.

The decision was made “due to unforeseen circumstances” as an alternative to one president for the next 12 months, after the club’s senior vice-president resigned unexpectedly.

At a recent meeting, outgoing president Alex Crawford handed the reins over to Andy Izat, the first of the four.

Andy has lived in North Berwick since 2000, first joining the club in 2009 and first serving as president in 2013/14.

Andy paid tribute to Alex’s work and the manner in which he had guided the club through a turbulent year.

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the club’s normal meetings and fundraising was “dramatic”, according to a spokesperson, who added: “Alex coped with everything that was thrown at him and did so with grace and kindness.”

Following Andy (July to September) will be Gordon Symon (president 1984-1985, October to December), Ian Donald (president 2010-2011, January to March) and Bruce Wilson (president 2004-2005, April to June).

Mr Wilson will then hand over the role of president to Debbie Renton next June.

Alex said: “My links with North Berwick may be tenuous – my father having served as a lighthouse keeper on the Bass Rock for seven years – but I elected to purchase a new home in North Berwick and relocated in 2016.

“Although the entire year has been impacted by Covid with all of our major fundraising activities cancelled, through alternative creative fundraising initiatives and diligent financial management we have been able to financially support many local community/county organisations, as well as some national ones and, as Covid restrictions have been relaxed on outdoor activities, have also been able to provide practical support to local businesses and organisations recovering from prolonged closure.”

The club is now meeting at the Glen Golf Club.

A spokesperson added: “Our mission is service above self and we are back helping a number of charities and organisations in the area; the work we do in the community is being recognized once again.

"As always, we thank the members of the public for their support and the East Lothian Courier for their help and involvement.”

The Rotary club’s classic car tour is scheduled to take place in September.