Travelodge has confirmed it is interested in opening a hotel in North Berwick.

The hospitality giant declared its intent to build new hotels across the UK by publishing online its "UK target map" ­- and North Berwick was one of 18 highly sought-after locations identified across Scotland, including the Isle of Skye and Loch Lomond.

It is not the first time that a budget hotel for the town has been mooted.

Plans for a 65-bedroom hotel close to Tesco, off Tantallon Road - next to a new care home - were approved by East Lothian Council in 2019 but the hotel element was scrapped last year.

The care home at the site, formerly the long-standing home of James Mitchell Cars, is currently under construction.

Judy Lockhart-Hunter, chairperson of the North Berwick Community Council said: "It is great to hear that businesses want to invest in North Berwick.

"Particularly during high season, hotel rooms in North Berwick are like gold dust.

"Someone like Travelodge would be able to increase the number of hotel rooms available, offering more choice for potential visitors to the town.

"It will be interesting to hear more, particularly the location being considered."

It is not yet clear if Travelodge - which opened 17 new hotels in the UK last year - has any interest in the Tantallon Road site or has eyed up any other locations in North Berwick. 

A Travelodge spokesperson said: "North Berwick is a target location for Travelodge and we are currently looking for a suitable hotel site."