A CELEBRATION of the very best of Haddington could become a regular occurrence.

More than a dozen awards were handed out earlier this summer during the Haddington Festival.

Recipients included volunteers who had stepped forward to help during the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, the awards ceremony – Haddington Heroes – could become a regular feature.

Provost John McMillan, who represents the town on East Lothian Council, made the suggestion during a meeting of the town’s community council earlier this month.

He said: “The previous community council did it and there was a lovely service and marquee.

“That really was something to be thinking about so we look for those heroes.Folk that make a difference doing those little things extra.”

The discussion came about as the community council, which also covers nearby Athelstaneford, toasted the success of Blooming Haddington.

The group of green-fingered volunteers has been a great success since being formed in 2013

Earlier this year, they received gold in the medium town category at Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Blooming Scotland Awards.

Community councillors were quick to praise Rab Moran, who is a member of the community council and Blooming Haddington.

Mr Moran can regularly be seen watering the planters throughout the town centre.

Community council colleague John Hamilton said: “Well done Rab for his very early starts”, while Erica Muirhead described him as “a fantastic volunteer and a top chap”.

Mr Moran was quick to downplay his efforts and said: “It is a huge team effort from everybody. A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes; East Lothian is a brilliant place to be.”