A FUNERAL directors which has been helping families across the county for more than 50 years has changed hands.

John Bald Funeral Directors began its latest chapter at the beginning of last month when its ownership transferred to A&A Doyle Limited.

The Galashiels-based family firm is owned by directors Awdri and Allan Doyle, who have taken over from Ian and Elizabeth Torrance, who took the helm of the Dunbar-based business following John Bald’s retirement in 2001.

Both Awdri and Allan, who lived and worked in Haddington and North Berwick for many years, knew Mr Bald before he retired and have worked closely with Mr Torrance and Gary Tait over the last 20 years.

Mr Tait will continue to run the business on a day-to-day basis.

Awdri Doyle said: “Allan and I are delighted to be continuing to work with Gary and are committed to ensuring that John Bald Funeral Directors offers the highest standard of personal and professional care to bereaved families.”

Mr Tait, manager of John Bald Funeral Directors, was looking forward to working with Awdri and Allan.

He said: “Ian and Elizabeth Torrance have always sought to offer the highest standards of professional care to the bereaved in our community and it has been my privilege to work with them to deliver that.

“I have known Awdri and Allan Doyle for many years and I very much look forward to working with them to continue to deliver that high quality of service in the years to come.”