A new manager has been appointed to help progress community projects in the Musselburgh area.

Scott McKail, 48, has succeeded Stuart Baxter as East Lothian Council’s Connected Communities manager for Musselburgh,

He is looking forward to working with Musselburgh Area Partnership, a voluntary organisation which distributes a budget from East Lothian Council to projects in the Musselburgh area.

He told the Courier: “I am very excited to be appointed as the Musselburgh Connected Communities manager.

“I feel I am in a privileged position as I will be at the heart of a very broad range of community endeavours.

“My colleagues in Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig bring experience, knowledge and a passion which gives me confidence we can support local people in trying to achieve their aspirations.”

Mr McKail, who is based at the Brunton Hall, said: “The area partnership is a key component of communities having a voice and ability to influence local decision-making.

“Since their formation in East Lothian, they have achieved a great deal.

“I have worked with area partnerships in previous roles and my initial experience of Musselburgh has been very positive.

“I am looking forward to fulfilling my role to support the area partnership and develop on the excellent work of my predecessor and colleagues.

“I am also looking forward to working with all those key partners who make up the membership, including local groups, charitable organisations, community councils and statutory partners.”

He added: “Our priorities are set by the community and live and breathe in the Musselburgh Area Plan.

“This is a significant document which lays out the wishes of Musselburgh folk as represented by the members.

“Everyone is fully aware of difficulties faced by all residents and the plan reflects this.

“Doing our best to reduce the impacts of poverty and inequality will be at the heart of our planning.

“As well as this, we will be aiming to develop what is on offer for young people in the area.

“We have fantastic people across different services and organisations – our task will be to help build capacity to deliver in partnership.”

He added: “I am from Leith originally, so have always had close links with the area.

“While I cannot claim to be an Honest Lad, I feel very at home here and am only too aware of all the area has to offer, in the shape of the land, history, heritage and, of course, people.”

Mr McKail has come to East Lothian from Scottish Borders Council, where he was part of the Communities and Partnerships team.

“One of the fantastic characteristics of working in a similar team is the values, and dedication to empowering communities is shared regardless of boundary,” he said.

Mr Baxter, who worked with the area partnership in Musselburgh for the past seven years, decided to reduce his hours through flexible retirement.

Although he will remain a key part of the Connected Communities service, he will work part-time as Connected Communities manager with the Haddington and Lammermuir team.