A North Berwick-based innovative work space celebrated its fifth birthday with a visit from East Lothian Provost John McMillan.

In five years, The Lighthouse has welcomed more than 175 members, with 70 currently signed up - hailing from North Berwick, Haddington, Dunbar, Gullane, East Linton and Aberlady.

The centre has become a source of economic growth for the town and is now estimated to be home to more than 50 per cent of all non-retail businesses based in North Berwick.

It provides a local, thriving business community which would previously have required a commute by its members to achieve.

Andy Hadden, joint managing director of Tartan Commercial, which owns The Lighthouse and sister business centre the Falkirk Business Hub, said: “I recall many of my colleagues in the property world thinking I was mad to attempt to build a co-working and flexible workspace destination in a rural location with almost no demand for the more standardised office size of more than 1,000sq ft.

"But it was clear that since the global recession in 2008 the world was moving in the direction of hybrid working and I’m just glad I put up with the hardship of those early years convincing investors and tenants that this would work.

"I couldn’t be happier with the community and micro-economy it’s turned into – and love watching the different businesses within the building communicate, collaborate and grow together”.

Since opening its doors in 2018, The Lighthouse has attracted a mix of small businesses right through to employees of national/multinational organisations to take up fixed-desk, co-working and private office memberships, with a range of flexible options.

Councillor McMillan, Provost of East Lothian, added: “The team at The Lighthouse have truly been a beacon of light, representing a strength of conviction in setting up against the odds.

"I am buoyed to see this model of enterprise thriving with such a vibrant and welcoming space. Here’s to the next five years and beyond!”

East Lothian Courier: The Lighthouse team of Nick Watson, Fiona Rye, Andy Hadden, Katerina Kemp (l-r) with Provost John McMillan (centre) at the community orchardThe Lighthouse team of Nick Watson, Fiona Rye, Andy Hadden, Katerina Kemp (l-r) with Provost John McMillan (centre) at the community orchard

Mr McMillan joined Mr Hadden and Nick Watson, his fellow joint MD of Tartan Commercial, at the new North Berwick Trust community orchard, for which The Lighthouse donated and planted five trees.

Members at The Lighthouse include Whitelaw Wells chartered accountants, personal trainer Vharri McMinn, Michelle Denham Studio Spa and artworker Matt Armstrong.

Light and bright with custom art, 'break out zones', chill-out spaces and shower facilities, The Lighthouse also offers free fortnightly yoga sessions.