EAST Lothian Council has approved further backing for a flagship food and drink body but cut back on funding, amid a push to explore new income opportunities.
At a council cabinet meeting last Tuesday, councillors approved continued support for the East Lothian Food and Drink Business Improvement District (BID) for the next five years.
Councillors agreed to give £43,750 in funding for the first three years of the new term.
Funds will taper from £25,000 in year one to £12,500 in year two and £6,250 in year three.
This is a significant drop from the last funding agreement, which saw the organisation receiving £25,000 per year from the council.
The BID, established in 2016 and managed by East Lothian Food & Drink Ltd, is funded primarily through a mandatory levy on eligible food and drink businesses and has just completed its second five‑year term.
A ballot of local producers will now be held in summer 2026 to formally renew its mandate for the 2026-2031 period.
A report to cabinet said that the previous term had been dominated by Covid‑19 recovery, Brexit‑related disruption, labour shortages and volatile trading conditions, with the BID focused on stabilisation and resilience.
The next phase will concentrate on long‑term growth, sustainability and innovation, while maintaining East Lothian’s profile as 'Scotland’s Food & Drink County'.
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor John McMillan, cabinet spokesperson for environment, economic development and tourism, said that he was "proud" of the BID's growth, pointing to businesses such as Belhaven Smokehouse as being "grateful" for the support received and "new avenues", such as monthly county markets and national trade shows, they now had access to.
Council funding for the new term will support the ongoing operation of the company and delivery of BID activities set out in its new business plan, and is intended to help progression towards a “sustainable financial position”, including exploring partnership opportunities elsewhere.
Achievements highlighted include a monthly market in North Berwick, giving a platform to more than 20 businesses, and the publication of a new cookery book, Land Sea & Hills, which sold 500 copies in the first three weeks, with each run of 1,000 expected to generate £15,000 in income.
Funding is conditional on a successful ballot and on the BID taking up expert economic development support in its first six months to strengthen long‑term strategic and financial planning.
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