The Rotary Club of Musselburgh has a new president.

Drew Johnston said he was keen to increase the club’s membership and make it “more visible in the community”.

He has succeeded Julie Ramsay, who served two years as president, steering the club through the Covid-19 pandemic when its meetings were held on Zoom until face-to-face meetings resumed at the Mercat Grill, Whitecraig, this February.

Mr Johnston said he was delighted to be club president, having first held the post 10 years ago.

A club member since 2007, he said: “I plan to make us a bit more visible in the community and would really like to forge closer links with other like-minded service-orientated organisations.

“I would also like us to grow our membership with the emphasis on the fun aspect of Rotary.”

Mr Johnston was also president of Musselburgh RFC but was succeeded at its recent AGM by Brian Jardine.

Although saying it had been “not the easiest” two years due to the pandemic, Mrs Ramsay added: “We have managed to accomplish a few things in this time, though.

“The club has assisted in looking after the planters on the High Street, installed more defibrillators and started up a car boot sale at Fisherrow Community Centre.

“With events starting to happen again this year, we have already assisted at the beacon lighting for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and had a stall at the Musselburgh Children’s Gala Day with a tin can alley, coconut shy and hook-a-duck.”

She said: “The car boot sale will be held on the second Sunday of the month from 9.30am to 12.30pm, with sellers arriving at 8.30am, and the monies raised will go towards local charities and our defibrillator project.

“The club has grown by three new members in the last two years and looks forward to more in the future. We aim to work alongside other organisations in the town and promote volunteering in the community.”