A COUNTY business which has been in operation for more than 45 years is set to close its doors.

East Lothian Camera Shop in Tranent announced to its customers on Facebook that, after 46 years of trading, this Christmas would be the shop’s last.

The business, which is located on Winton Place next to High Street, has been serving the people of East Lothian for decades by producing high-quality photograph content and offering passport photos, as well as selling a number of products in the store.

The business announced the news on Facebook, saying: “It’s been an incredible time, in 46 years of trading in Tranent we have seen a few lows but the number of highs has been overwhelming!

“We started off taking photos at Tranent Gala Day and printing in a dark room, to taking photos of the queen and printing in an instant!

“We’ve done weddings of three generations of the same families, took just about everyone in the community’s passport photos and helped with last minute Xmas gifts until 9pm on Xmas Eve for many years!

“Forty-six years in business is hard graft but the community and the people of Tranent have supported us as a family and for that we are incredibly grateful.

“Our customers are our friends and some even our family.”

The shop is set to remain open for a short period in the new year while staff finish off a few projects and no official closure date has been confirmed yet.

There has also been no confirmation yet about what will happen to the premises upon the closure of the business.

During lockdown, the business opened up an online shop selling products via Etsy; it stated on its website that all online orders would be fulfilled before the shop closed.

Mike Falconer, chairman of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council, thanked the business for all it had done in the community over the years.

Mr Falconer said: "The shop and the services offered have been so much a part of Tranent life for so long it is difficult to imagine the town without them.

"They have been part of the very fabric of the town's life in so many ways and have secured memories of so many happy times.

"We wish them all the best for a happy future and thank them for so many years of loyal service in the community."

The business's post on Facebook has seen a number of members of the community respond with comments wishing staff all the best.

One person wrote: “That will be a proper end of an era. I've had my photo in that window after a couple of galas and my daughter had her very first passport photo in there 17 years ago. Happy retirement and Christmas, you will be missed.”

And a second added: “Outstanding service to our community across the decades. Countless weddings and celebrations also, what a history. All the best to you all.”

East Lothian Camera Shop has been contacted for comment and will provide more details about the closure in the New Year.