A MUCH-LOVED business on Haddington High Street has closed its doors for the last time.

Erica Muirhead has been supplying flowers to people for every occasion for 45 years.

But on Saturday, she shut up shop for the last time, as well-wishers popped in to offer some kind words ahead of her retirement.

Florist Erica told the Courier that it felt “a bit surreal at the moment” as she emptied the business and sold off her remaining stock from a neighbouring pop-up premises.

She said: “I have been in this particular shop for 43 years but I started the business in 1979.

“That was at 60 High Street, which is where I trained as a florist with the Spray family.

“It has been my entire working life.

“It is just so interesting working with flowers, being creative and just being able to work with the families when they ask you to do flowers – whether it be birthdays, anniversaries, bigger occasions like a wedding or a funeral, as well as sympathy flowers.

“You are working through all aspects of life from birth right through to the end, and being able to do it with care and compassion.”

East Lothian Courier: Erica Muirhead is saying goodbye to Erica's on Haddington High Street after more than 40 years

The 65-year-old was just 14 when she started working with flowers and took on an apprenticeship two years later.

From there, she took the helm of the business as owner Irene Spray was retiring.

Now, the next chapter will be written in 28 High Street’s history.

Erica was keeping tight-lipped regarding the plans for the premises but told the Courier: “It is a very nice local family that have bought the shop.

“He is wanting to pretty much keep it under wraps what he has got in mind retail-wise.

“Wait and see, but I have been told it is going to be very nice quality and a nice addition to the High Street.

“It is definitely not going to be a flower shop – it is the end of Erica’s.”

And while she admitted that she was not sad to see the back of going through “a pile of invoices and sorting out VAT figures”, she stressed that there was plenty she was going to miss.

Loyal customers popped into the shop on Friday and Saturday to wish her well in her retirement.

Erica said: “Funnily enough, I did not get any flowers.

“Let’s just say I have stocked up my Prosecco cupboard rather well!

“I got some nice gifts, candles and chocolates, and people have been very nice.

“It was emotional at a few moments where I had to gather myself.

“Over the years, the shop has been an enormous part of my life and it has demanded a lot of time.

“There were occasions where you just have to be in there early in the morning or working into the evening.

“There are probably things I have missed out on due to my commitment to the shop, but I have got no regrets.”

Councillor John McMillan, who lives in the town, wished Erica well in her retirement.

He said: “It is the end of a real era. I know how proud she has been having set up business and carried it out in the High Street but she has just been remarkable volunteering for so many things, supporting so many events and now on the community council.

“I have got a family connection to her and genuinely do wish her all the very best, her partner and her son, and I just hope she has a long and happy retirement and continues being involved.”