A FAMILY’S connection with a business in the centre of Haddington dating back more than 60 years has come to an end.

Ricky Morga hung up his apron at The Grain, on the town’s High Street, as the cafe closed for the last time on Sunday, June 2.

The business had been in his family for 63 years – but the family’s connection to the town centre dates back even further.

John Hamilton, a member of Haddington and District Community Council, runs the social media page Lost Haddington and wished Mr Morga well in his retirement.

He posted: “In fact, there’s been an approximately hundred-years reign, as his grandfather had the Grand Fish Restaurant where today’s Mike’s Bikes is located.

“This was burnt down in the 1930s, so his grandfather moved to Edinburgh.

“Ricky’s parents moved to America to start a new life, but when he was only a few months old his grandfather missed them so much that he bought them their current premises to lure them back in 1961, which worked, hence the 63 years on High Street.

“The restaurant has seen a few name changes over the years.

“When the family took it over in 1961, it was called the Central Café.

“The name was changed to the Golden Grain, then it became Mario’s (named after his father), then after a refurbishment it became the Golden Grain again.

“When it was refurbished again, he dropped the Golden to become just The Grain – this was partly because when suppliers would call him up, they thought it was a Chinese restaurant due to Golden being in the name!

“The shop next door, now Dino’s, was also part of the original Golden Grain as there was a linking doorway.”

Plans were lodged with East Lothian Council last year to transform the building into a Domino’s.

However, the local authority’s planning committee turned down the proposals from the international pizza chain.

No appeal has been lodged with the Scottish Government to overturn the decision.

A post was also written on The Grain’s Facebook page, wishing Mr Morga well in his retirement.

It reads: “A heartfelt thank you to all our customers for your support over the years.

“From the very beginning it’s been a beautiful family affair with memories made that we will always hold close to our heart.

“Wishing you a very happy retirement, Ricky.”