EAST Lothian's MSP heard about the issues faced by small businesses when he visited a Haddington bakery during Scotland Loves Local Week.

Paul McLennan stopped by Falko on the town's High Street during the week-long celebration, which ran until Sunday.

During his visit to the bakery, he heard about the need for more support for towns like Haddington in order to encourage thriving small businesses.

Mr McLennan said: "Local businesses and organisations such as Falko’s bakery are at the very core of communities across East Lothian.

(Image: Scottish Parliament)

"Scotland Loves Local Week is our chance to recognise that and thank them for all that they are doing.

"Loving local means supporting a sustainable future for East Lothian - making it an even better place to live, work and visit."

Mr McLennan emphasised the importance of supporting local enterprises for their survival to safeguard jobs and to keep the local economy thriving amid increasing costs due to Brexit.

The campaign is spearheaded by the Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP).

(Image: Scottish Parliament)

Kimberley Guthrie, interim chief officer of STP, said: “Scotland Loves Local Week is a nationwide celebration of local excellence and it is fantastic that we’re welcoming politicians from across the country into businesses, social enterprises and community-led organisations to showcase the great spirit of entrepreneurialism and innovation we have here in Scotland.

“The simple act of choosing local has a profound effect, laying the foundations of a new future for towns and neighbourhoods as we seize and create opportunities to make them stronger and more sustainable.”