THE success of family farm businesses in East Lothian has been celebrated by an MSP.

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP and chairman of the Scottish Conservative Party, visited Yester Farm Dairies, near Gifford, to show his support to local businesses as part of Scotland Loves Local Week.

During his visit, he heard about how the support of local people was critical to the success of the dairy, which is run by husband-and-wife team Simon and Jackie McCreery.

Mr Hoy urged people to support such businesses as much as possible.

He signed the Scotland Loves Local Pledge, an assurance to endorse local businesses whenever manageable.

(Image: Office of Craig Hoy MSP)

He said: "It was an absolute pleasure meeting Simon and Jackie to find out exactly what it takes to run a successful small business like theirs.

"I fully support the Love Local message and encourage everyone to think local first."

Yester Mains dairy enterprise, alongside the family farm, employs 20 peopl and supplies locally sold goods.

Mr McCreery said: "It’s vitally important that people shop local.

(Image: Office of Craig Hoy MSP)

"Not only are they supporting local farming, they’re supporting local jobs which, in turn, supports the local economy."

Scotland Loves Local Week ran until September 1; it is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP).

Kimberley Guthrie, interim chief officer at STP, said: "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."