FILM crews will transform the centre of Haddington into the backdrop for “a classic road movie” this weekend.

Businesses and residents on the town's High Street have been alerted ahead of filming for Borges & Me getting under way on Sunday.

East Lothian Council does not receive a payment for film crews coming to the area but Councillor John McMillan, who represents the town on East Lothian Council and is the local authority’s spokesman for environment, economic development and tourism, highlighted the extra benefits it could bring.

He described it as “exciting” and pointed out that film and television fans often visited the locations where scenes were filmed.

He said: “There are places that have been used but interestingly the whole film tourism means you hope that, like how Outlander and Mary Queen of Scots were filmed in East Lothian, you will see people coming back.

“Interestingly, I know local hotels are putting up the crew and that is a substantial number of extra booking for them.”

East Lothian has been used for a number of films and television programmes in recent years.

READ MORE: Borges & Me to be filmed on Haddington High Street

As well as Outlander and Mary Queen of Scots, East Lothian has featured in Steven Spielberg’s version of The BFG, when a section of the A1 was closed as the titular character crossed the motorway on the way to Giants’ Land (Skye); while Garvald was among the backdrops for Doors Open, which featured Stephen Fry; and Churchill, starring Brian Cox, featured Broadsands, near Dirleton, and Musselburgh's Newhailes House.

Being used as a backdrop in the latest production is Diggory’s on the town centre street.

David Diggory, who opened the business in 2012, was keeping tight-lipped about the filming but confirmed that it would be featured.

He said: “It is exciting.”

Filming on Sunday will mean a full road closure from 6.30am to 6.30pm.

Parking will also be suspended on the street, with the team keen to avoid seeing any modern vehicles, as the film is set in the 1970s.

READ MORE: Gifford abuzz as large film crew gets to work

The following day, filming will take place at the western end of High Street from 8am to 1pm.

A letter sent to businesses and residents reads: “We look forward to bringing our production to the area – we’re conscious that we will be guests here and will do all we can to minimise disruption.

“In the meantime, thank you – both for taking the time to review this information and in advance for your support.”

Entertainment publications have already reported that Borges & Me will feature Fionn Whitehead, Luis Gnecco and Alan Cumming.

Filming took place earlier this month in Gifford, with the Tweeddale Arms among the business featuring in the film.

Borges & Me is based on Jay Parini’s novelised memoir and tells the story of a surreal journey through Scotland as a graduate student in St Andrews in the 1970s.