The Heads of Terms for the £600 million deal, signed by six local authorities and Westminster and Scottish governments last month, signalled localised investment projects in East Lothian that will boost job creation, provide new training and skills programmes and deliver new housing options for those on low to moderate income.

East Lothian Council leader, Cllr Willie Innes, said: “The ESESCR will enable East Lothian Council to invest further in essential infrastructure for the county and support local residents and businesses to develop skills and services in East Lothian.”

He added: “East Lothian is one of the fastest growing areas in Scotland and the council recognises that the county enjoys a strong and vibrant community spirit in our distinct towns and villages which requires to be protected and enhanced. We will be working with a number of developers to create a range of housing options that are affordable and will keep family connections to our communities.

“Through the ESESCR, the partners are committed to tackling the acute shortage of homes, particularly affordable homes, in the county. The Deal recognises the significance of Blindwells as one of seven key strategic development sites in the region, and supports the establishment of a new City Region Housing Company to provide competitive market and mid-market rented housing. Working in collaboration with others will allow us to deliver certainty to SMEs in the construction industry and maximise economic benefit from the construction process.”

East Lothian Council has also announced that council leader Willie Innes is taking a leave of absence of six weeks while undergoing treatment for cancer. Councillor Norman Hampshire will act as leader during Councillor Innes’s absence.