TV presenter Sean Batty flew the flag for supporting Scotland’s local businesses as he got cooking in North Berwick.
The STV weatherman joined food and drink producers from across East Lothian to officially launch Scotland Loves Local Week (June 13-20) at the monthly North Berwick Harbour Market on Saturday.
Throughout this week, communities across the country will be celebrating local businesses and the difference everyone can make by spending with them more often.
Sean is an ambassador for Scotland Loves Local, the campaign for people to help build stronger communities by backing businesses of all kinds in them.
Among the stalls he visited was Balgone Farm’s, where he joined East Lothian-based broadcaster and food champion Nick Kwek behind the barbecue to cook some locally-reared meat.
Sean said: “There can be no better way to start Scotland Loves Local Week than by celebrating the country’s rich larder of food and drink. There are fantastic producers here. I’m certainly now well stocked up for the week ahead after walking around the market.
“Local businesses have been part of my whole life. They’re the beating heart of communities and deserve to be celebrated. Scotland Loves Local Week is the perfect opportunity to do that, while reminding us all of the significant difference we can each make by choosing local.”
Scotland Loves Local Week 2026 is themed on Flying The Flag For Local Businesses.
It highlights the increasingly important role of local enterprises in sustaining and growing communities and economies – safeguarding jobs and keeping places vibrant.
And all that was to the fore in North Berwick at the harbour market, which is organised by East Lothian Food & Drink, the Business Improvement District which champions the region’s producers and the critical part they play in the area’s economy, in collaboration with the North Berwick Harbour Trust.
Balgone Estate’s farm is home to a beef herd, as well as rare breed Oxford Sandy & Black pigs and Scotland’s largest pumpkin patch. The produce sold at the market was reared just two miles from North Berwick.
Alex Humphreys, Balgone’s General Manager, shared the estate’s story with Sean and said: “Not only is it great to get off the farm but to be able to talk to the community and explain how quality food gets to their plate is always a pleasure. “
Sean also met the teams from Foraging Goat and Belhaven Smokehouse, as well as picking up a copy of Land, Sea & Hills a book showcasing East Lothian’s vibrant food and drink scene.
Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), with support from the Scottish Government.
STP’s Chair, Professor Leigh Sparks, said: “It’s fantastic to shine a spotlight on the importance of food and drink producers to our local economies – and the need to support them – by launching Scotland Loves Local Week in North Berwick.
“Scotland has fabulous, high-quality and diverse food and drink products and producers. The more we shop local the better local economies, business and towns do
“Markets are not only a tremendous showcase for stallholders, but one of the many types of events through which people are attracted to our town centres, discovering not just what the sellers have to offer, but driving trade to other local businesses too.
“East Lothian Food and Drink does a great job in promoting so much of what’s special about the region and how we can all help local businesses to grow.”
Emma Bouglet, Business Manager for East Lothian Food & Drink, was delighted to host the Scotland Loves Local Week launch at the market.
She said: “Scotland Loves Local Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the businesses, producers and communities that make our towns and villages so special.
“The Harbour Market provides the perfect backdrop, bringing together local food and drink producers, makers and visitors in one of Scotland’s most iconic coastal settings. Every purchase made from a local business helps support jobs, strengthens our local economy and keeps our communities vibrant.
“East Lothian has an incredible food and drink story to tell, and Scotland Loves Local Week allows us to showcase the passion, quality and innovation of the businesses on our doorstep. We look forward to welcoming visitors to North Berwick Harbour Market and encouraging everyone to discover, support and champion local businesses throughout the week and beyond.”
Throughout the next week, politicians will be visiting their local businesses to meet the people behind them, hear about the difference they make and champion the critical need to support them.
People are also being urged to celebrate their favourite local businesses by posting on social media using the hashtag #ScotlandLovesLocal.
