Polish shop welcomed for bringing diversity to Musselburgh

A new Polish shop in Musselburgh town centre has been welcomed for bringing diversity to local residents.

Husband and wife team Jaroslaw and Joanna Wiatrowski opened their new store Stodola on the town’s High Street in November.

And the arrival of the shop was welcomed by members of East Lothian Licensing Board as they granted it a licence to sell alcohol this week.

Councillor Willie Innes, council leader, said: “I think it is important that local people get the opportunity to experience different cultures and different diets and it should be welcome.

“Scotland has a historic connection with Poland stretching back to the 16th century and this is another example of that connection continuing. I wish them well.”

His comments were echoed by Councillor John McMillan who added: ”There are some famous Italian names in Musselburgh High Street. I welcome this.”

The board heard the couple already had three shops – two in Edinburgh and one in Dalkeith – before opening their latest venture on the High Street.

The stores were described as traditional convenience stores with a wide range of products many of which came from Poland and Eastern Europe.

Presenting their case, lawyer Alistair Macdonald said that while a large number of customers came from Poland and ‘that part of the world’ the shops also attracted local people and stock would reflect public demand.

He said the shop had been selling alcohol with the use of occasional licences since opening but was applying for a permanent licence.

The board unanimously agreed to grant a provisional premises licence to the shop to sell alcohol between 10am and 10pm seven days a week.