Award-winning landlord takes over at Dolphin

Graham Blaikie, 34, has taken over the Dolphin Inn in Whitecraig where publican Steve Curran died last October.

Lee McNamara, 24, has been charged with Mr Curran's murder and is due to stand trial later this year.

The Dolphin Inn was tipped for closure before a deal was thrashed out to allow the Edinburgh businessman to take it over.

Mr Blaikie, owner of the Mercat Bar in West Maitland Street, has scooped a string of industry gongs for the gastro-pub - including the Evening News Best Bar 2010 accolade - since taking over the premises in 2005. He admits the Mercat had struggled with a "troublemaking element" before he turned it round but said his new venture would present different challenges.

"The Dolphin Inn has had a trying time over the last year and I've come in to stabilise the ship," said Mr Blaikie, a former chairman of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association for the south-east.

"There was a lot of upset among people about what happened and a lot of shock.

"I had problems when I first bought the Mercat six years ago. It had its struggles and look where it is now."

The new publican added that it was "important" to move on from the events of last year and said his involvement would not be a "quick fix" but rather a long commitment to improving the East Lothian pub.

"The Dolphin was famous and well renowned for its food in the past which is something I hope to see return.

"It's a destination pub and a community pub which is why I jumped at the opportunity to run it. I believe in the project 150 per cent."

Mr Blaikie said he did have a "vision" for the premises but would not be drawn on details.

Meanwhile local councillor John Caldwell said: "The Dolphin Inn has been there for many years and always had a very good reputation.

"I'm sure it will get back to its old self and I wish Mr Blaikie good luck in getting it back to where it was before."

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