Nearly 90 jobs are at risk after bus operator First Scotland East announced it is withdrawing services in East Lothian.

First Group revealed plans to cease bus operations in the area from August 14 this year.

Among the affected routes are those running between Edinburgh and North Berwick, Dunbar and Haddington.

It also intends to close its depots in North Berwick and Musselburgh, citing an "increasingly competitive market".

Union leaders have pledged to fight the proposals, which were described as a "huge blow".

Paul McGowan, managing director of First Scotland East, said: "I'm disappointed that we're proposing to withdraw from Musselburgh and North Berwick.

"We will today engage with the local authority on the future of bus services. However, given there are other bus operators that operate in and around the area, I'm confident if we decide to go ahead with these proposals the majority of our customers won't be left without a service."

The firm said it has started consultation process with 88 "at risk" employees and trade unions on the proposed closure of Musselburgh and North Berwick bus depots.

Aberdeen-based First Group said it would offer opportunities in other areas where possible.

Mr McGowan said: "I am sorry that we are having to discuss the proposal to discontinue services and consider the possibility of redundancies.

"I must stress our proposals do not, in any way, reflect the commitment and quality of our employees in the area. I cannot speak highly enough of their professionalism and dedication. We will be doing everything we can to assist those affected."

He said the firm had suffered losses in East Lothian for several years and the move would allow us to "concentrate investment" in West Lothian, the Borders and the central belt.

The East Lothian operations affected account for around a fifth of the First Scotland East operation.

A spokesman for Unite the union said the move would leave a "gaping hole" in the East Lothian public transport infrastructure, affecting the workforce and the communities they serve.

Tony Trench, Unite's regional officer, said: "The workforce at First Scotland East are quite rightly devastated by this announcement today. Not only have they been told they are at risk of redundancy but they feel let down by the company after years of loyalty.

"This decision is a huge blow to our members, but it will also affect school transport services, older people that rely heavily on public transport and the rural communities which regard these services as vital. Unite will defend any attempt to cut jobs or withdraw services."

Union members will meet with First Scotland East on Friday to hold further talks and urge the firm to reconsider its decision.