CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, and Lachlan Bruce, a Conservative Councillor for Preston, Seton and Gosford, have praised progress made on the restoration of Preston Tower in Prestonpans following a visit to the tower last week.
The £1.5 million renovation, funded by the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund and Place Based Investment Programme in collaboration with East Lothian Council and the National Trust for Scotland, is set to be completed later this year.
The renovation includes specialist restorative work to the tower’s stone masonry as well as provisions to use the space to educate visitors on the history of the iconic tower.
Last year, the doocot and gardens around the tower were restored for members of the public to enjoy.
The tower has been closed to the public for several decades.
Mr Hoy and Cllr Bruce joined representatives from the National Trust for Scotland, East Lothian Council and the construction team for a tour of the tower which including viewing the tower from the scaffolding encasing it.
Craig Hoy MSP said: “It was great to see progress at Preston Tower ahead of its reopening to the public later this year.
“Preston Tower is a central landmar in Prestonpans and a linchpin in history, identity and architectural heritage of the town.
“It will be a huge boon and I am keen to support further works to bring the tower to its full potential for the local community to enjoy.”
Cllr Lachlan Bruce said: “The restoration work to Preston Tower and surrounding gardens has been great for the town and I have been happy to support it in my small part. I hope that when the current work to the tower this year is complete we can get to a position where the tower is open to members of the public regularly so that they can experience this important part of our shared heritage.”
