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Jun 11, 2023

Prestonpans: Scaffolding removed as tower renovation enters last phase

A significant milestone in the ongoing renovation of Preston Tower in

A significant milestone in the ongoing renovation of Preston Tower in Prestonpans has been reached as the last of the scaffolding has now been removed.

The £1.1 million project has seen significant external repairs to the tower itself and to the doocot, and the installation of new interpretation boards with images of how the tower appeared in different eras.

The last part of this phase of development saw the external scaffolding removed, temporarily limiting access to the adjacent garden.

The project can now enter its final phase, which will see the construction of an external staircase that will allow public access to the tower for the first time in more than 40 years.

The project was originally due for completion in December last year but was pushed back to this spring due to "challenges in the construction industry".

Preston Tower was first constructed in the 15th century, extending upwards in the 17th century when a doocot was added.

The tower is a scheduled ancient monument that falls under the auspices of the National Trust for Scotland, which has worked with local groups to restore it as a prominent visitor attraction of the town.

The final phase of the project – the installation of an external staircase – is due to be completed in the autumn, subject to final consent from Historic Environment Scotland.

Prestonpans Community Council secured initial funding for survey work looking at Preston Tower.

Salt of the Earth Heritage Connections, a community network linked to the area partnership and funded by the Great Place Scheme, has also been a key partner in the development work at Preston Tower, building on the initial work that had taken place.

The repair project to the tower, doocot and gardens has been funded from a variety of sources, including the Scottish Government through its Town Centre Fund and Place Based Investment Programme, as well as the UK Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the National Trust for Scotland.

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