The project team which led an exciting heritage project at historic Preston Tower, doocot and garden are celebrating.
They picked up two awards at the Edinburgh Architectural Association Awards for Architecture. Representatives of the project received the Conservation and Heritage Award as well as the Building of the Year Award.
A £1.1 million heritage project at the Scheduled Monument, parts of which date back to the 15th century, was completed earlier this year.
The first phase involved repairs to the doocot, installation of new interpretation boards, a new garden seating area around a carved stone contemplation circle and new paths.
The second phase involved specialist stonework and plaster repairs and renewal of metalwork to the Tower, in addition to installation of external CCTV and lighting. This phase also saw the installation of an external staircase to allow public access to the inside of the tower for the first time in over 40 years.
'Successful initiative'
Councillor Colin McGinn, Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, said:
“The heritage project at Preston Tower was a very successful initiative which saw East Lothian Council work in partnership with local residents including Prestonpans Community Council, the Friends of Preston Tower, Groves Raines Architects Studios, the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland.
“In recognising the significance of Preston Tower to the local community and as an historical landmark, great care was taken at every stage to ensure that the works were of high quality whilst being sympathetic and sensitive to the structure and fabric of this Scheduled Monument.
“I’m absolutely delighted to see the project recognised at the Edinburgh Architectural Association Awards for Architecture – huge congratulations to everyone involved. Their efforts will ensure Preston Tower can be appreciated by generations of local people and visitors well into the future.”
Speaking on behalf of the owners of the building, the National Trust for Scotland, Bryan Dickson, Head of Building Conservation Policy said:
“We are thrilled that the team’s efforts are recognised in this way, with both awards recognising the spirit of community engagement and the level of thoughtful interventions required in providing access for future generations. The project is an exemplar, addressing the needs of this ancient monument, whilst providing a new generation with a chance to see what makes it so special.”
'Close partnership'
DJ Johnston-Smith, Chair of Prestonpans Community Council, said:
“Our Community Council was delighted to learn that the Scottish Government funded Preston Tower regeneration project has received this thoroughly well-deserved award. Over the past four years, GRAS, East Lothian Council officers, representatives from the National Trust for Scotland and the Community Council have all collaborated closely with each other and with a host of fantastic local and national contractors to develop, evolve and improve every part of this project as it went along. It has not only successfully saved, for another generation, these beloved historic Prestonpans landmarks, but it has also seen the installation of some fantastic new interpretation across the whole site, improved accessible routes into the Tower Gardens and, for the first time in decades, most importantly it has provided access inside the actual Tower itself.
“This close partnership and novel working arrangement has ultimately delivered a superb, safe, accessible heritage asset, alive and brimming with so much potential. We now look forward to the speedy creation of a solid partnership agreement between the local community, represented by the new "Friends of Preston Tower" group, and the Tower's guardians, East Lothian Council, and its owners, the National Trust for Scotland, so that a sustainable, long-lasting, local community heritage project can emerge that will generate significant economic and wellbeing benefits for the town, the ward and the county for years to come.”
Traditional construction techniques and materials were required with the council working closely with specialist contractors and consultants to deliver an appropriate repair project with all of the works led by conservation accredited consultants at Groves Raines Architects Studios, supported by the National Trust for Scotland.
Construction work was carried out by East Lothian-based firm Campbell & Smith.
Prestonpans Community Council secured initial funding for survey work from Preston Seton Gosford Area Partnership.
Salt of the Earth Heritage Connections, a community network linked to the Area Partnership and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund Great Places scheme, was also a key partner in the development work at Preston Tower. The community were able to feed into the decision-making process through various activities including community council representatives being involved in fortnightly meetings with the client and design team.
The repair project to the tower, doocot and gardens was 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 by the National Trust for Scotland.