THE second phase of ambitious proposals to redevelop Papple Steading have been revealed.

An agricultural heritage centre, a heritage reference library, cafe, shop and auditorium are all planned.

Award-winning architect Richard Murphy revealed the next stage of the development – which will also include an artist’s studio, meeting rooms, private dining areas and accommodation cottages – at a community gathering last month.

East Lothian Council gave planning permission to develop the site in March last year.

The first phase, which comprises the renovated farmhouse, restored Grieve’s Cottage and two bothies created from old farm sheds, was completed in August last year.

George Mackintosh, Papple Steading director, was looking forward to the scheme moving forward and praised Mr Murphy, who was also involved with the development of John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar.

He said: “Richard is probably Scotland’s pre-eminent architect, we’re delighted to secure his services, and our focus will remain on being sympathetic to the agricultural styles of East Lothian.”

Lord Lieutenant Roderick Urquhart cut the ceremonial ribbon at Papple last month, with guests including the chairs of Dunpender and Gifford Community Councils, Judith Priest and Adam White.

Former Lord Lieutenant and active conservationist Michael Williams was also in attendance, alongside Deputy Lieutenant Hilary Cochran.

Mr Mackintosh added: “Over the past 24 months, a sensitive but extensive restoration of this small but beautiful wood has been undertaken by the team at Papple Steading.

“The landscape artist was Liz Dorrian, of East Linton, and supported by local expert woodmen Sam Young and Sam Lowe.

“As an aside, Sam Lowe’s mother was born at Papple Steading as her father (Sam’s grandfather) was the farm’s grieve, leaving the Grieve’s Cottage in 1968.

“The wood has a diverse range of trees with a burn running through it.

“Native plants will be introduced to further encourage the growth of edible wild plants under the direction of the ‘wild food and drinks’ company Buck & Birch, based in Macmerry.

“Our work included the rebuilding of the old ‘policy’ estate boundary walls, which seem to be appreciated by so many passers-by.

“There are a number of artisan-built structures made mostly from larch thinned from the wood to introduce more light to the undergrowth.

“The picnic table, the swings, the bridges, the boardwalk, the horseshoe shelter and the outlook were designed and built by Whittingehame’s Robin Wood.

“A badger stone sculpture was created by Papple Steading’s own Giles Heffer, while the magnificent six-and-a-half-feet-tall floral hare was the work of another local artist, Rosie Watson, one of the ‘hare’ artists whose works were sold in an auction to support East Lothian’s Leuchie House.”