The progress being made on Preston Tower’s redevelopment has been praised by local politicians.

Craig Hoy, MSP for South Scotland, and Lachlan Bruce, councillor for the Preston Seton Gosford ward, visited the site to see the work on the the £1.5m restoration project.

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 iconic tower’s history.

Last year, the doocot and gardens around the tower were restored for members of the public to enjoy.

The tower itself has been closed to the public for several decades.

Mr Hoy and Mr Bruce joined representatives from the National Trust for Scotland, East Lothian Council and the construction team for a tour of the tower, which included viewing the tower from the scaffolding encasing it.

Mr Hoy 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 landmark in Prestonpans and a linchpin in the 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.”

Mr Bruce added: “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 they can experience this important part of our shared heritage.”