REFURBISHMENT of a village hall which dates back more than 100 years has been given the green light.

Innerwick Village Hall was described as looking “very, very tired” but fresh life will be breathed into it in a bid to ensure it is around for another century.

Work on the building could cost about £400,000, with money already secured from East Lothian Council and Fred. Olsen Renewables, which is behind the Crystal Rig Windfarm in the nearby Lammermuir Hills.

Further funding options are being explored to cover the cost.

Fran Burgess, former chairwoman of Innerwick Parish Welfare Association (IPWA), was pleased to see another hurdle overcome.

She said: “It was built in 1909.

“It is definitely needing work done on it structurally and also just bringing up to the 21st century: insulation, sustainable heating, light and refurbishment of the kitchen and toilets.

“It is a really old building.”

A building warrant is yet to be secured for the work and, similarly, a final figure on the cost of the scheme is yet to be confirmed.

However, work will not take place until after the village’s flower show, which takes place on August 5.

The former chairwoman highlighted that the building had experienced a variety of uses over its 110-plus years.

She said: “It has got such a vast history and has served the community for so long.

“It was mothballed during Covid so activities have slowed down consider- ably but it is still used for family events and consultations with the various projects that are going on in the patch.

“It is a resource there, and a resource that is not really for us to say whether it should or should not be there.

“We are the custodians and we do not know the demands of in 20 years’ time.

“We have got a regular film night, a regular soup-and-pudding event, which is brilliant.

“We get 40 people attending and chatting away, which is what it should be in reactivating the community.”

Councillor Donna Collins, Dunbar and East Linton ward member, was previously a member of East Lammermuir Community Council, which covers Innerwick.

She agreed the building was “vitally important” to the area and said: “It is good that the plans have been passed.

“It is a hub, not just for Innerwick but Thurston and Oldhamstocks.

“A lot of people converge there for things like Innerwick Flower Show and, in times of crisis, people gather there. If something is going on, we can put on meals if necessary.

“It has always been a hub and has been well used for various community functions.”