A DOOCOT dating back to the 17th century has been damaged during an attempted break-in at Preston Tower yesterday evening.

At about 6.25pm, a group attempted to gain entry into the doocot, causing damage to the door jamb, padlock and oak door.

Police are appealing for information regarding the incident.

The tower is a category A-listed heritage site which reopened to visitors on Sunday following repair work valued at £1.1 million.

In a statement on Facebook, Prestonpans Community Council said that the vandalism was “incredibly disappointing”.

The post continued: “A great deal of time, effort and money has gone into the repair of these beloved buildings over the last few years.

“The new Friends of Preston Tower are working very hard to come to an agreement with the National Trust for Scotland and East Lothian Council to provide regular and long-term access to both buildings.

"This is both a heritage crime and an act of criminal damage, and police have been informed.

“It would be terribly sad if such acts of wanton and pointless vandalism, by the tiniest minority of individuals, threatened this brand-new beginning for the site and these wonderful heritage assets in the heart of our town.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 6.25pm on Thursday, August 29, we received a report of an attempted break-in at Preston Tower, Prestonpans.

"Anyone who knows who was responsible should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3058 of August 29, 2024.”