KNITTING enthusiasts in East Lothian are being given the chance to be part of history, as a recently reopened 15th-century landmark is now looking for more than 400... knitted pigeons!

Preston Tower and Doocot, Prestonpans, reopened in August following a £1.1 million revamp.

Historically, doocots were where the workers kept pigeons to farm them for their meat, feathers, eggs and guano.

Prior to restoration works, the decision was made that physical birds were not going to return to the doocot due to unavailable resources.

But now, volunteers are appealing to keen knitters around the county to send in their 'pigeons', as there are 462 pigeon roosts still to be filled. 

READ MORE: £1.1 million repair work at Preston Tower nearing completion

Knitters and sewers can devise their own designs and patterns, and can take part by contacting the Friends of Preston Tower's Facebook page for more information.

Friends of Preston Tower volunteer Anne said: “Now that it is safe to visit, we were thinking of ways to explain the historic purpose of the doocot to local school groups and other visitors and, randomly, I thought of knitted pigeons.

"After a search of the internet for a pattern, I set to work on 'Preston', our first knitted pigeon.

"I followed this up with a pigeon pie and a few more friends for Preston. We showed all of these at the first open day and visitors to the doocot absolutely loved them, particularly our 'pigeon parade'!”

 Volunteers from all over the county have been sending in their knitted pigeons to be part of the project (Image: Friends of Preston Tower) Fellow volunteer Moira added: “We wondered if local knitters and crocheters might like to help fill the 462 surviving pigeon roosts and put out an appeal on social media ahead of our second open day, and we have been absolutely blown away by the positive response.

"Local knitting groups and individuals from Wallyford to Dunbar have been in touch offering to knit or crochet a bird for us.

"Crafters have sourced a variety of patterns; one local lady even devised an entire pattern of her own making that she has allowed us to share.

"So far, we have gathered a flock of almost two-dozen beautiful woollen pigeons and any other offers of additional feathery friends to help us safely interpret the doocot for future visitors would be very welcome.

"Just send us a direct message on the Friends of Preston Tower Facebook page if you would like to get involved.”