A MULTI-million-pound extension of one of East Lothian's most popular attractions, in a bid to turn it into a "national hub" for wildlife tourism, is set to get the go-ahead.

The Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick has been awarded £290,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for its plans to create a National Marine Centre, while the fund has also given initial support for a £3.5 million bid.

The project would see the centre extended to include more on Scotland’s marine environment and wildlife.

Initial design work has been undertaken, but the centre will now conduct further research and develop plans in consultation with the community, funders and partners.

It has two years to submit fully developed proposals for the development to secure a funding award.

It may be “several years” until the new facility is open, according to Seabird Centre bosses, but they hope it will become a “national hub” and bring jobs to the area.

Tom Brock, chief executive, said: “Over the last 15 years our staff, volunteers and trustees have worked hard to develop and deliver an award-winning visitor experience and education programmes that have informed and inspired people about seabirds.

“Now we look forward to building on this success by also providing enhanced conservation and education programmes about the amazing marine environment and wildlife all around Scotland.

“We will work with the local community, as well as with organisations all over Scotland, to enthuse people across the country to conserve and protect our precious marine wildlife and environment for future generations."

While he stressed building work starting was still a long way off, and could not put a date on the new centre opening, Mr Brock was hopeful the centre would help boost local economy, and would bring job opportunities.

“We always try to keep visitors in the town and get them to spend money in the shops on High Street," he told the Courier.

“We’ll be looking at becoming a hub for the whole of Scotland so we’ll hopefully attract more visitors, and hopefully that will help to boost the economy in North Berwick, and East Lothian."

Iain Gray, MSP for East Lothian, added: “This is good news for the Seabird Centre and its ambitious plans for upgrading and expanding its activities.

“The centre is already an important county institution, a national leader in marine and wildlife conservation and education, but its vision for the National Marine Centre will enable it to take this important work to another level.

"I congratulate everyone at the centre on this development and look forward to seeing their plans take shape in the months and years ahead.”

Seona Reid, deputy chair of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and chair of the committee for Scotland, said: “The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to give its initial support to this ambitious project, which we hope will inspire people to look after Scotland’s amazing, and often hidden, marine heritage.

“It will highlight the importance of Scotland’s seas in engaging and informative ways.”

Mr Brock added: “With HLF's support we are closer to achieving what we know will be a great asset to Scotland. This is the first step in enabling us to appeal to, and work with, other funders to support this important national project that will highlight and celebrate a major part of Scotland’s outstanding natural heritage.”