PLANS to restore Tranent Tower are included in ambitious proposals produced following a public consultation exercise.

Improving the historic environment of the town is one of the key recommendations from the Tranent Charrette, which was held in the town last year.

And at the centre of recreating a link to the town’s past is restoring the ruins of the 16th-century tower, which stand at the end of a lane off Church Street.

Among key plans to improve Tranent town centre are calls for a new civic square, an improved High Street, and a new park and car park.

It also revealed a desire from residents for the history of the town to be captured.

Moves proposed to improve the historic environment would involve seeking Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme funding to improve shop fronts on High Street, redeveloping Fa’side Lodge to create residential developments with a contemporary twist, and restoring Tranent Tower.

In a report on the Charrette recommendations, it said the ambitious restoration could provide a central location for tourist accommodation or promoting Tranent’s story.

It said: “Access to the tower is complex and could be taken either from Church Street or through Sanderson's Wynd.

“These physical improvements could be complemented with improved interpretation of Tranent’s story, particularly the role Tranent played in the period of transition from an agricultural to industrial economy.”

Tranent Tower was built on lands belonging to the Seton family in 1542.

At one time it may have been used as a barracks, and in the early 20th century was used as a hay loft.

The remains of the small tower are protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Although not immediately obvious due to the proximity of buildings around it, Tranent Tower would once have commanded fine views over the River Forth, standing in at the top of a hill that runs up to the centre of Tranent.

There is a legend that an underground passage connects Tranent Tower with Fa’side Castle, some 3km away.