PLANS for a visitor centre in Aberlady are being mooted – and this weekend residents get the chance to have their say on the proposals.

An open day takes place tomorrow (Saturday), 10am-3pm in the Kirk Stables, giving those interested a chance to look at what is being planned.

For some time, Aberlady Conservation and History Society has been developing ideas for what it considers to be a much-needed visitor ventre for both villagers and tourists.

The site proposed for the visitor centre is land owned by Wemyss and March Estate by Waterston House, the headquarters of the Scottish Ornithological Club, on the western edge of the village.

If it goes ahead, the centre would be aimed at all the family and would cater for school groups too.

It would celebrate the heritage of the village, particularly its long association with golf, the ecology and bio-diversity of its coast and countryside, its early Christian beginnings and its rich maritime history.

Interpretive displays and an existing collection of golfing artefacts and memorabilia would be complemented by interactive screens and an audio-visual theatre for films and talks, while there are also plans for a teashop and a book and gift shop.

A society spokesman said: “The focus is very much on fun, exploration and understanding, and a collaborative approach with other key tourist destinations in East Lothian will ensure its wider relevance.

“Informal approaches recently made to possible sources of grant funding have had a positive response.

“We hope to finalise the business plan and our first application for funding very shortly but, in advance of that, the society wishes to hear the views of people who live and work in the village on the outline plans.

“The society considers this to be an entirely achievable project that will benefit Aberlady and support tourism across East Lothian for many years to come.” At the open day, those attending will be able to inspect and discuss the outline plans.

After this has taken place, the next steps will be discussions with other tourist destinations in the county and other interests; completion of the outline drawings; a submission for planning consent; development of a full business plan including detailed costings; and applications for the necessary funds to convert the society’s ambitions into reality.