DUNBAR Harbour Trust is on the hunt for local and national funding to improve the historic Battery on Lamer Island - between the Victoria and Cromwell Harbours in the town.

The Battery, which has a rich and varied history dating back to 1781, was last occupied in the 1930s and the trust is looking to protect the existing structure and improve access to the area.

It also wants input from the community and visitors to the harbour on further improvements that may be made to the Grade B listed building to create a new public space for the town.

Steven Anderson, the director of DHT responsible for the project, said: “The trust has recently appointed experienced consultants on the project and we want the public to have their say before we agree a design.

"It is important that we celebrate the past history of the Battery, but we want to look forward and create a new iconic space which takes advantage of the spectacular 360 degree views of the town and seascape at the heart of our harbour.” During the celebrations on Monday for the opening of the John Muir Way in the town, the trust will have a stall set up on the Battery during the afternoon to offer tours of the structure, consult with the community on its future use and share ideas.

Mr Anderson said: “We are focusing on four key themes for the project: improving access to and inside the Battery for all users; the protection of the existing structure of the Battery; making the most of the existing historic features, to add to the Battery experience and create an improved public space and destination within the harbour; and, finally, to use this project as a catalyst to improve the general harbour environment for all users, locals and visitors.” The trust hopes that, following successful funding applications, the work will begin on harbour projects in late 2014, with the Battery project starting on site by spring 2015.