A PROJECT designed to transform a historic island in Dunbar Harbour has been awarded more than £700,000.

Dunbar Harbour Trust (DHT) has been awarded £705,449.13 from the Viridor Credits Legacy: Scotland fund.

The six-figure sum will now go towards improvements to the historic Battery on Lamer Island in the harbour.

Steven Anderson, the DHT director behind the project, thanked Viridor Credits.

He said: “I’m pleased that Viridor could see the potential in the project to enhance the harbour’s historic landmarks and create an iconic attraction for the town.” The Battery project will concentrate on four main areas: essential repair work to the Battery structure; improving access to the Battery; creation of new spaces and uses inside the Battery; and improving the interpretive information about the Battery and harbour area.

The island is located between the Victoria and Cromwell Harbours and has a long history.

A battery containing 16 mounted guns of different calibre, two of which were ‘eighteen-pounders’, was created on Lamer Island in 1781.

They remained there during the Napoleonic Wars and the battery buildings – which still stand today – later became an isolation hospital during the First World War.

Mr Anderson added: “The trust had lots of ideas for the Battery over the years but we all agreed that whatever route we went down we wanted to respect the past, making the most of the existing features of the structure, but also to create new uses for the area looking forward to the next chapter in its history.

“Special thanks to our team who have created such an imaginative design.” Already, DHT has employed an experienced team of consultants led by landscape architects rankinfraser, to develop the proposals.

The Edinburgh-based company has been working with DHT since 2009, when it undertook an initial feasibility report.

Chris Rankin, director with rankinfraser, added: “Through a combination of sensitive conservation, contemporary design and innovative public art we hope Lamer Island Battery will become a unique public space aiding the regeneration of both Dunbar Harbour and the wider area.” Earlier this year, DHT carried out community consultation when questionnaires were filled out and the results of the survey were posted online.

Ideas ranged from the sensitive restoration of the Battery to the creation of a new visitor centre and museum.

Mr Anderson felt the improved access would help keep the structure in good condition for a number of years, but he was most excited by the creation of new spaces within Lamer Island.

That will include a coastal garden, a small multi-purpose room with viewing platform above and a new outdoor education or performance space at the heart of the Battery.

Discussions are under way with Scottish artist Donald Urquhart to create a piece of public art on the upper level of the area.

Mr Anderson said: “We are in the process of finalising a harbour development plan with harbour users, but identified a number of mini-projects to revamp other historic landmarks in our application.

“These included making more of the entrance to the Vaults near the castle and improving the setting around the Fishermen’s Monument.

“Viridor Credits have also part-funded our proposal to improve the landscaping around Robert Wilson’s propeller as part of this award.” Now, a planning application is being prepared by DHT alongside East Lothian Council and Historic Scotland with a view for work to start next spring.

Mr Anderson, who thanked a number of groups including Dunbar Sailing Club and the Dunbar Fishermen’s Association for their help along the way, added: “The trust will be undertaking the necessary surveys in the near future and will be engaging with the community on the public artwork, archaeological work and the creation of the information boards.

“We will also want to hold a public presentation of our proposals later in the month.”