THE great-grandson of the man responsible for creating one of East Lothian’s most recognisable buildings has helped launch its next chapter.

George Hope, of Luffness, cut the ribbon at Gullane’s Henderson House – 120 years after it was first built.

The building, on Gullane’s Main Street, is being transformed into more than 20 apartments by housebuilders CALA Homes (East).

Speaking after the launch ceremony, George said: “It was a pleasure to be invited to cut the ribbon and attend the opening ceremony, ushering in this magnificent building’s next new beginning.

“The result of the restoration work, which has clearly been undertaken with real sensitivity and care, is especially pleasing.

“I hope that those who come to live here truly enjoy the building and their new homes within it.”

Originally commissioned and built in 1899 by Mr Hope’s great-grandfather Henry Walter Hope, the village’s iconic Marine Hotel quickly became popular, attracting the growing number of tourists flocking to the coast and its golf courses.

After being requisitioned by the army during the Second World War – as a base for troops training for the D-Day landings – it later became a UK base for the Polish Army before returning to its intended role as a seaside hotel from 1945 until 1951.

In 1953 the building took on a new chapter, with the Fire Service Research and Training Trust acquiring the building and its grounds, which then served as the main training centre for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service until March 2015.

Now the building has been transformed into 21 apartments.

The Hope family crest, carved above the main entrance, has also been preserved.

Philip Hogg, sales and marketing director at CALA Homes (East), said: “To be able to welcome George to start the next chapter at Henderson House is really important to us. We’ve been at pains to preserve this town landmark, to restore and modernise the building without losing its charm and character.”