BUILDING work has started on a special garden that will offer people space for quiet reflection within the heart of a Tranent park.

Dementia Friendly Tranent is overseeing the project and looking to create a Garden of Reflection within Polson Park.

Plans for the garden first emerged four years ago but, last month, building work on the garden began.

On September 8, the foundations were complete, meaning that work on the garden’s build could begin.

So far, work on the wall is under way, being carried out by Paul Crosbie from Isla Masonry, based in Pencaitland.

Paula Waugh, who is among those involved in the project, said: “Now we are finally seeing it after four years of planning, we are on the road and getting there. I just want to get it moving.

“Work slowed down due to lockdown but I kind of hope it hasn’t held things up too long but you never know how long work is going to go on for.

“Hopefully it will bring more people to Polson Park; I was told by the council that it is the most underused park in East Lothian.”

Funding has been achieved for the work currently ongoing at the moment, which has come from a variety of sources, including grants and cash donations from members of the public.

Tranent Probus Club donated £180 before the club closed; Tranent Rotary Club gave £2,000 and Thomson’s of Tranent gave £500.

Those behind the garden project are still looking for funding for upcoming parts of the build, including art features, with those interested encouraged to get in touch and donate what they can.

People can contact Paula on 07780 842900.

Planting work in the garden will be completed alongside East Lothian Council.

Another element of the garden being completed at the moment is a memory tree by blacksmith Raymond Douglas, something that will take between two and three months to complete.

The idea for the tree came from Paula’s own personal experience after she lost twins and a nephew, saying she never had a place to go to remember them.

Paula said: “The tree is something we really want, that’s one of the main features and one of the first things going in.

“It’s a way for people to remember babies and children who have passed away, as well as family and adults who have passed too.

“Cemeteries are such sad places to go and we wanted to have a positive place for people to go to remember them.

“It will be for everyone to come and enjoy, and remember the good times with their loved ones.

“It’s not a memorial garden, it’s a hope garden with a memorial area.”

It is hoped the garden will be completed by spring or summer next year but, due to the current pandemic, that is not certain.