A SIGNIFICANT milestone in the development of a heritage park within the former Prestongrange Colliery and Brickworks has been marked.

The steel framework for a new engine shed, to house the locomotives, rolling stock and artefacts currently in the bathhouse at Prestongrange, was put in place earlier this month.

Councillor Colin McGinn, cabinet spokesman for community wellbeing, welcomed the latest development of the project, which is expected to cost more than £2 million.

He said: “East Lothian Council is embarking on an ambitious project to develop a heritage park at Prestonpans which draws upon and reflects the rich industrial past and associated industries at this location.

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“It will not just raise the profile and acknowledge the past – one of the aims of this new heritage park is to consider how industry develops through the generations to meet specific needs.

“In the 21st century we are focusing on the climate change crisis and associated environmental impacts, and the park is being designed and constructed to be as carbon neutral as possible.”

Construction work is expected to take about seven months and be completed next spring.

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East Lothian Council has already put more than £1.5 million towards the project over the period of 2020/21 to 2023/24.

Funding of £685,921 was received from the Scottish Government RCGF (Regeneration Capital Grant Fund) in March last year, and a further £150,000 from this fund early this year.