Progress is being made on the £1.1m restoration of Preston Tower, as repair works are expected to be finished by the autumn.

The project was originally due to be completed in December last year but was pushed back to spring due to “challenges in the construction industry”.

East Lothian Council has now confirmed that all scaffolding used to facilitate masonry repairs will be removed this month.

The final part of the project will see the creation of an external staircase – offering visitors access inside the tower for the first time in 40 years – to be completed in autumn.

Preston Tower is then expected to reopen to the public pending a review by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), with guardianship handed over to the local community to preserve the building.

The tower was first constructed in the 15th century, extending upwards in the 17th century, when a doocot was added.

Work completed so far includes significant repairs to the doocot and the installation of new interpretation boards with artist’s impressions of how the tower looked at different periods in its history.

A new seating area has also been created in the gardens around a carved stone contemplation circle, with new paths providing access for all.

During the current repair project, “great care” has been taken at every stage to ensure the works are sympathetic and sensitive to the structure and fabric of the building.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “Traditional construction techniques and materials are required and the council has been working closely with specialist contractors and consultants to deliver an appropriate repair project, with all of the works reviewed by HES and the National Trust for Scotland.

“Scaffolding used to carry out repairs to the external masonry of the tower is due to be removed in April, and the final phase of the project – the installation of an external staircase to allow public access to the inside of the tower for the first time in over 40 years – is due to be completed in the autumn, subject to final consent from HES.”

Salt of the Earth, a community heritage network linked to Preston Seton Gosford Area Partnership and funded initially by the Heritage Funds ‘Great Places’ initiative, has been a key partner in the development work at Preston Tower, securing funding for the initial conservation assessment report.

The repair to the tower, doocot and gardens has been funded by a variety of sources, including the Scottish Government through its Town Centre Fund and Place Based Investment Programme, as well as the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and by the National Trust for Scotland.

The spokesperson added: “With the repair works at Preston Tower coming to an end, the council are currently engaging with the local community to set up a guardianship group of volunteers who can accommodate regular opening of the tower and provide visitors with additional interpretation of the site.

“If you are interested in getting involved, please email connect-psg@eastlothian.gov.uk”