A staple of the Prestonpans skyline is set to return as scaffolding is removed from Preston Tower on Monday.

The tower has been part of £1.1m project to restore and repair much of the structure for the purpose of reopening it for the public to enjoy.

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”.

Preston 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 building exterior, doocot and the installation of new interpretation boards with artist’s impressions of how the tower looked at different periods in its history.

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.

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.

A spokesperson for Prestonpans Community Council was delighted to see this milestone reached and could not wait for the moment the public had access once more.

He said: "Significant milestone for the town on Monday as the MASSIVE scaffolding rig surrounding Preston Tower is removed.

"This marks the end of the major repairs to the outside of the tower and a move inside and another step towards the installation of a new external staircase that will allow public access to the first floor of the tower once again.

"There will inevitably be some noise and temporary disruption to access to the park while this work is being undertaken, but it is hoped by the contractors that this will be completed as quickly as possible."

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “The removal of the external scaffolding to Preston Tower is a major milestone in the delivery of this project.

"The de-rigging and removal of the scaffolding will be carried out in stages starting from Monday, April 17 and appropriate signage will be in place advising visitors of any access restrictions during this work, with the aim being to keep the gardens open and accessible for the community as much as possible during this period of the works.

"We know many people are looking forward to visiting the gardens and seeing the tower again without the scaffolding.

"Further works will continue over the summer to complete the repairs to the historic structure and provide access to the tower interior for the public for the first time in over 40 years.

"As part of the project's ongoing engagement within the community, East Lothian Council's Archaeologist, Andrew Robertson, will be presenting a talk about the Tower, its history and some of the archaeology work that has been undertaken during the repair project to help further knowledge of the towers construction and inform the conservation repair of the scheduled ancient monument.

"The talk will take place at 6pm on Wednesday 19th April at Pennypit Centre and is FREE to attend.”