The removal of the scaffolding surrounding Preston Tower is due to commence tomorrow, limiting access to the surrounding gardens.

East Lothian Council had previously confirmed to the Courier that the process would commence on Monday, April 17, however this did not take place.

Contractors will now start the removal tomorrow, continuing for a period of four weeks and restricting public access to the garden to the east entrance only during this period.

This has be done to ensure the safety of the public accessing the garden at this time.

The gate closure to the west side will take place between April 26 until May 22.

Diversion signs will be put on the entrance gate and heras fencing is being erected today around the tower to ensure safe working.

Access to the gardens only will be available from the east side (East Loan).

There will be weekday working and on a Saturday to take the scaffold down.

Preston Tower dominates the town's skyline and has been covered in scaffolding to facilitate repairs since summer 2021.

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.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: "A significant milestone in a £1.1m project to repair and refurbish stonework and surrounding gardens at historic Preston Tower in Prestonpans is set to be reached with the removal of scaffolding.

"The scaffolding has been in place to facilitate repairs to the external masonry of the tower.

"The dismantling of the scaffolding will be undertaken by a contractor who has indicated that this will take around four weeks.

"In the interests of everyone’s safety, access to the garden during this period will be from the east entrance only."