WORK to remove the scaffolding surrounding Preston Tower and return an iconic landmark to the Prestonpans skyline got under way last Thursday.

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

Contractors instead started the removal last week with the aim of completing the works in four weeks’ time.

The work has resulted in the closure of the gate to the west side of the garden, for public safety reasons, until May 22.

Access to the gardens is only available from the east side (East Loan) until that date.

Work is taking place Monday to Saturday each week to take the scaffolding 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 in order to reopen it for the public to enjoy.

The project was originally due to be completed last December but was pushed back to this 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 the 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 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.”