THE installation of a staircase at Preston Tower has begun, allowing access to the historic tower for the first time in decades.
Work began at the beginning of the month on the stairs, which are yet to be painted with a special coating that will darken the steel frame.
Some disruption is expected to access while the work is being completed.
A spokesperson for Friends of Preston Tower said: “Inevitably, where heavy machinery and materials are involved, there will be some disruption to public access to the park.
“We have been assured that the contractors will strive to keep this to a minimum.
“Some might also be asking: ‘Why an external staircase?’
“This is because access to the upper storeys of Preston Tower from the ground was always achieved in this manner prior to someone poking a hole in the first floor in the late 19th century to insert the ladder that some lucky folk may have used to access the upper storeys in the past.
“The historic staircase would have been made of wood, perhaps reinforced with steel braces, that would easily have been replaced when necessary.
“With a limited and finite budget today, and living in a very different era, we had to go for something that was much more durable in 2024!”
A ‘soft opening’ of the tower takes place on Saturday, March 30, although work at the tower will still be ongoing at the time.
Outdoor play activities will be on offer thanks to East Lothian Play Association and it is expected that there will be an Easter egg hunt for youngsters.
The event runs from 10am to 1pm.
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