Minister visits Prestongrange to see new 'engine shed'

Caroline Rodgers, East Lothian Council; Employment  Minister Tom Arthur MSP; Councillor John McMillan; Tom Reid, ELC,  and Andy Robertson, ELC  archaeology/heritage officer in front of Locomotive No. 7 at Prestongrange <i>(Image: East Lothian Council)</i>
Caroline Rodgers, East Lothian Council; Employment Minister Tom Arthur MSP; Councillor John McMillan; Tom Reid, ELC, and Andy Robertson, ELC archaeology/heritage officer in front of Locomotive No. 7 at Prestongrange (Image: East Lothian Council)
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The Scottish Employment Minister has visited a county attraction to tour its recent addition and to learn about its work.

Tom Arthur MSP, minister for employment and investment, visited Prestongrange Museum, by Prestonpans, to learn about future plans for the site and tour the engine shed.

The engine shed serves as a purpose-built home for a collection of steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock.

Its construction, along with ongoing redevelopment at the park, has been made possible by grants from the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

The new engine shed opened in April last year and has quickly become popular.

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A group of dedicated volunteers supports the preservation and conservation of the collection, which is available for viewing when the museum is open.

Councillor John McMillan, cabinet spokesperson for environment, economic development and tourism at East Lothian Council, led Mr Arthur’s tour, joined by colleagues from community and infrastructure teams at the local authority.

Mr McMillan said: "It was great to welcome Mr Arthur to Prestongrange, which is a unique and nationally important site in terms of heritage and tourism.

"We enjoyed a tour of the new engine shed and were able to discuss how heritage-led regeneration on the site and across the Preston/Seton/Gosford area has enhanced the area for local communities, will increase visitor numbers to the area and can provide a boost for the local economy, including employment."

Mr Arthur highlighted the Government’s investment in the redevelopment.

He said: "We are providing Prestongrange Heritage Park with £1.2 million to develop a community hub with space for businesses to grow.

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"To help communities prosper, the Scottish Government is investing £62.15 million in regeneration projects in 2025-26.

"This will help to revitalise green spaces, town centres and derelict sites to benefit people across Scotland."

The engine shed’s opening marks a key stage in a wider regeneration project at Prestongrange.

The next phase will focus on renovating the bath house, with work expected to begin later in the year.

Plans include creating a new, accessible carbon neutral community hub, commercial and educational spaces, and improved access to the nationally important heritage site.

Prestongrange Museum is open from 11am to 2.30pm, Wednesday to Sunday, with guided tours available.

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