Preston Tower restoration shortlisted for national award

The restoration of Preston Tower, Doo'cot and Garden, led by Edinburgh-based architects Groves-Raines Architects Studios (GRAS), is one of just 14 projects shortlisted for the 2026 Royal Incorporation of Architects (RIAS) Awards.

The awards look to celebrate buildings "given new leases of life through skilled conservation".

The £1.1 million project at the scheduled monument, parts of which dates back to the 15th century, saw the 15th-century tower and adjacent doo'cot repaired using traditional stonemasonry, and upgrades to the gardens and surrounding paths to reconnect the site with the town.

The project was carried out in phases to ensure high standards were kept throughout (Image: Paula Szturc for GRAS)

Natasha Huq, project lead, said that in her 15 years of experience, this had been "by far" the most collaborative and rewarding project she had worked on.

She told the Courier: "We are absolutely delighted to be nominated on a national scale, especially as this isn't a big-scale development but a set of complex individual fixes.

"The has been about relationship building, about community, placemaking and all the other things an architectural project can bring.

"There have been so many things involved and amazing people in this group; not one person deserves the credit, it has been a joint effort."

Restoration, approved in 2020, faced delays due to ecological constraints and the Covid-19 pandemic; however, the extra time allowed for more extensive consultation with residents and for the team to upskill in traditional stonemasonry skills.

The aim is for the grounds to become a cornerstone of community activity (Image: Paula Szturc for GRAS)

Work was carried out in phases, initially focused on the doo'cot, while the tower required more "specialised" solutions, including self-supporting scaffolding, to safely carry out repairs.

The repair project received funding from multiple sources, including the Scottish Government through its Town Centre Fund and Place Based Investment Programme, the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the National Trust for Scotland.

Natasha added that the restoration, carried out in partnership by East Lothian Council, National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and Prestonpans Community Council, also benefited from the expertise of local contractors who were "on-hand, around the corner to sort any issues out".

She said: "They don't often get a mention in the awards but Robert Swinton, our foreman, was really amazing.

"When there is a new project, there can be a lot of anti-social behaviour and cynicism from people, so to have a local contractor take the job for the community was really great because they understand the nuances of the area we may not get."

A panel of judges visited the site on Friday, with the award winner expected to be announced in the coming months.

DJ Johnston-Smith, Prestonpans Community Council chair, said that the group spent "a great deal of time" lobbying for the restoration and spent "many more years working closely" with other stakeholders on the refurbishment itself.

He added: "We are absolutely delighted that this beloved landmark in the heart of our community has been shortlisted for this prestigious national award. 

"Well-maintained and free access to heritage is vital to the wellbeing of communities and this project has the potential to be transformative for Prestonpans."

A volunteer group, Friends of Preston Tower, open the Tower and Doo'cot to the public "whenever they can", with DJ adding that he "can't wait to see local schools start accessing these important buildings to learn more about this aspect of our town's and our nation's history".

Stuart Maxwell, NTS regional director for Edinburgh & East, said: “We are thrilled that the team’s efforts have been recognised with another award nomination for architecture.

"The Preston Tower project focused on the spirit of community engagement and thoughtful interventions to continue to provide access for future generations.

"The project is an exemplar, addressing the needs of this ancient monument, whilst providing a new generation with a chance to see what makes it so special.”

Tom Reid, head of infrastructure at East Lothian Council, said that the project had been "a fantastic example of partnership" that reflected the significance of the historical landmark.

He added: "We are delighted that the project is already an award winner, so to be nominated for this latest accolade is another significant achievement.”