We are proud to share that Preston Tower has been named a Regional Finalist in the AABC Conservation Awards for 2025. This honour highlights the project’s significant contribution to historic building conservation—bridging sustainability, accessibility and a positive civic impact. The project will now be considered for a National AABC Conservation Award or Highly Commended recognition.
The site consists of a late 15th century ruinous Tower House and a 17th century Doocot within a walled garden in Prestonpans. It is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and has been managed by East Lothian Council since 1972. Situated in a coastal area of a former mining town, the area has faced deprivation and a lack of investment over the years.
The project is publicly funded and the brief was developed in collaboration between the building owners, the management organisation and the community. The priority was to bring the structures into a good state of repair, improve public access to both buildings, and provide interpretation of the site in order to enhance the experience for current users, increase awareness of its significance and encourage more people to visit.
A light touch approach was important in order to maintain the character of the site and the proposals were distilled to concise architectural moves in order to make sense of the existing gardens and open up and improve the flow of the visitor experience, whilst protecting the future of the built fabric and landscape. Budget constraints and a conservation approach necessitated a very careful prioritising of works, including minimising maintenance.
Client: East Lothian Council, National Trust for Scotland
GRAS Team: Charlie Porter, John Robson, Natasha Huq, Dr J Stewart Stirling
Contractor: Campbell and Smith Construction Group Ltd
Structural Engineers: Narro Associates
Stone Conservation: Graciela Ainsworth Sculpture Conservation
Metalworks: Andrew Turner Blacksmiths
Interpretation: Lyndsey Clark + Artibrand, Studio Winton, AOC Archaeology, Bob Marshall, CFA Archaeology Ltd
M&E Engineers: Max Fordham
Quantity Surveyors: Morham & Brotchie Partnership
Other Consultants: TD Tree & Land Services, NBC Environment, Adams Napier Partnership
Photography: Murray Orr, Shaun Barton, Paula Szturc
Funding: Scottish Government (Town Centre Regeneration Fund), National Lottery (Heritage Fund)