Mining site seams best for battle hub

A NEW multi-million-pound visitor centre commemorating the Battle of Prestonpans could soon be in the works – at a nearby mining museum.

The Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust believes that the new interactive centre would attract tens of thousands of visitors.

It has discussed the plans at a meeting with East Lothian councillors, who are planning a report later this year.

The trust has been campaigning for several years for better conservation and interpretation of the Battle of Prestonpans site. It had previously hoped to build the centre close to the battlefield, on a dilapidated coal bing near Meadowmill Sports Centre.

But it has now suggested the Prestongrange Mining Museum, as it would reduce costs and make visitor access easier.

It estimates more than 150,000 visitors would visit this site each year, more than double the number at the alternative site. Prestonpans was the site of one of the major battles in the 1745 Jacobite uprising.

The modern visitor centre would feature interactive displays, as well as a stunning 90 metre tapestry which is being specially made to tell the story of the battle. The trust would also like to see the historical events commemorated on street signs and interpretation boards in the town.

Kristine Cunningham, of the trust, said the plans were still at a very early stage, and it still has to raise the funds for the centre.

She said: "The costs involved with the original plan and the infrastructure would be quite prohibitive, so we've been looking at other options.

"The one that seems to make the most sense is to look at the existing heritage museum.

"The other benefit of that site is it would bring more people to Prestonpans."

A council spokeswoman said: "We will be putting together our own report, but no decisions have yet been made."