East Lothian Council has announced its support for the restoration of a church ruin in North Berwick.

The local authority will work alongside North Berwick Environment Trust and the North Berwick Community Council to move forward with a proposal relating to St Andrew's Kirk.

The proposals would see the roof of the church tower restored as well as provide information to the public through onsite interpretation of the building's history.

Appropriately qualified consultants were asked to submit bids to undertake an inspection of the site and review of information about the building to produce a fully costed plan to consolidate the building, restore the bell tower roof, arrest deterioration and interpret the site.

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As a result, Richard Shorter Architects have now been appointed by the North Berwick Environment Trust.

Work is now underway to survey the Kirk and explore the potential options for improving the site.

Councillor Tim Day, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, said: "Many local residents have expressed their disappointment about the loss of the iconic bell shaped roof and, as longstanding owners of the Church, the Council was approached by the local community to explore a joint approach for its restoration.

"Commissioning this study will also allow us to consider how the public can continue to access this important ruin and learn more about its history through on-site interpretation. It is envisaged that the project will also open up access to and through the graveyard."

St Andrew’s Kirk in North Berwick was vacated in 1883 when the congregation moved to a new church in the High Street. At the time, it was agreed that the Church would be consolidated as a ruin and some work has been undertaken over the years to maintain the building in a safe condition.

The building is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and formal consent is required before any work is carried out to the monument.

Due to safety concerns, the roof was removed by East Lothian Council in May 2011.

(JP/CD)