The final funding required to restore the historic Granton Lighthouse in north Edinburgh and convert it into a community arts and education hub has been officially secured.

A contribution of £2.278m from the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Funding programme has completed the necessary £4.171m investment package. The remaining costs are covered by £1.610m from the Heritage and Place Fund and £0.283m provided by the Council.

The project forms a key part of the broader £1.3bn Granton Waterfront regeneration. The 'C' listed building, which was originally used to train lighthouse keepers and test new maritime illuminations, will be transformed into a modern, flexible workspace operated by the Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.

Refurbishment plans include the restoration of original features, such as the lantern, alongside the creation of learning, enterprise, and exhibition spaces, and a café. The surrounding area will be landscaped into a social green space with the addition of cycle storage and disabled parking. A planning application has been submitted, with construction potentially beginning as early as next year.

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Council Leader Jane Meagher said: "I'm delighted the funding is now in place to restore this historically significant building to be enjoyed by the local community for generations to come. The former lighthouse building is a strong visual reminder of the area's history. It will now start a new chapter as it continues to be a place of learning and creativity as well as a focal point for the local community to meet. Arts and Education Trust Out of the Blue were selected as a suitable operator to lease the building following feedback from local people who told us they need a flexible, accessible work and events space for arts education.

"It's also another great milestone reached for our £1.3bn regeneration of the wider area and follows our announcement at the end of last year that the Council had been successful in securing funding for this and several other heritage buildings. This includes funding to refurbish and restore structures such as Madelvic House, Granton Castle Walled Garden and the platforms in Granton Station Square, the latter of which are located beside the beautifully restored former Granton Station building."