Award-winning Scottish heritage project

The challenge

I partnered with heritage specialist Lyndsey Clark on a storytelling project for the town of Prestonpans in Scotland. This was part of a wider project designed to revitalise Prestonpans’ Civic Square – the principal public space in this coastal town. The project won a national Scottish Design Award.

How I was involved

I edited and proofread two large interpretive panels for Civic Square. This information told the story of the town’s built heritage, natural landscape, and cultural history.

The content needed to be clear, accurate, and engaging for residents and visitors. The war memorial information needed particular sensitivity to ensure a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives in the World Wars.

The outcome

The project’s first phase opened in late 2022, with involvement from East Lothian Council, Prestonpans Community Council, Rankinfraser, Artibrand, my client Lyndsey Clark, and other partners.

I enjoyed working with Lyndsey on this project. Building on its success, Lyndsey has since asked me to help with several other projects, including editing work on a heritage walking trail leaflet, interpretation panels for Preston Tower and Gardens, and a major website refresh for the Association for Heritage Interpretation.

National awards

The Prestonpans Civic Square project won a national Scottish Design Award in 2023. The Preston Tower project was a Regional Finalist in the AABC Conservation Awards 2025, reflecting its contribution to historic building conservation, including its accessibility and civic impact.