New homes approved for historic site

A HISTORIC hotel, which has been linked to the medieval Knights Templar, is to be transformed into 18 homes after the plans were approved by council chiefs.

The Templar Lodge Hotel in Gullane was repeatedly targeted by vandals after going out of business 11 years ago, to the dismay of local residents. Now the site is to be turned into a housing development under plans put forward by Playfair Properties Ltd. The project was approved by East Lothian Council at a recent meeting.

The building has been used to film a documentary about UFOs in East Lothian and was thought to date from the 18th century until hidden staircases, fireplaces and stonework dating back a further 600 years were found 13 years ago.

Experts now believe the building was a home to the Knights Templar, who fought crusades in the Middle Ages.

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