The town's main civic space is undergoing a £4.5 million revamp. It is due to close for refurbishment at the end of July.

West Lothian Council will get the Rose Garden back from Historic Scotland, guardians of Linlithgow Palace, and use it as part of a dramatic garden cafe and terrace at the back of the halls. Councillors heard this week that the garden – which was given to Historic Scotland around the times of local government re-organisation in the 1970s – would be a great asset to the council's plans.

Members of the council's area committee discussed progress on the bid to take back the rose garden on Tuesday morning.

But it was in response to a phone call from the Journal and Gazette that Historic Scotland revealed the good news.

Historic Scotland regional architect Gregor Stark said: ''The future ownership of the Rose Garden in Linlithgow was raised during discussions with West Lothian Council on the refurbishment of the Burgh Halls. After giving this full consideration, Historic Scotland believes that the Burgh Hall scheme will benefit from the Rose Garden becoming part of this development and we are happy to return the garden to council ownership.

''As far as we are concerned, we believe this transition will happen smoothly and we hope that the public will continue to enjoy the Rose Garden for years to come."

Local councillor Martyn Day said: ''I am delighted with this news and it's full steam ahead for the project.''

It is also hoped the plans for refurbishment will offer work experience opportunities and also create apprenticeship openings for a number of young local people.

West Lothian Council will foot the bill for most of the costs involved in the Burgh Halls development, with just over £3 million being spent on the project, which is scheduled for completion in December 2009.

Historic Scotland has put up nearly £400,000 and the Scottish Arts Council £250,000.

On June 3 the council will hear whether the Heritage Lottery Fund has approved an application for £800,000, the final piece of funding awaiting confirmation.