Investment in heritage

Cash to upgrade buildings

Stirling is set for a £750,000 boost for its heritage–led regeneration projects over the next three years.

The funding is being released through the City Heritage Trust programme, administered by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) as part of an £8.6 million invested throughout Scotland’s seven cities.

The money, to be delivered between 201821, will allow Stirling City Heritage Trust to direct resources to projects that will regenerate buildings and city precincts.

A further £185,000 will be allocated to support the Trust’s Traditional Buildings Health Check Scheme.

In partnership with HES, and working with councils and other groups, the Stirling City Heritage Trust will channel the cash through its own programme to eligible projects.

Past funding has allowed Stirling City Heritage Trust to regenerate city centre properties in King Street – where shop fronts have been both conserved and enhanced, and several tenement buildings have been comprehensively repaired.

In 2015, the trust awarded its first grant from a £600,000 fund to upgrade King Street.

A `traditional building health check’ service has also been established to advise property owners on appropriate repair and maintenance issues and how they can be dealt with.

David Black, chair of Stirling City Heritage Trust, said: “It’s great news that Historic Environment Scotland will be funding the Trust for a further three years from April, 2018, including continuation of the traditional buildings health check, based on Stirling’s successful pilot scheme.

“This investment will allow us to continue to work in partnership with property owners in the repair and maintenance of the built heritage of Stirling.

“This is vital to the city’s economy, and crucial in safeguarding and conserving the rich cultural heritage found in the traditional buildings of Stirling.”

Alex Paterson, chief executive of HES, said: “Through schemes such as City Heritage Trust funding, organisations best placed to understand local needs have the opportunity to not only improve the condition and quality of their local historic environment, but align projects to deliver the best possible outcomes in their communities.

“We want to ensure more of the money we spend is directed by communities themselves – by the individuals and organisations who know best how to tackle the issues affecting their communities and harnessing the energy of local people.

“We are seeing the positive impacts previous funding rounds have had on communities, including the employment opportunities generated and stronger economies from successful commercial ventures.”

We are seeing the positive impacts