Cars initiative drives towards the finish line in Kirriemuir

Final touches being added to remaining heritage projects

A detailed photographic record of Kirriemuir’s town centre transformation is to be prepared as a modern day snapshot of the successful Central Area Regeneration Scheme (Cars).

With the award-winning seven-figure programme drawing to a close, final touches are being put to the remaining heritage projects within the scheme, which will also offer a partnership project for youngsters who have enjoyed hands-on involvement in the work.

The five-year project got under way in April 2013 with a number of key objectives including the repair and reinstatement of historical properties in the town’s conservation area, promotion of the built heritage of the wee red town and the restoration of architecturally important features.

One of the final instalments will be work on the north-west wall of the Reform Street car park, where Webster’s High School pupils have been involved in learning traditional lime mortar building skills before a memory mural is put in place. Project officer Karen West told the latest steering group meeting: “A photographic record of the properties within the Kirriemuir conservation area will provide a basis for monitoring future changes within the area and also serve as a resource for promotion of Kirriemuir, the built heritage of Angus and the Cars project more generally.”

It had been hoped to keep the photographic project in-house but the group has put it out to tender among a number of local photographers.

An estimated 350-plus images will be included in the record and integrated into a planned story map of Cars.

Steering group members are also now laying the foundations for a celebration event scheduled for April.

Significant elements of the Cars scheme have included the revamp of the town square in front of the Gateway to the Glens museum and grant-aided work to shops and other businesses, including the Thrums Hotel.

One of the larger projects was the restoration and conversion of the 19th Century Glengate Hall into an awardwinning residential development.

However, there has been controversy surrounding other parts of the scheme, notably the planned conversion of the former Hooks Hotel, which led to Angus Council taking direct action over the unfinished state of the Bank Street building. The developer has appealed a demand for repayment of the direct action costs of around £10,000 and a ruling is expected shortly.

A photographic record of the properties within the Kirriemuir conservation area will provide a basis for monitoring future changes within the area.

PROJECT OFFICER KAREN WEST

Picture: Kris Miller. The 19th Century Glengate Hall has been restored and converted.