£750,000 investment into Perth heritage to improve employment

Funding to go towards renovating old buildings

Leaders of Perth and Kinross’s Heritage Trust are “delighted” with £750,000 invested in the cities’ historic buildings, which could lead to jobs being created in the area.

The grants, given by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), will allow a number of old structures across the city to be renovated.

Previous funding in two schemes from 2012 by HES, led to the transformation of buildings such as an 18th Century B-listed tenement on Perth’s High Street. Overall the past projects have seen a total investment of £2.5million in the city.

The programme will also give opportunities for local people to get involved through a number of training and educational projects.

Sara Carruthers, development manager explained how the project will work.

“Through regeneration of structures, jobs will be created in construction and shops will be opened in areas that unused buildings once occupied,” she said.

“We haven’t received the formal contract yet but once we do, the application process will begin and buildings can apply to us through to 2021.

“It doesn’t have to be a historic building but we are looking for structures prior to 2019.

Chairman of the trust Sue Hendry said: “We look forward to grantassisting owners with conservation and repairs to their buildings and improving the city centre, the condition of people’s homes and enhancing the economic vibrancy of the city.”

A total of £8.6 million will be given out across Scotland by HES, with Perth and Kinross receiving the same figure as Stirling and Dundee.

The highest amount will be given to Glasgow and Edinburgh who will have just over £2.5 million distributed each, while Aberdeen will receive just over £900,000 and Inverness £250,000.

Chief executive of HES Alex Paterson said: “We are seeing the positive impacts previous funding rounds have had on local communities, including the employment opportunities generated and stronger economies from successful commercial ventures.

Jobs will be created in construction and shops will be opened in areas that unused buildings once occupied. SARA CARRUTHERS

Members of the Trust celebrate their windfall in Perth city centre.