Following ion announcements regarding Scotland’s heritage, research reveals that extensive investment in the historic environment (HE) by Historic Scotland (HS) over the past five years has levered in over £166 million of additional funding.
HS writes:
An independent analysis commissioned by Historic Scotland and carried out by Jura Consultants assessed the impact of a range of investments from 2007-12. These include: Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes, Historic Building Repair Grants, City Heritage Trusts, Archaeology Grants, Ancient Monument Grants and Voluntary Sector Grants. Case studies looked in detail at the process and how it delivered benefits on the ground.
The highly oversubscribed Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes (CARS) invested £27 million in communities across Scotland in the past five years. £6.7 million was invested in 2007, delivering improvements to 28,000 sq m of public realm, and the rejuvenation and reuse of 15,000 sq m of vacant floor space. This investment attracted a further £18.6 million from other sources.
In addition, from 2007-12, more than 259 buildings benefited from a Building Repair Grant, with funding for a broad range of conservation and restoration projects totalling £33 million. Many of the properties which received monies to carry out works are visitor attractions or are open to the public on a regular basis, and the report concluded that for every pound invested via the programme, £4.50 is generated from other sources; a total of £147.5 million.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs said: ‘Our heritage is dynamic, rich and inspiring, and its social, cultural and economic benefits are wide-reaching, as the analysis of the extensive impact of recent grant investment illustrates. Investments in our historic environment over the past five years have been a catalyst for a further £166 million of investment in our communities, and these figures highlight the key role grants from Historic Scotland play in regenerating our town centres and supporting tourism. ‘
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