<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs has made \u00a310m available to councils to regenerate Scotland\u2019s conservation areas, while local authorities have until 31 August 2012, to submit an application.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Cabinet Secretary launched Historic Scotland\u2019s latest round of Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes (CARS) funding for local authorities ahead of her appearance at the heritage agency\u2019s annual conference in Glasgow on Wednesday February 29th.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The CARS grants breathe new life into run down areas through channelling funding towards opportunities to enhance sustainable economic growth. They support projects that develop an area\u2019s sense of place and will run over the next 5 years.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ms Hyslop said: \u2018These grants have already made a huge difference in many areas, returning our historic communities to their former glory. They have meant that the architecture, building styles and traditional materials that make places like Brechin, Orkney and Campbeltown unique are properly preserved. By restoring our high streets and town centres we protect their distinct identities. The people who live, shop and work there benefit from it and so does the economy and work and training opportunities are created and tourism potential is enhanced.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I hope many more councils will seize this opportunity to work in partnership with Historic Scotland and other bodies to kick start regeneration projects across Scotland.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n CARS specifically target conservation areas with social and economic disadvantages that make it difficult to attract investment in sustainable regeneration. Funding can be used for repairs and improvements to private homes and businesses as well as restoring local landmarks to bring them back into use. Funding is available to appoint suitably qualified staff to guide the project or provide training in traditional skills.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Property owners can apply for small grants for improvements such as restoring sash and case windows or repairing traditional rainwater goods. Provision is made to enable life long education and training opportunities, and also in spearheading work to public spaces.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Angus Council leader Bob Myles, Chair of the Brechin Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, in conjunction with the Townscape Heritage Initiative, said: \u2018Angus Council has appreciated the financial support of Historic Scotland in transforming some of the most important historic buildings in Brechin, providing a boost to the burgh\u2019s regeneration and economic growth. It has secured the future for a number of problematic historic buildings that had been vacant and were previously listed as \u2018at risk\u2019. As the five year partnership project reaches fruition, it is clear that restoring and enhancing Brechin\u2019s town centre environment has greatly improved the town\u2019s image and will be instrumental in attracting investment and new jobs.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Historic Scotland has awarded more \u00a316m towards this initiative since 2007. To date there have been 4 rounds, awarding \u00a36.5 million to projects in the first round, \u00a32 million in the second, \u00a35m in the third and \u00a33m in the third.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In Orkney, there is a CARS scheme in place through the Stromness Townscape Heritage Scheme, a regeneration programme primarily funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund along with Orkney Islands Council and Historic Scotland. To date, over \u00a3318k has been awarded in grants to 21 separate properties within the Stromness Conservation Area.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Vice Convener of the Council and Stromness councillor, James Stockan, said: \u2018It\u2019s just fantastic to see so many of our traditional buildings brought back up to scratch and back into use \u2013 in some cases from the brink of ruin \u2013 and now really shining out within the conservation area and helping to highlight the unique character of Stromness. These improvements have really raised the bar in the built environment in Stromness and we hope that people are inspired by the changes.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kathleen Ireland is owner of The Outbuildings of 13 Graham Place. The former bakery had lain vacant for many years and the building was in a poor condition both structurally and aesthetically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The roofing had corroded, allowing water into the building, with the lack of rainwater goods contributing to problems with internal dampness. This vacant space has now been brought back into use through the Stromness THI which is part funded by Historic Scotland\u2019s CARS.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The building has been converted into a modest dwelling house, with care being taken to retain the walls of the building and the original form of the roof.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kathleen said: \u2018I am delighted with the quality of the work. The refurbishment of the building is amazing and the transformation of the lane is appreciated by everyone. The application and planning process was rigorous. However with help from THI staff and all the other professions involved this meant the project ran smoothly once it was underway.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grants are targeted towards conservation areas where:<\/p>\n \u00b7 economic, social and physical need for financial support can be demonstrated; investment is identified as a priority through development plans and community planning partnerships;<\/p>\n \u00b7 support is demonstrated to add value to a wider package of public\/ private investment and action;<\/p>\n \u00b7 it is actively managed in line with best practice set out in Planning Advice Note 71: Conservation Area Management; and<\/p>\n \u00b7 there is evidence of strong local commitment for heritage\u2013led regeneration.<\/p>\n \u00b7 grant funding has not already been invested.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n CARS are partnership projects in which Historic Scotland will be just one of the funding bodies. They typically include the Heritage Lottery Fund, local authorities, heritage trusts and other public or voluntary bodies. Contributions are also made by the private sector.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Local authorities already taking part in CAR schemes include:<\/p>\n \u00b7 Argyll & Bute \u2013 Campbelltown<\/p>\n \u00b7 Aberdeen \u2013 Green Hill<\/p>\n \u00b7 Aberdeenshire \u2013 Peterhead & Banff<\/p>\n \u00b7 Angus \u2013 Brechin<\/p>\n \u00b7 Dumfries & Galloway \u2013 Whithorn<\/p>\n \u00b7 East Ayrshire \u2013 Kilmarnock & John Finnie & Bank Street<\/p>\n \u00b7 Edinburgh \u2013 Leith<\/p>\n \u00b7 Falkirk \u2013 Bo\u2019ness<\/p>\n \u00b7 Fife \u2013 Dunfermline & Dysart<\/p>\n \u00b7 Highland \u2013 Wick<\/p>\n \u00b7 Loch Lomond and the Trossochs \u2013 Killin<\/p>\n \u00b7 Midlothian \u2013 Dalkeith Park & High Street<\/p>\n \u00b7 North Lanarkshire \u2013 Kilsyth<\/p>\n \u00b7 Perth & Kinross Council \u2013 Coupar Angus<\/p>\n \u00b7 South Lanarkshire \u2013 Leadhills<\/p>\n \u00b7 Western Isles \u2013 Stornoway<\/p>\n <\/p>\n More information on applying can be found at<\/span>: LINK<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n HS News<\/span>: LINK<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs has made \u00a310m available to councils to regenerate Scotland\u2019s conservation areas, while local authorities have until 31 August 2012, to submit an application. The Cabinet Secretary launched Historic … Continue reading