Historic buildings to be improved with £2m funding

Buildings will be improved in the Castlegate area

More than £2m in grant funding has been announced for regeneration projects in the east end of Aberdeen city centre, including the historic Castlegate.

The money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland doubles the sum of money already set aside by Aberdeen City Council (ACC) for the scheme as part of the wider city centre and beach masterplan.

A further £1m is also being invested by building owners in the area.

The five-year programme will include repairs to historic buildings around the Castlegate with attention being given to shopfronts on Justice Street.

Regeneration work is currently ongoing at the Castlegate, which is expected to last about a year.

The city centre area is undergoing a major regeneration including on Union Street.

ACC finance convener Alex McLellan said: "These grants for building owners, community groups and residents will complement regeneration work.

"It is really important to restore heritage where we can, we have a really proud heritage here, and these grants will go a long way in helping folk to do that."