Buildings get Historic Scotland grants to fund repairs

Sauchie Tower in Clackmannanshire is one of eight buildings getting a grant

The Scottish government has awarded grants totalling almost £2m to repair eight historic buildings.

Among the properties to benefit are the Campbeltown Picture House, believed to be Scotland's earliest continually working cinema, Paisley Town Hall and Sauchie Tower in Clackmannanshire.

Others include the A-listed Cowane's Hospital in Stirling and Tomintoul Croft in Braemar.

The money is from the latest round of Historic Scotland's Building Grants.

The biggest award has gone to the Campbeltown Picture House, which is to receive just under £450,000.

The A-listed building, which was opened on 26th May 1913 and was the first cinema in the town, is thought to be the oldest purpose-built cinema in Scotland still showing films.

Survival ensured

Mrs Jane Mayo, chairman of Campbeltown Community Business Ltd and The Picture House Ltd said: "The directors and the design team of the Picture House are delighted with the offer of grant assistance from Historic Scotland to conserve this internationally important cinema.

"This funding will enable the building to be conserved and repaired to the highest standard. We look forward to working with them to ensure the survival of this important cultural and community asset."

Sauchie Tower, considered to be an outstanding example of a large, early 15th century tower house, as been awarded £278,448.

It was built by Sir James Schaw, governor of Stirling Castle and a member of one of the more influential families in Medieval Scotland in the early 1400s.

Alistair Lawson, chairman of Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust, said: "We are delighted to learn of this generous grant from Historic Scotland.

"It will make a great contribution towards completing the restoration of Sauchie Tower, so that this little altered and very special tower can be appreciated by many more people."

The Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Fiona Hyslop, said: "Scotland has a wealth of fascinating buildings and architecture and it is vital that we preserve these iconic buildings which help regenerate areas and communities.

"These grants not only help to breathe new fabric into the heart of the community and preserve our sense of history and heritage but also assist in attracting visitors, which in turns boosts Scotland's economy."