Heritage sites enjoy TLC as Historic Scotland announces more than £4 million in awards

Leighton Library, Scotland’s earliest surviving purpose built archive, will be refurbished as part of a major round of “vital” funding by the Scottish government which will also see a 422-year-old set of Edinburgh buildings become a new learning centre.

Historic Scotland will spend more than £4 million on 16 historic sites, including a £77,000 investment in the ancient Dunblane library and a £500,000 award for Riddle’s Court, a merchant’s house from the late 16th century.

The money will pay for building repairs as part of a wider plan to turn the Court into the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning and Conservation, named after the city’s influential urban planner.

“The Centre will be an excellent example of heritage regeneration of one of the finest surviving Scottish residences,” said Fiona Hyslop, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, announcing the “diverse and fascinating” developments receiving support.

“It will become a conservation hub providing a platform for sharing resources and best practice advice, as well as practical training on traditional building skills.

“It is vital that we preserve our historic environment, not only for future generations to enjoy, but also to attract visitors from around the world who come to explore our fascinating history and heritage.”

Full list of recipients:

St Peter's, Cardross £500,000
Grand Fountain, Paisley £100,132
Spiers Centre, Alloa £435,000
Pheasantry, Haddo House £28,169
Riddle's Court £500,000
Glasgow School of Art £178,042
Rothesay Pavilion £500,000
Carnsalloch House £364,000
Brig O' Doon £30,160
Corn Exchange, Dalkeith £83,864
Leighton Library £76,800
Inverness Town Steeple £241,750
Haddington Town House £59,000
Brodie's Mill Innerleithen £500,000
Castle Leod £219,618
Kelvingrove Bandstand £245,000