Historic and listed buildings in Orkney are set to receive a boost as the council's annual Conservation Grants schemes reopen for applications.

From November 2 there are two types of grants available.

The Town Scheme is funded jointly by the council and Historic Scotland and is open to all properties within Orkney's Urban Conservation Areas at Kirkwall, Balfour Village in Shapinsay and St Margaret's Hope.

Buildings in the Stromness Conservation Area are now covered separately by the Stromness Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) funding. The scheme is designed to assist residents and businesses with the maintenance and repairs of traditional properties. Grant aid is available for up to 75% toward the cost of installation of traditional windows, and 50% for all other works, with a maximum grant award of £8,000.

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The Heritage Grants Scheme is specifically for listed buildings outside conservation areas and is aimed at contributing towards the expense of conservation materials and traditional skills often required in their upkeep. Grant aid is available for up to 50% of repair/maintenance costs, with a maximum of £8,000 for roofs and £6,000 for all other works.

This year, the council is encouraging applications for routine maintenance work which planner Stuart West said is an "extremely useful tactic in the preservation of historic and listed buildings".

"Simple measures such as securing a loose slate, cleaning guttering and repairing windows and flagstones are often overlooked but can prevent major damage to a building and will save money in the long run. Once a building becomes degraded, repair to conservation standards can be both expensive and difficult, due in part to traditional skills and materials required," he explained.

The council will accept applications for Conservation Grants until November 30. All applications will be assessed upon their receipt and applicants will be notified of the council's decision in January 2010. Successful applicants will have a maximum of one year to complete the necessary works before the grant offer lapses. The next opportunity to apply for Conservation Grants will be November 2010.

Vice-Convener Councillor James Stockan said: "The previous Schemes were very popular and oversubscribed, but we encourage people to consider putting in applications for work which will save repairs in the long run."

(GK/BMcC)