A small grants scheme aimed at helping to preserve Portsoy’s historic buildings has been launched by Aberdeenshire Council, and information will be available at the Making It Real meeting organised by the community council on February 29.

Applications are invited from owners and tenants with repairing leases to properly conserve the town’s listed and other historic buildings as part of the wider Portsoy Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) which began last year.

The small project grant (SPG) scheme has been developed as part of Portsoy CARS to assist owners to help retain, or restore the existing character or lost architectural details of historic buildings.

Works such as roof conservation, stonework, railings, gates, chimneys and the repair and refurbishment of traditional windows or doors would be eligible for grant assistance, up to a maximum of £25,000 as well as replacing inappropriate work carried out on a building.

-- Advertisement --

The grants will be awarded in as a proportion of eligible works agreed by Aberdeenshire Council with Historic Scotland in accordance with guidance.

Applicants are also encouraged to consult the Portsoy CARS project coordinator before planning works.

Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee Councillor Peter Argyle said: “I very much welcome this scheme as a great opportunity for Portsoy property owners and tenants to get some help towards maintaining or restoring the character of the town’s historic buildings.

"Portsoy is a harbour town with a wealth of historic charm and it is important that we do everything we can to preserve that for future generations."

Vice-chair Councillor Jill Webster added: "I am sure a lot of home owners in Portsoy will jump at the chance to help play their part in protecting the heritage of the town.

"I encourage people who are interested to attend the Making It Real meeting on February 29 in Portsoy to get expert information on the conservation of buildings and get their queries."

The Portsoy CARS began in 2011 and will complete in March 2016, after an award of £500,000 was made available from the Scottish Government through Historic Scotland to Aberdeenshire Council working in partnership with private owners, Portsoy Boat Festival and North East Scotland Preservation Trust.

The SPG scheme will run until all funds are used or until September 30, 2015. Projects awarded grants should be completed within six months of being confirmed.

(GK)