Perth and Kinross Council is planning a project which will help private owners bring empty and unused properties back into use.

A seminar is being organised for 30 November and will mark the beginning of the vacant property development project.

Owners will be provided with a range of advice and assistance on repairing properties and making them ready again to be used as housing or commercial space.

Scottish Hypostyle Architects are organising the Property Repair & Re-use Seminar.

Its aim is to provide building owners and agents with tools to determine building condition, carry out repairs and bring empty properties back into economic use.

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Council Leader Ian Miller said: "Most property owners would agree that empty buildings are a wasted asset that could be put to more effective use and make a return from rental income. Alongside this, many empty properties can be at greater risk from vandalism or weather damage. They, along with buildings in a state of disrepair, can also impact negatively on potential investment in the surrounding area.

"In addition, we recognise that common repairs in flats can be difficult to organise, and we can help both in giving advice and providing cost-neutral grants to help fund missing shares of repair costs where this becomes necessary."

Perth And Kinross Council and the Heritage Trust will be providing financial aid to help owners over the next three years, through £650,000 of Historic Scotland funding.

Councillor Miller continued: "We are looking to encourage the reuse of vacant and underused properties both for commercial activity and, through conversion, for housing.

"The lack of rented accommodation and a growing student population locally means there is no shortage of tenants. I would encourage all those with an interest in property to attend the event to learn more about local assistance and opportunities."

(IT)