A new heritage-led regeneration scheme is to be launched next week in Elgin.

Elgin High Street was selected as an outstanding area of conservation in 1976, due to the high number of listed buildings, several of which are of national importance.

The £3.3m redevelopment scheme has secured funds from Historic Scotland, Moray council, City of Elgin Business Improvement District (BID) and the Elgin Fund to carry out essential repairs and improvements to the city centre over the next five years.

The Elgin Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) will provide grants to assist businesses and property owners or occupiers with the costs of external repairs for the identified buildings and closes, as well as other historic buildings in need of repair and for shopfront upgrades.

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Elgin CARS Chairman, Jim Royan, said: "This scheme is a major boost for Elgin. It will help to restore a sense of pride in our city centre and make a positive contribution to the wider Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere partnership initiative by delivering the Conservation Area Action Plan that was commissioned in 2012."

David Urquhart, who chairs Elgin BID, added: "Elgin CARS is a fantastic opportunity for businesses and property owners to apply for funding towards the cost of repairing and improving the exterior of their building to enhance the overall shopping experience and create a vibrant city centre that will benefit everyone."

Councillor John Cowe, Chairman of Moray Council's economic development and infrastructure services committee, concluded: "Town centres across the country have suffered enormously from out of town shopping and the growth of internet sales in recent years. This regeneration project has superb potential to have a significant impact on both the attractiveness and future prosperity of Elgin."

The public launch event will be held at St Giles Church on Tuesday 13 August from 6pm.

(JP/CD)