Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has said that grant funding for Scotland's historic environment next year should remain the same as the current level of £14.5m.

The comment was made as Ms Hyslop opened the stage one debate on the Historic Environment Scotland Bill. She added that she has asked Historic Scotland to maintain its overall grant budget at current levels in 2015/16.

In addition, Historic Scotland will also award almost £2m to seven historic buildings and landmarks across central and North East Scotland.

The Building Repair Grants, which will range from £26,000 to £500,000, will see a number of buildings and landmarks brought back into use. They include the interior of the Citizen's Theatre in Glasgow, a suspension bridge over the River Dee in Ballater, huts at a former World War II Prisoner of War camp in Comrie, and a 15th century tower in Fochabers.

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Ms Hyslop said: "The historic environment is as much about people than buildings. It's about what people value and want to see cared for. It is a vital resource in cultural, social and economic terms that can and should deliver greater benefits for communities. The Scottish Government is very ambitious for the historic environment.

"That is why we developed Scotland's first ever strategy for the historic environment – 'Our Place in Time' – which sets out a clear vision to produce tangible benefits for this precious resource and ensure it is even better understood, protected and celebrated.

"In line with that strong ambition I worked very hard to protect Historic Scotland's external grants programme for this year. Today I can confirm that I have asked the organisation to maintain its annual grant budget at approximately £14.5 million into 2015/16."

She continued: "Today's announcement of £2m to support restoration and repair work at seven historical sites across Scotland takes the amount Historic Scotland has awarded in Building Repair Grants to almost £28 million over the last five years.

"This underlines the Scottish Government's commitment to protecting and preserving Scotland's incredible built heritage for future generations and to ensuring the historic environment continues to play an important role supporting local communities and the Scottish economy."

(JP/IT)