A £1.5 million repair funding package for seven churches and a cathedral has been granted by Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

The funding will ensure the buildings are wind and watertight, providing a venue for worship and a hub for community activity.

The places for worship selected to receive the finance are:

• Shettleston New Church of Scotland, Glasgow - £235,200

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• St Michael's Kirk, Inveresk - £228,000

• Paisley Central Methodist Hall - £228,600

• St Mungo's Parish Church, Alloa - £248,000

• St Anne's Episcopal Church, Dunbar - £162,000

• St Ninian's Cathedral, Perth - £241,600

• St Mary's Parish Church, Kirkintilloch - £203,000

Lucy Casot, Head of HLF Scotland, said: "Scotland's amazing array of churches provide a focus for many community activities particularly at this time of year. HLF is delighted that, working in partnership with the Historic Environment Scotland, we are able to help these congregations secure the future of their buildings.

"Not only will they be wind and water tight but activities and events will reach out to new generations encouraging many more through their doors."

(LM)