Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is set to provide a £10 million funding boost towards towns, city centres and places of historic interest in the country.

The finance will be distributed through the organisation's Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) and encourages councils to invest in their historic environment, repairing and restoring the built environment while also helping to stimulate economic regeneration.

Delivering multi-funded projects, the funding can be utilised for a number of purposes from priority repairs and small grants for homeowners, developers and retailers, to providing traditional craft training opportunities.

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Recently, Paisley has used CARS funding to redevelop shop fronts and bring vacant space back into use, as well as appointing building contractors to transform redundant buildings, including the repair of Paisley Arts Centre (the Former Laigh Kirk).

Dr David Mitchell, Acting Chief Executive for HES, said: "Since we launched CARS, many towns and villages across Scotland have benefited from this funding, from Stromness to Kelso. Paisley town centre is a great example of what can be achieved and it’s fantastic to see the area flourishing and several of its historic buildings transformed.

"Releasing another round of £10 million funding will give more areas than ever before the opportunity to benefit from this investment."

The deadline to apply for CARS funding is Wednesday, 31 August.

(LM/MH)