The Scottish Government has revealed a £6.6 million fund towards conserving iconic heritage sites and monuments.

Confirming the funding today, 09 January, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the funding is part of a Government commitment to "protecting and promoting our rich history and heritage".

A recent report by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) estimates around £65m is required over the next decade to restore and protect heritage sites for future generations.

It is understood this additional funding will allow conservation work to start at priority sites including Doune, Stirling and Edinburgh Castles this year.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "From Doune Castle to Skara Brae, these iconic buildings and monuments represent more than 6,000 years of Scottish history and include a number of internationally significant sites that attract thousands of visitors every year.

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"Historic Environment Scotland's new conservation study gives us a detailed understanding of the impact on our own heritage sites and tells us what is required to protect and preserve them for the future. The funding I have announced today underlines the Scottish Government's commitment to protecting and promoting our rich history and heritage and will enable conservation work to begin at several of our treasured heritage sites."

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Conservation at HES, added: "This report is a milestone for Historic Environment Scotland a year on from the merger between Historic Scotland and The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.

"It is a significant piece of work, unprecedented for this estate, that will provide a basis for investment decisions over the next decade and determine how we will manage over 300 of Scotland's most cherished places and associated collections for future generations."

To view the report, visit here.

(LM/MH)