Renfrewshire Council has secured £90,000 in development funding — £45,000 from Historic Environment Scotland and £45,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund — to prepare a detailed proposal to regenerate the historic centre of Lochwinnoch.

The Cornerstones project will enable residents and local organisations to help shape plans, support investment in key historic buildings in the village centre, and promote Lochwinnoch's story.

Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of the Economy and Regeneration Board, said: "This funding from Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund is a powerful acknowledgement of Lochwinnoch's heritage and its importance to local communities. We're looking forward to working with residents and local organisations to support the development of the full project proposal. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to try and secure investment in Lochwinnoch's heritage buildings and celebrate its unique architecture and history."

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Dr Susan O'Connor, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland, said: "Heritage-led regeneration has the power to strengthen communities, support local economies and protect the places that matter most. Lochwinnoch has a wealth of heritage to draw from, with its rich architectural identity and strong sense of place. It's important for us to support this early‑stage funding that puts community at the heart of the process, inviting local people to shape plans from the outset and ensuring the village's history plays an important part in its future."

Caroline Clark, National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: "We know that heritage, and the shared stories it tells, shape community identity and underpins pride in place. In our 10-year strategy, Heritage 2033, we outlined a renewed focus on the potential for heritage to support thriving places and build connections. With our support the Cornerstones project will develop proposals centred on Lochwinnoch's built heritage to create opportunities that will benefit the whole community as well as supporting the local economy."

The focus area takes in the conservation zone from the centre of Main Street and High Street to the Calder Street and Church Street junction, down to Harvey Square and the Parish Church of Lochwinnoch on Church Street, as well as Auld Simon and Calder United Free Church. In total, the area includes 1 A listed building, 10 B listed buildings, 8 C listed buildings and 18 shopfronts.

The grant will fund a year-long community engagement programme starting this autumn, informing a second-round funding bid to deliver the scheme. If successful, Cornerstones is expected to run for five years from July 2028.