Culture Minister Michael Russell has announced that St Andrew's Cathedral in Glasgow will be awarded £500,000 to repair the historic building and improve access.

The Minister said: "St Andrew's Cathedral is a culturally, socially and architecturally important building and this funding from Historic Scotland will ensure that careful repairs are carried out to the highest standard, celebrating the original design.

"The programme of works planned will improve access for people with disabilities and open up more space for the congregation and community as well as visiting tourists and school groups."

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St Andrew's Metropolitan Cathedral was designed by James Gillespie Graham in 1814-17 as a Roman Catholic Chapel - the first to be built in Glasgow following the Reformation. It was raised to the status of Cathedral in 1878.

The Archdiocese of Glasgow will use the funding for a range of conservation work as well as providing a visitor space and provide more information about the significance of the A-listed building.

Archbishop Mario Conti, Archbishop of Glasgow, said: "We are very grateful for this contribution towards the very necessary repair and redevelopment work which is scheduled for the Cathedral. It is a fine Category A listed building which is open to the public every day of the year and is a much-loved Glasgow landmark."

The Cathedral is one of three projects supported in Historic Scotland's latest round of Building Repair Grants. Braemar Castle will receive £194,730 for repairs to the roof and turrets while £500,000 will go to the King's Theatre in Edinburgh.

Historic Scotland has invested more than £150m in protecting the nation's architectural heritage in the last 15 years.

(GK/JM)