One of Scotland's leading firms in conservation architecture, Simpson and Brown, has been appointed to work in collaboration with Historic Scotland to prepare a guide on how to restore castles and tower-houses as part of the Agency's Scottish Castles Initiative.

The contract to co-produce the text was awarded by Historic Scotland following a tender process which attracted entries from architectural firms throughout the UK and beyond.

Historic Scotland and Simpson and Brown will now prepare the guide which will outline the best conservation practices and act as a resource pack for prospective owners and developers.

The guide will also contain the best examples of historic building restoration in Scotland.

Malcolm Cooper, Chief Inspector of Historic Scotland who is leading the Scottish Castles Initiative, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Simpson and Brown to the project team. Having one of the country’s most experienced architects to support the Initiative will assist us in delivering a guide which provides expert advice to anyone who wishes to restore a ruined castle or derelict tower-house.

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"We need to provide people including architects, developers, and potential buyers with information on how to effectively manage a successful restoration project.

"With Simpson and Brown on board – combined with our external reference group which brings together the country’s leading experts in construction, architecture and design – I am confident that together we will deliver an Initiative which welcomes investment in the historic environment and ensures that those projects are successfully completed."

Tom Addyman, Partner at Simpson and Brown, said it is a great privilege to be involved in the production of this important publication: "We hope that it will define the standard by which conservation and restoration projects for castles and tower-houses can be undertaken, where best conservation practice is based upon firm understanding of traditional materials and construction, of the history of a given site, and of how such buildings can be creatively brought back to renewed life."

Culture Minister Michael Russell announced the Initiative in May this year and Historic Scotland has being carrying out an audit of prospective buildings suitable for restoration. The first round of buildings is expected to be released in August.

It is intended that the Guide will be available in early 2010.

(GK/BMcc)