The success of Perth’s bid for city status has attracted a major financial boost a £650,000 investment in the restoration and maintenance of the Fair City.
Historic Scotland is making the award directly as a result of the Queen granting city status as part of her diamond jubilee celebrations.
The funding for Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust will be spread over three years, with the bulk of it going towards repairs on historic buildings. Priority will be made within a strategy agreed with Historic Scotland.
The grant aims to safeguard and enhance the historic environment, while contributing to job creation and economic recovery.
Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust will receive £150,000 for the remainder of year 2012/13, then £250,000 in each of 2013/14 and 2014/15.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: ”The grant from Historic Scotland will help secure Perth’s outstanding built heritage, enhancing the city and preserving a sense of place.
”Improving the historic properties will also encourage tourism, promote the use of traditional building skills, and make the city of Perth a better place to live, work and invest in.
”Using sustainable materials to adapt existing buildings will also help support the historic environment’s transition to a low-carbon economy. This award marks the culmination of a successful partnership between Historic Scotland and Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust.”
The grant is the first tangible economic benefit following on from the restoration of city status, which will be officially recognised during the Queen’s visit to Perth on Friday.
The city has more than 360 listed buildings, including the sheriff court, St John’s Kirk, Perth Bridge and the City Hall the last named being saved from demolition after Historic Scotland rejected the plan.
Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust chairwoman Sue Hendry said: ”The trust is delighted with this announcement of Historic Scotland’s support, to create a Perth City Heritage Fund to protect and conserve Perth’s built heritage, helping us to ensure the Fair City continues to live up to its name.
”The scheme will allow the trust to enhance and promote historic buildings within the conservation areas of Perth and Kinnoull, and will complement the Tay Landscape Partnership Scheme currently being developed to celebrate the unique character of the surrounding area.”