Major funding to enhance cultural heritage of Scotland

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has announced £11.3 million of funding for 'shovel ready projects'.

£11.3 million of funding has been granted to 'shovel-ready projects', Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has announced. The investment will aim to enhance and protect the fabric of Scotland's cultural heritage, whilst boosting the Scottish economy by supporting jobs. Among the projects which will benefit are Lews Castle, which will receive £1.6 million to support the completion of repairs; Thomas Thomson House (National Records of Scotland) who will receive funding for urgent roof repairs; and National Library of Scotland whose grant is for internal and external fabric maintenance at Baden Powell House.

Fiona Hyslop said of the grants: 'Scotland is known around the world for its rich culture and heritage. These sectors attract thousands of visitors to our shores each year, supporting jobs and generating billions of pounds for the Scottish economy. 'This Government is focused on maximising the value of every public pound as we take forward programmes to support economic recovery - including further investment in the maintenance of our cultural assets.
'Creative Scotland's capital programme invests in facilities, refurbishments and equipment, improving access, presentation and enjoyment of the arts and culture all round Scotland.  Additional funding of £3 million over the next three years will help Creative Scotland to support even more projects that bring real economic benefits to communities and deliver better facilities for artists and audiences.
'Funding of £1.6 million over two years is also being provided to Historic Scotland to support the completion of repairs to Lews Castle in Stornoway, including the external stonework and the roof, and the fine plaster and timber work inside.  The Castle, which has been empty since 1998, has had long term problems of water ingress and structural instability.  
'This investment is enabling the Castle to be developed as a hotel and museum, maintaining public access while allowing the main rooms of the Castle to be used as reception rooms, and in a financially sustainable way.
'A further £2 million funding for Historic Scotland will ensure the agency's heritage assets continue to be maintained effectively and reduce the need for extensive and costly repairs in the future. This funding for shovel-ready culture and heritage projects will inject growth into the economy, demonstrating how this Government - in the face of Westminster economic neglect - is using all the powers we have to create new opportunities for our people.'

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