Conservation and repair work started this week to help safeguard two historic buildings in Lochgilphead.
The properties at 2-4 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp Street and 6-10 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp Street, will see essential repairs and conversation work carried out as part of a £534,955 investment by 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute Council’s Lochgilphead Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) project. The project has also benefitted from Private Sector Housing Grant funding.
The two properties are adjoining tenement buildings occupying a key location in the town centre. The buildings house both residential dwellings and three local businesses. Both buildings will see an extensive programme of work, including slated roof works, lead works, timber repairs, rainwater goods, and stone and render works.
Councillor Liz McCabe, Policy Lead for Islands and Business Development said: “It’s great to see the work getting off the ground on these two priority buildings.
“Not only will this investment help to safeguard the fabric of the buildings, it will help us to preserve the town’s rich, historic heritage, and will undoubtedly attract more visitors and businesses to the area. The Lochgilphead CARS programme has already had a huge positive impact on the local area, and this latest funding will help to build on that.â€
The CARS programme is jointly funded by 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute Council and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) together with contributions from building owners. It focuses on the regeneration of historic buildings as well as the promotion of traditional skills training and community engagement.
The programme aims to safeguard Lochgilphead’s heritage by supporting property owners to return their buildings and shopfronts to a good state of repair and boost the town centre’s visual and visitor appeal.