An extra £10 million is being made available to towns and cities across Scotland for investment in their historic environment.

The Scottish Government funding will be handed out to 12 council areas, including Inveraray, Elgin, Kirkwall and Banff.

The money, distributed through Historic Scotland's Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (Cars), encourages local authorities to invest in historic sites as well as helping economic growth.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop made the announcement as she visited Dalkeith in Midlothian, which was previously allocated £402,638 from the funding.

She was shown how the money was used to repair several buildings, including the Tolbooth and Cross Keys Hotel, a former coaching inn.

"It has been a great privilege to see how this investment is continuing to benefit communities," Ms Hyslop said.

"Our historic environment plays a key role in communities and this funding provides an opportunity to invest back into the historic fabric and back into the heart of communities. It also provides the opportunity to stimulate economic regeneration through a new end use or rejuvenating an existing facility."

Other areas in the scheme are Kirkwall in Orkney; Parkhead Cross in Glasgow; Banff in Aberdeenshire; Falkirk; Kirriemuir in Angus; Galston in East Ayrshire and Inveraray in Argyll and Bute.

The architectural plight of the historic 18th century heart of Inveraray in Argyll has been recognised with an award of £970,000 to Argyll and Bute Council

Councillor John Semple said: "This investment in the important built heritage of the town will see it restored to a vibrant and iconic place to live and work, which can only attract more people to come and see the Royal Burgh."

Gorebridge in Midlothian will be given £548,500 for essential repairs and improvements.

Bob Constable, leader of Midlothian Council, said: "We are obviously delighted to have been awarded this new funding. I'm sure the new Cars project will bring a huge number of benefits for residents, businesses and the wider community."