A CASTLE in Kilmarnock, a harbour that defended Scotland from American privateers and Peter Pan's 'birthplace' are all set to benefit from a £1.7 million funding scheme.

 

The sites are among the latest recipients of the Historic Scotland Building Repair Grants Scheme which helps to support the repair and restoration of historic buildings.

Dean Castle in Kilmarnock, a category A listed medieval castle, has been awarded £500,000, while the Battery on Lamer Island in Dunbar has been awarded £56,344 to help towards turning the harbour into a community space.

In Dumfries, Moat Brae House where JM Barrie wrote the children's classic Peter Pan, will received £300,000 to help towards turning it into a storytelling centre.

Announcing the funding, Fiona Hyslop, cabinet secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs, said: "Our diverse built heritage plays an important role in towns and cities across Scotland and forms a key part of our cultural identity.

"The recipients of this award showcase the scope and scale of these buildings and investing in their repair will ensure they can open their doors to the public for years to come.

"One of the key elements of the historic environment strategy 'Our Place in Time' is that we work with partners to help to conserve and promote our built heritage, so it can be enjoyed by current and future generations, and schemes such as this are an important way of helping to achieve this."

Other recipients of the scheme include Brough Lodge in Shetland, Cambo Stables near St Andrews and Kirkhaven Hall in Glasgow's West End.

The grant programme, which welcomes applications three times a year, is a competitive process that looks at the wider community benefits of a repair project such as community engagement, promoting sustainable economic and rural development, reinforcing local identity and the development of traditional skills

Historic Scotland is now taking applications for the next round of funding.