£500,000 conservation scheme launched in Portsoy

AN OPEN event will be held in Portsoy to launch a scheme that will inject £500,000 into conservation projects in the town.

The aim of the exhibition will be for the public to give their views and learn more about scheme and funds available.

Four projects have already been earmarked for the conservation area regeneration scheme (CARS) in the town which are the Back Green, two derelict buildings at Shore Street, a former grain store at Shorehead and the former Star Inn at North High Street.

Aberdeenshire Council is working in partnership with private owners, Portsoy Boat Festival and North East Scotland Preservation Trust and has encouraged people to get involved.

Councillor Peter Argyle, chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee, said: "If you value the built heritage, sense of place and the character of Portsoy, live, own a property, or run a business in the town, then I urge you to attend .

"It is important to preserve the character of our towns in Aberdeenshire and I look forward to seeing the scheme progress and build on successful community heritage initiatives such as the Portsoy Boat Festival and restoration of the Salmon Bothy."

The local authority will also review the designation, character, boundary and special qualities of Portsoy’s conservation area as part of the process.

The Portsoy CARS will begin this year and complete in March 2016.

A small project grant scheme will also be developed to assist owners of listed and other historic properties to help retain or restore, existing character, or lost architectural detail.

In addition the scheme will provide education programmes and training opportunities in traditional building skills.

The event takes place at Portsoy Town Hall on Friday and Saturday, September 29-30, with opening times on both days 11am-3pm.

For more information or to comment on the scheme please email hamish.robertson@aberdeenshire.co.uk

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