Lochgilphead historic buildings and shopfronts are set to get a makeover with the launch of a new grant scheme to help building owners carry out repairs. It is part of ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp Council’s ongoing investment and regeneration in the town, to help attract more people and jobs to the area and make the place more vibrant for communities.
The Small Repairs Grant is part of the Lochgilphead Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), a £1.6million project that runs until March 2026. It follows on from previous successful CARS in Dunoon, Rothesay and Campbeltown.
Grants are currently available within Priority Area 1 of the designated CARS boundary which includes the south end of Argyll Street, and part of both Poltalloch Street and Lochnell Street.
Eligible works for Small Repair Grants include repairs to:
- roofs
- chimneys
- leadwork
- rainwater goods
- doors and windows.
For shopfronts within the grant area there is funding available for the reinstatement of traditional features and shopfront detail.
It also includes communal repairs to tenement properties if there is an Owners Association and future maintenance works are agreed. Details of how to form an association can be found on the council website.
Councillor Alastair Redman, Policy Lead, Business, Regeneration and Commercial Development:
“The small repairs grant is a welcome boost to regeneration works already happening in the town following extensive public realm improvements to the town centre and the current works at the Front Green.
We have seen first-hand the positive benefits heritage led regeneration projects can bring with improvements leading to new business opening, employment opportunities and people choosing to live here. This is a great opportunity for historic building owners to get help with repair costs. â€
More information and how to apply
If you are interested in applying for the Historic Buildings Small repair grant or the Shopfront Improvement grant, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) before 3 October 2021. Funding is limited and EOI’s will be scored with invitations to apply for funding issued to projects with the highest scores.
Details on how to apply can be found on the Council website /lochgilphead-cars-grants
For more information and help completing the application forms, contact the Lochgilphead CARS Project Officer:
James Lafferty
Email: james.lafferty@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Phone: 01586 559049
·¬ÇÑÊÓƵapp Council administers Lochgilphead CARS which is funded by Historic Environment Scotland, the Council and contributions from private building owners. Similar CARS projects have helped transform other towns including Campbeltown, Inveraray, Dunoon and Rothesay.