Scotland's newest city has been given a £650,000 grant to restore its historic buildings.

The money from Historic Scotland will help Perth restore and repair historic buildings including the 19th-century Sheriff Court and 18th-century Perth Bridge.

Perth's city status will be officially recognised during a visit from the Queen later this month.

The funds, spread out over three years, have been awarded to the Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "The grant from Historic Scotland will help secure Perth’s outstanding built heritage, enhancing the city and preserving a sense of place. Improving the historic properties will also encourage tourism, promote the use of traditional building skills and make the city of Perth a better place to live, work and invest in. Using sustainable materials to adapt existing buildings will also help support the historic environment’s transition to a low carbon economy. This award marks the culmination of a successful partnership between Historic Scotland and Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust."


Perth's historic buildings include more than 360 listed properties.

Trust chairwoman Sue Hendry said: "The scheme will allow the trust to enhance and promote historic buildings within the conservation areas of Perth and Kinnoull, and will complement the Tay Landscape Partnership Scheme currently being developed to celebrate the unique character of the surrounding area."

(NE/GK)