Work on a £2 million buildings regeneration project in Inveraray, Argyll and Bute is now complete.

The final project at Arkland was carried out as part of the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

It has become the fifth priority building in the town to be restored, joining the Town House, Chamberlain's House, the Old Temperance Hotel and Relief Land.

The regeneration scheme has transformed the appearance of the buildings including repairs to chimneys, slating and leadwork. The materials used will make the buildings drier and warmer and increased their appeal as useable properties.

In addition, the conservation was made possible by a council contribution of £350,000 and £970,000 CARS funding awarded by Historic Environment Scotland (HES). The total budget, which included contributions from the owners, Argyll Community Housing Association and private sector housing grant, was more than £2m.


In addition to the building work, the council CARS team facilitated skills training events for local contractors, which helped them secure work through the various projects.

Council Leader Aileen Morton said: "It's fantastic to see the final piece of scaffolding coming down to reveal another revitalised building. Inveraray looks great and the regeneration work will help the council's ambition of attracting more people to the historic town and the wider Argyll and Bute area.

"We appreciate the hard work and dedication of the property owners, contractors and the council team and are grateful for the assistance of all our partners in making the conservation of the town's important buildings a reality."

Thomas Knowles, Head of Grants at HES, added: "It's great that the work on Inveraray priority buildings is now complete with help from the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme.

"Preserving built heritage is key to supporting improved quality of life across Scotland and this hard work and regeneration of the five buildings will no doubt be appreciated by those living the local area."

(LM/MH)