Six buildings are to benefit from Historic Scotland's Building Repairs Grants totaling £790,000.

Announcing the funding yesterday Culture Minister Michael Russell said: "In the current economic climate it is essential that we support projects that will make a real and visible difference to their communities and Scotland as a whole."

The Oil Storage Tank, Scapa Flow Visitor Centre, Orkney will receive £116,000. It is a three star museum telling the story of Orkney's role in the Second World War. As the tank is a metal structure it has been eroded by the elements and the repairs will provide training opportunities in welding, sheet metal and blacksmith work, scaffolding and industrial painting.

Former Servants' Hall, Melsetter, Orkney will accept £4,000. The hall repair is a small scale project that will keep the building wind and watertight and will use local vernacular traditional skills and materials. It is category B-listed.


Glenfinnan Station will receive £15,033. Opened in 1901, the Station is in the Swiss chalet style. The work to the category B building and signal box will provide access to visitors to the Station Museum. The signal box will become an audio visual studio and research facility. It will provide training opportunities in traditional slaterwork and reuse locally quarried West Highland slate.

The Pearce Institute, Govan, will be given £500,000. Designed in 1892 and built 1902-6 by Sir Rowand Anderson – one of Scotland’s most celebrated 19th century architects. The Pearce Institute is the largest and best example of Anderson’s work in the Scots Renaissance style which he pioneered. As well as its architectural importance, the Pearce Institute has played a significant role in the social history of Govan for the last century.

Barony Chambers, Kirkintilloch, will be awarded £5,500. This project will carry out essential repairs and will improve the appearance of this landmark building.

Camperdown House, Dundee, will receive £149,873. The house was built for the son of Admiral Duncan who won a famous victory at the Battle of Camperdown in the Napoleonic War. Without repair, the water damage would pose a threat to both the external and internal fabric of the building.

MSP Russell added: "It is important that when we invest money in our heritage we recognise the wealth of variety across Scotland. The buildings in this round are a wonderful example of the various building styles which will provide training opportunities in a number of traditional skills."

(GK/BMcC)