Kirkwall heritage initiative information sessions
Information events aimed at property owners in the Kirkwall Conservation Area, or are involved in the building trade.
The sessions, at the St Magnus Centre, are hosted by the Kirkwall Townscape Heritage Initiative (KTHI) and will have members of the team on hand to give information and advice about the scheme — and on how to apply for grants, the type of works eligible for grants, and requirements for grant funding.
KTHI manager Richard Ritch said “It is a condition of grant funding that all property owners, agents and contractors must attend one of these seminars before they can receive a grant, or undertake work on a grant-funded property.”
The KTHI is a five-year heritage-based grant scheme which seeks to deliver sustainable improvements to the built heritage of the Kirkwall Conservation Area, in an effort to regenerate the centre of Kirkwall for the benefit of local communities and businesses, as well as to attract visitors.
The overall budget for the scheme is £3.445 million, which is primarily being provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland and Orkney Islands Council.
Through the THI, grants will be made available within the Kirkwall Conservation Area for:
- Historic repairs and reinstatement to private properties.
- Bringing vacant properties back into use for economic gain.
- Public realm improvements (placemaking).
- Training and complementary initiatives.
The information sessions are 12-2pm, 3-5pm and 7-9pm today, Tuesday, November 25.