Grants available for next phase of Ross-shire town’s restoration

The iconic Townhouse on Dingwall High Street has been restored and for the first time in months the tuneful chiming of its clock can be heard once more throughout the town. The completed works, which include a glistening golden cockerel weathervane perched high in the sky, not only heralds a new lease of life for the building which dates back to 1733, but also paves the way for other historic properties in the town to  receive grant funding towards their refurbishment.

With £30K in funding still available for shops fronts and a further £160K still to be allocated for small building repairs, businesses on the High Street are being encouraged to apply for grant support to spruce up their buildings.

A number of property owners have already successfully applied for grant funding and a number of new projects will begin shortly.

The Dingwall CARS project officer Neil Cameron said: “Now the Townhouse work is completed and the building has been saved for many years to come, our main focus is on assisting property owners to improve other traditional buildings and shop fronts along the High Street. By investing in the built heritage of Dingwall town centre we are not only recognising and promoting the historical importance of the buildings, but also ensuring they’re protected for future generations to enjoy. 

“The restoration work on the Townhouse has generated a lot of local interest and put the spotlight on the historic buildings Dingwall has so we want to harness this and make sure that property owners are aware that funding support is still available to help them with restoration work. Anyone interested in finding out more should get in touch by telephoning me on 01349 868485 or by e-mail to neil.cameron@highland.gov.uk

Dingwall CARS is a heritage-led project focussed on the regeneration of Dingwall  High Street through investment in the built heritage.  Although the project priorities the repair of traditional buildings and shop fronts on the High Street, there is also an important education, training and awareness raising element of the scheme.

Whilst the specialist conservation work on the 18th century stone and timber Townhouse was underway an eye-catching photomontage featuring local pupil Megan MacLeod’s award winning design formed the centre piece of a High Street display.  Megan, from Dingwall, won the competition run by the Dingwall Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) to design an imaginary Mercat Cross for the 21st century.

Neil Cameron added:  “I would like to congratulate Megan on her winning design and thank her for brightening up the hoarding around the Townhouse works with the Mercat Cross montage which was the centrepiece of a display giving information about the whole CARS project.”