Owners and tenants of historic Aberdeen properties will be given renovation advice from some of the country’s leading conservationists at a free event.
The council is hosting the Built Heritage Conservation and Community Engagement Workshop at the Music Hall from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on May 20.
There will be a strong focus on the Union Street Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), a £2.4 million grants programme jointly funded by the council and Historic Environment Scotland with further backing from Aberdeen Inspired.
Grants can cover up to 60% of repairs and 75% of shopfront improvement costs, with owners expected to meet the rest. Conditions include a commitment to future maintenance.
The event will be led by Dr Marc Ellington, the executive director of the Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre.
He said: “This major event, which is the first of its kind to be held in the north-east, will provide those participating with highly useful information concerning the requirements necessary in order to maximise the cultural, social and economic benefits offered by the outstanding built heritage within the city of Aberdeen.”
Workshop presenters will include Paul Higson, project manager of the North East Scotland Preservation Trust.
The line-up also includes Dr James Simpson OBE, a board member of The Royal Commission on Historic Buildings and Monuments, Craig Wilson, a lecturer in building pathology and star of the Channel 4 show Demolition and Marcus Binney CBE, founder of Save Britain’s Heritage.
Aberdeen City Council planners will be on hand to share information about conservation and how to apply for funding support.
