A key Inverness city centre street could take a step back in time with plans to encourage shops to consider traditional frontages.
The team tasked with revamping Academy Street are hosting a drop in session with a traditional signwriter on Thursday.
They are encouraging shops and businesses along the street to consider the project and will offer advice about potential sources of grant funding.
Property owners and tenants on Academy Street are eligible for grants of up to 70% of total costs.
Traditional sign writer Ali Crichton, of Caligraphics Vintage Signage, will be showcasing his skills at the launch event at 34 Academy Street between 12pm until 3.30pm.
The Traditional Shopfront Improvement Scheme has set itself the target of making Academy Street a more attractive place to live, work, and visit by improving the appearance of shopfronts.
The grant money will assist in restoring the shopfronts to their original design, or the creation of new sympathetic shopfront where no evidence of the original design exists.
Chairman of the Townscape Heritage Partnership Board, Councillor Richard Laird said: “Academy Street has recently benefitted from the restoration of the fire-damaged M&Co Building and the launch of the shopfront improvement scheme offers welcome assistance to business owners and tenants.
“I would encourage all interested parties to take up this opportunity to meet the team at 34 Academy Street on Thursday.”
Inverness BID Manager Mike Smith said: “As BID’s representative on the Townscape Heritage Project we welcome the creation this new grant scheme. We feel that shop front improvements will be beneficial to local businesses and would encourage as many property owners to find out more next Thursday or by making contact with the TH Project Team.”
