A huge project to rejuvenate historic buildings throughout Fraserburgh will begin with the restoration of the Penny Schoolie.
The old school, within the town’s Conservation Area, has been chosen by the Fraserburgh 2021 group to receive the first funding grant for regeneration and improvement works.
It was brought into use in 1863, as the Strachan Female Industrial School, a belated result of the Factory Act of 1833 which imposed a duty on employers to provide full-time education for all employees under the age of 13.
The building now forms part of the Old Parish Church Centre on the High Street and work will start this month to return it to its former glory.
Ten other buildings are earmarked for improvements under the small grants scheme between now and 2021.
Church Officer Jim Buchan said: “We’ve put much of our resources recently into the interior and are absolutely delighted that Fraserburgh 2021 will contribute to our efforts with works to the outside.”
The conservation-friendly repairs will include work to the roof, chimneys, cast iron gutters, windows, doors, harling and stonework, using largely traditional techniques and materials.
Fraserburgh 2021 project officer, Sofia Oliveira, said: “We are hopeful that this project and planned improvements to other buildings on the High Street will make a positive difference to how the historic centre of Fraserburgh is seen by residents and visitors.”
As the western entrance to the Conservation Area, the Schoolie is included in the £5.8 million Town Centre Conservation Area Regeneration scheme that was initiated in 2017.
This is part of the wider Aberdeenshire Council-led Fraserburgh 2021 Regeneration project.
Regeneration Development Partnership chairman, Brian Topping, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Penny Schoolie and High Street starting to get the care they deserve. We’re really grateful to the funders.”
Sponsors of the project are Aberdeenshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Peter Argyle, added: “Regeneration efforts in our northern towns have now been underway for some time and there has been a lot of work happening in the background, as well as some more visible work.
“This project will be encouraging for the local community and other businesses to see this work take place, improving the image of the town.”
