SNP Councillors Welcome Small Grants Scheme for Banff's Bridge Street

A new small grants scheme and street improvement project for Bridge Street, Banff has been launched. The scheme, which is in partnership with Historic Scotland, is part of wider town centre improvements being carried out by Aberdeenshire Council in the town.

£500,000 covering a five-year period has been awarded from Historic Scotland for conservation-led regeneration in Banff.

Banff was awarded conservation status in 1973, defining it as an area of special architectural or historic interest in which it is desirable to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area.

Awards of up to £10,000 will be available for owners of properties on Bridge Street to carry out a variety of works, including repairs to roofs, traditional windows and front doors, shop front restoration and reinstatement of architectural features.

Welcoming the scheme, Banff & District SNP councillor Ian Gray said:

“I’m pleased to see this coming forward and hope that it will help turn around the bridge Street area which has suffered in recent years.

“While regeneration measures are needed across a range of our communities, I think schemes which focus in on small areas can provide an important first step along the road to seeing the wider area benefit, and I hope that other such schemes will be forthcoming in future if this one proves successful.”

Vice-chairman of the Banff & Buchan Area Committee, Cllr Brian Topping added:

© Aberdeenshire Council

“The sense of place and character that is found in Banff is second to none and by enhancing the town’s conservation status, one of Aberdeenshire’s most valued historic places will be safeguarded.”

“It is very exciting that funding has been secured to allow renovations and repairs to these historic buildings.

“Any owners of properties on Bridge Street should attend this meeting as it will give them the opportunity to understand how the application process will work.

“I am also glad to see steps being taken to consult with the public over more general improvements to the street. I also encourage all those interested in seeing Banff flourish to attend to ensure we gain as much feedback as possible.”

If you require further information about the scheme, please contact: Aberdeenshire Council, Town House, Low Street, Banff, AB45 1AY or email christine.pert@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.