Cash help for 13th century castle on Mull

Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull is to receive £17,625 in recovery funding from Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

The sum has been awarded to the Duart Castle Partnership to help with work at the 13th-century castle as it plans for the next visitor season.

As part of the project, a one-way system will be developed so visitors can explore the castle safely. The Historic Environment Recovery Fund was launched in October with two funding streams available.

It was announced to support the recovery of Scotland’s historic environment sector from the impacts of Covid-19.

Funding totalling £1,916,238 to more than 40 organisations across the country has been made by HES.

Alex Paterson, chief executive at HES, said the funding would support projects the length and breadth of the country. He said: ‘By helping to protect jobs, reopen historic sites and maintaining investment in traditional skills training and apprenticeships, we hope to support the wider recovery of the sector and Scotland’s economy.

‘While historic sites and visitor attractions have been impacted by the closure of sites throughout the 2020 visitor season and the loss of revenue, other organisations in the sector have also had to adapt the way in which they carry out their work, put crucial traditional skills training and educational activities on hold and look at new ways to generate income and we hope this funding will allow the recipients to prepare for the future.’

He added: ‘The historic environment sector provides countless benefi ts to local communities – including providing jobs and generating tourism spend - and it is vital we support these organisations and ensure their important work can continue as we face the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and seek to harness opportunities ahead.’

Fiona Hyslop, cabinet secretary for culture at the Scottish Government, said: ‘Scotland is internationally renowned for the quality and diversity of its historic environment.

‘Our historic environment plays a crucial role in defi ning who we are as a nation, supporting wellbeing and sustainability within communities and promoting a positive image of Scotland across the world.

‘I am pleased that a wide range of projects will benefi t from Scottish Government funding as part of the Historic Environment Recovery Fund.

‘The support delivered through this fund will safeguard our shared heritage for future generations, protect jobs and help to strengthen Scotland’s wider economic recovery.’