Work is under way to try to restore a series of dilapidated buildings in Perth, which have been described as a “blight” on surrounding areas.
That is the message from Isobel Butt, Perth and Kinross Council’s vacant property development officer, who has stated that some of the sites may yet be given new life.
Buildings such as the rundown St Paul’s Church in Perth have attracted attention recently for a lack of progress on redevelopment, while other sites, such as the Waverley Hotel, have also been labelled “eyesores.”
However, Ms Butt told a meeting organised by Perth Civic Trust and Kinross-shire Civic Trust this week that her colleagues are undertaking a “range of tasks” geared toward restoring the “more dilapidated” buildings in Perth city centre.
The council chief told the meeting about a number of projects which her task force has spearheaded.
She also pinpointed other buildings which have attracted attention in Perth city centre but stressed she hopes a number of properties which have been empty for some time might yet be given a “fresh lease of life.”
Ms Butt explained property owners are given advice on the range of grants which are available to restore currently under-utilised properties to the benefit of themselves, possible tenants and the townscape.
However, Perth Civic Trust chairman Sandy Bremner highlighted the concern over dilapidated buildings in the Fair City.
He said: “These buildings not only look terrible, but are a blight on surrounding properties.
“This discourages responsible adjacent owners from maintaining their property and so the blight spreads.”
Meanwhile, John Pelan, director of the Scottish Civic Trust, told the meeting that “co-operation rather than conflict” is the best way for environmental and heritage watchdogs to meet their targets.
He also stressed the need to “keep the faith, even in adversity”.
The meeting heard that the historic Cunningham Graham Close, at the foot of High Street, was renovated thanks to the City Heritage Fund and Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, with which Perth Civic Trust is a partner.