More than £2 million for Arbroath’s former courthouse has been described as a fitting legacy to the figure who led the decade-long campaign to transform it into a community hub.
Arbroath Courthouse Community Trust was a big winner in the latest round of Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant funding.
Angus councillors also approved a £100,000 slice of UK Shared Prosperity Fund cash last week.
Other monies have come from the Scottish Lottery Community Fund, Place Based Investment Fund, Seagreen, Historic Environment Scotland and the group’s own fundraising.
And the £2m injection has invigorated all involved in the scheme.
It comes as scaffolding has gone up on the former Townhouse and Guildry buildings in the heart of the High Street.
That marks the latest major step forward to secure the exterior fabric of the historic properties.
Community Asset Transfer from Scottish Courts Service
In 2020, ACCT finalised the transfer of the court buildings.
Current chairman Harry Simpson said the latest massive injection of support was a tribute to his predecessor, Angus Roberts.
Mr Roberts founded the trust and led the vision to secure the courthouse for the community. The former architect died last December.
Mr Simpson said: “This fantastic announcement from Scottish Government is the culmination of over ten years of hard work.
“This will enable the trust to not only safeguard these two important historic listed buildings, but enable the development of a high quality, environmentally sustainable and fully accessible, mixed-use building which can respond to community needs.
“It will create good quality full and part-time jobs, career development opportunities and inspirational spaces for the whole community.
“The award is a fitting legacy to our former chair, Angus Roberts, who sadly passed away over Christmas 2024 after ten years of tireless campaigning.”
The mixed-use anchor building will have a variety of community uses.
In addition, the redeveloped properties will provide space for enterprise, skills development, training and learning.
New life for the heart of Arbroath
Angus Council Communities convener, Councillor Tommy Stewart said: “These are exciting times for Arbroath with millions of pounds being invested throughout the town.
“This latest award marks a major step forward in Arbroath’s regeneration journey.
“Restoring landmark High Street buildings isn’t just about preserving the past.
“It is aimed at building a better future and with a meaningful purpose for our civic buildings.
“I am delighted that this project will bring jobs, training and new life into the heart of Arbroath.
“It sends a clear message that the town is open for business, ambitious about its future, and ready to welcome further investment.”
Dundee Museum of Transport was also awarded £1 million from the Scottish Government capital fund.
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