Small Scale Conservation Grant Scheme

The primary purpose of this grant scheme is to assist with and encourage the appropriate repair of traditional buildings in Stirling's conservation areas (link).  The secondary purpose is to restore or enhance the features that give buildings their historic or architectural importance and therefore aid in the creation of a more pleasant environment.

The Small-scale Conservation Grant scheme aims to encourage good maintenance of historic buildings thereby securing their continued use, and in turn preserving and enhancing the unique character of Stirling's conservation areas. Examples of previous projects can be viewed in the Trust's gallery.

Eligible Works

All essential repairs to the structure or external fabric of a traditional building are, in principle, eligible for grant-aid. The reinstatement of damaged or lost architectural features of a traditional building may be considered for grant-aid. Work must match the existing construction methods and use natural or traditional materials, further details can be found in the Trust's Technical Advice Notes. Examples of eligible works are:

  • Essential structural repairs
  • Comprehensive roof repairs
  • Chimney repairs
  • Repair and renewal of lead flashings
  • Repair of cast iron rainwater goods
  • Stone repairs and essential pointing
  • Renewal of traditional lime harling
  • Repair and draught-proofing of traditional timber sash-and-case windows.
  • Reinstatement of appropriate windows where originals have been lost.
  • Repair or reinstatement of traditional timber external doors and fanlights.

Professional fees, up to a rate of 50% of the total fee may be eligible.

Application Assessment

Grants awards will focus on those buildings where proposed works will have the greatest impact on the environment within which they sit. A number of key factors will be considered in the assessment of an application:

Eligibility - a building must be of traditional design and construction and fall within our Designated Area (link).

Project Impact - impact the works will have on the building and its environment.

Building Conservation Value - architectural and or historical merit of the building.

Eligible Works - proposed works must be as stated within our Technical Advice Notes.

Need for Repair - condition of the building fabric and its need for repair.

Within these key factors a number of priorities have been set. Further information is available in the Trust's Small-scale Conservation Guidance Notes and Conservation Grants Application Form.

Grant Levels

Applications will be considered in batches, prioritised by scoring each of the key factors. A grant level band between 25 - 75% of all eligible works will operate. The rate of grant given will be entirely at the discretion of the Trust Board and will be based on the application score.

Grant Administration

There are 3 grant assessment dates per annum: 

28th May 2010

1st October 2010

28th January 2011

Statutory Consents

Grant eligible repair works may require Listed Building Consent, Planning Permission and/or Building Warrant.  These requirements are separate from the grant application process.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all statutory consents are in place prior to works being commenced on site.  Applicants are strongly advised to contact Stirling Council, Environment Services to check whether the works require consent prior to an application.

Grant will not be paid for works undertaken without the necessary permissions.

Pre-application Discussion

The Trust requires that anyone wishing to make a grant application must in the first instance contact the Trust to arrange a pre-application site visit.