This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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D-Day for Restoration voters
12/09/2003
There are two Scottish finalists in
BBC's Restoration programme which will declare a winner
late on Sunday night.
Culture Minister Frank McAveety wished
both finalists - Kinloch Castle on Rum and Mavisbank House
in Midlothian - every success.
Voting has already started and the
results will be announced live on BBC2 on Sunday after
10.10pm when the lines close.
The Minister said:
"I hope that everyone in Scotland will
show their support for Kinloch Castle on Rum and Mavisbank
House in Midlothian.
"Over three
million people watched both Scottish programmes, in
fact the Highlands got the highest viewing figures of
the series with 3.5 million viewers. Both buildings
have a very good chance of winning and the prize fund
of an estimated £4 million would make a very big
difference to either of these conservation
projects.
"The tremendous interest in this
television series shows that the commitment of Scottish
Ministers to a sustainable built heritage for Scotland is
shared by the people of Scotland.
"The series has demonstrated the
variety of new uses for old buildings. This is an important
message not just for the general public but developers and
local authorities too. Our built heritage is a cornerstone
of economic redevelopment, something that has been
highlighted time and time again on the programme by
experts.
"In Scotland we have excellent
examples of this in West Wemyss in Fife, Anchor Mills in
Paisley, Newmilns in Ayrshire and the Luma Light Factory
near Glasgow. All of these projects have been funded by
Historic Scotland.
"I am particularly glad that the
benefits of this programme go beyond just the finalists,
many projects considered have been reinvigorated and those
shortlisted are all well on the way to being in a position
to commence work.
"All projects eligible for Government
grants through Historic Scotland's historic building
repairs scheme can submit applications and will receive all
the professional support and advice available."
Historic
Scotland has been working with and advising Endemol UK
and BBC Scotland on the Restoration programmes since Spring
2002.