Newly established community group supported by the AHF

The AHF recently gave a grant to support an exciting n

ently lie vacant and / or derelict. The Friends were keen to save their town heritage and establish themselves as the local building preservation group. With two Category B listed Edwardian buildings shortlisted (the former Register’s Building, Abbot Street and the former Cinema House, East Port), the Friends came to the AHF for advice and grant assistance. The Friends needed help to build their governance and at the same time work up outline proposals for the refurbishment of the two buildings.

As part of the AHF’s remit to encourage the establishment of new organisations and to help find solutions for important local buildings, the AHF saw great potential for The Friends of Dunfermline Town Centre. The group has received much support from the local authority that recognises the need for a local Building Preservation Trust style organisation to work with and through. A As a newly formed organisation the AHF was the first to fund the group by way of a Project Viability Grant of £2,000. We are happy to be informed that the group have also recently been awarded a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Jean Fergusson, Secretary to the Friends of Dunfermline said:

“The Friends of Dunfermline group are delighted to be awarded funding from AHF. Our focus is to bring unused heritage buildings back into use for the benefit of the community. The funds will be used to help us set up as a preservation trust, and with the skills to make our first project a success.”

Editors Notes:

The Architectural Heritage Fund is a registered charity, working since 1976 to promote the conservation and sustainable re-use of historic buildings for the benefit of communities across the UK, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. Its is the leading heritage social investor and the only specialist heritage lender operating in the UK. It provides advice, development grants and loans.

For press enquiries about Above Adventure’s project please contact the AHF’s Support Officer for Scotland: Gordon Barr at 0300 121 0341 / gordon.barr@ahfund.org.uk