Historic buildings in Scotland needing repairs have been given more than £840,000 towards four conservation projects.
Repairs and preservation works at Hospitalfield House in Arbroath, Dunollie Castle in Oban, the Inverness Creative Academy and Nissen Huts at the former Cultybraggan prisoner of war camp in Perthshire, will each receive a share of £842,802 from Historic Environment Scotland.
The funding will come from the Historic Environment Repair Grant programme, which supports works to buildings or ancient monuments of special architectural, historical or archaeological significance across Scotland.
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A grant of £500,000 – the highest possible award – has been given to renovate the former Inverness Royal Academy, which plans to develop the 125-year-old building to provide office space for cultural organisations and social enterprises.
The 19th-century Hospitalfield House was designed by artist Patrick Allan-Fraser and turned into one of Scotland's first art schools on his death.
A £92,387 grant will allow trustees to repair and restore buildings within the grounds, including Scotland's only "fernery" – designed in 1872 to house two New Zealand tree ferns.
Know as Camp 21, the Cultybraggan prisoner of war camp near Comrie has been given £108,810 to redevelop 11 huts at the site, five of which will be turned into self-catering accommodation.
Repairs needed on the outer walls and tower of the 15th-century Dunollie Castle have also been awarded £141,605, with the conservation work forming part of a wider regeneration programme for the castle which includes the museum and grounds.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "This funding for the restoration and repair of historic sites underlines the Scottish Government's commitment, through the work of Historic Environment Scotland, to preserving our incredible built heritage for future generations.
"I'm particularly pleased that Hospitalfield House has been awarded money to continue its development and enable even more people to enjoy its contemporary arts centre and gardens.
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"This is a fantastic example of how historic buildings can be adapted to new uses, ensuring that they can continue to thrive and make a valuable contribution to local communities."
Historic Environment Scotland's head of grants, Amy Eastwood, said: "From offering public access to creating co-working spaces, these projects are fantastic examples of how conservation and reuse of historic buildings can make a positive contribution to the wider community.
"These funds will allow the projects to undertake the necessary high-quality, specialised conservation works required to help ensure a sustainable end-use and continue Scotland's story."
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