Multi million pound investment to transform Scottish Town and City Centres through Heritage
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has announced an investment of over £7 million to help revitalise the historic town centres of Airdrie, Girvan, Tarbert and Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street.
Article Source: The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Last Updated: 18 February 2026 14:12
Photo: James Chapelard. The Scottish Ensemble stepping out on route to their new base in Sauchiehall Street. (L to R); Scottish Ensemble players Jonathan Morton (violin), Diane Clark (double bass), Tristan Gurney (violin).
The funding will breathe new life into historic buildings in need, helping boost local economies while strengthening connections between communities and the heritage on their doorstep.
The new funding will deliver a breadth of benefits: saving significant built heritage, revitalising high streets, improving shopfronts, creating sustainable tourism opportunities and increasing heritage skills.
A place of rich social, cultural and architectural heritage, filled with memories for generations of Glaswegians, Sauchiehall Street: Culture and Heritage District has been awarded £2.3m. This is part of a long-term National Lottery funded programme Heritage Places, which is supporting the vital role of heritage in making local areas better places to live, work and visit across the UK. This is the second phase of funding to Sauchiehall Street from the Heritage Fund, with initial support of £350,000 awarded in 2024 to develop plans for the Sauchiehall Street: Culture and Heritage District.
The Street is internationally famed for its history of entertainment, music, theatre, retail, socialising and built heritage. This investment will preserve the historic McLellan Galleries, one of Glasgow’s earliest purpose-built gallery spaces and a key cultural landmark of Sauchiehall Street. It will enable new and creative uses of the Galleries with The Scottish Ensemble as one of three cultural partners already committed to using the new flexible space alongside Glasgow Film and youth charity Articulate.
Other creative heritage initiatives will thread through Sauchiehall Street, restoring the Victorian Cameron Memorial Fountain, exploring housing and greenspace opportunities, buildings improvement programme, artist residencies and community archiving alongside a community grants scheme.
Katie Duffy, Head of Arts and Music at Glasgow Life said: “We’re very grateful for this £2.3 million National Lottery investment, which allows us to renew several of the street’s historic and cultural assets.
“Through careful regeneration, community-focused projects, and cultural programmes, we hope to bring new life to Sauchiehall Street while respecting its heritage and the role it plays in people’s everyday lives. This funding supports us in working with communities and partners, to ensure the significant value and contribution of the street to the city is realised over the coming decade and that it continues to have an impactful role in Glasgow’s cultural landscape.”
The National Lottery funding announced today is also supporting heritage regeneration at the heart of three town centres creating vibrant, sustainable places that celebrate history and share their unique stories, while building opportunities for now and future generations.
Airdrie
The town of Airdrie, North Lanarkshire has received £1.4m. Central to the project is the restoration and redevelopment of the historic Airdrie Library – Scotland’s first library under the Public Libraries Act and home to the UK’s smallest public observatory. A shopfront improvement scheme will also boost the town centre.
North Lanarkshire Council Leader Jim Logue said: “Our Rediscovering Airdrie project is helping to regenerate the town by protecting and celebrating its history, and the fantastic support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will allow us to continue to promote the people and places of Airdrie for the future.
“Airdrie was the site of the first public library in Scotland and a key part of our project is the development of the current Airdrie Library, which is also home to the only public observatory held in a public library in Europe. The project will create a resource for all our residents, offering facilities and services at the heart of the town.”
Girvan
Girvan, South Ayrshire has received £2.5m. With a rich history of weaving, shoemaking, fishing, and boat building, the town is set to benefit from a series of heritage led- projects to restore pride and vibrancy to this historic coastal town. These include Stair Park Bandstand, the iconic Stumpy Jail steeple, the former Dalrymple Street Bank and McKechnie Institute - Girvan’s cultural hub and home to its museum and gallery. The investment will improve accessibility, enhance biodiversity, and increase local heritage learning and skills.
Tarbert
Tarbert Heritage Regeneration Scheme, Argyll and Bute have received £850,000. Plans include returning 10 vacant properties to residential use, repairing historic fishermen’s store buildings on the quayside, restoring shopfronts and delivering community heritage events and traditional skills training for young people. There will also be a programme of community events celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of the town.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “This marks an exciting moment, with fantastic investments in places that connect communities with their heritage gems. From Glasgow’s iconic Sauchiehall Street, a place woven into decades of shared memories, to transforming the oldest public library in Scotland to celebrate the stories, people and places that shape us.
“Understanding how communities feel about their heritage is vital to meaningful regeneration, and we’re proud to invest in four exceptional places where historic buildings will be restored and repurposed for everyone to enjoy, now and for generations.
“Thanks to National Lottery players over the last 30 years, we’ve invested over £1bn in 5,100 projects in Scotland ensuring heritage is valued, cared for and sustained. These projects will boost wellbeing, create learning opportunities for young people and make heritage a powerful driver of local pride and prosperity.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Celebrate Mothers Day at Zizzi
Zizzi is offering a three-course set menu for £29.95 this Mother's Day, with a special treat for every matriarch.
READ MORE
From snow cabins to loch side hot tubs... 5 unique Scottish Mothers Day escapes
Beyond the traditional Sunday lunch, Mother's Day offers the perfect excuse to slow down and spend quality time together.
READ MORE
WEST Brewery rolls back flagship pint to 2006 prices to mark 20th anniversary
WEST Brewery is celebrating 20 years of brewing in Scotland by rolling back the price of its flagship pint to its original 2006 cost.
READ MORE
Michelin Guide restaurant Sebbs teams up with Pilot Beer for exclusive Glasgow launch
The new house beer has been developed through joint tastings by the Pilot and Sebb's teams, designed specifically to pair with bold, spice-led dishes and smoky grill flavours.
READ MORE
Scottish Dance Theatre presents Scottish Roots
Scotland's flagship dance company Scottish Dance Theatre present the world premiere of Scottish Roots, a new triple bill celebrating the dialogue between tradition and innovation in Scottish culture.
READ MORE
Eddi Reader set for perfect performance in Glasgow
One of Scotland's most treasured cultural icons, Eddi Reader, is taking her unmatched musical magic to stages across the country for a 'perfect' spring tour this April.
READ MORE
New InspireHER webinar series launches to empower women to take their first step into business
Women are being invited to explore their entrepreneurial potential through a brand-new programme of free, confidence-building webinars and coaching sessions delivered by Business Gateway.
READ MORE
Baz Luhrmann takes centre stage on the big screen at Vue this March
From Romeo + Juliet to Elvis, five films from legendary auteur Baz Luhrmann are arriving at Vue this month!
READ MORE
The Scottish premiere from internationally renowned dance circus company comes to Theatre Royal Glasgow
Motionhouse is set to wow audiences with the Scottish premiere of its latest breathtaking production, Hidden, at Glasgow's Theatre Royal for one night only on Tuesday 17th March!
READ MORE
Skerryvore to host huge World Cup Warm Up in aid of Street Soccer Scotland
Skerryvore will host a huge World Cup Warm Up in aid of Street Soccer Scotland, it has been announced, taking over Glasgow's Barrowland Ballroom on Saturday 23rd May!
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Spring Garden Savings Weekend
Dobbies is welcoming the new season with its Spring Garden Savings Weekend, running from 5th - 9th March, inviting local gardeners to kick-start spring with fresh inspiration and great savings!
READ MORE
Work starts on new padel tennis courts at Glasgow Club Scotstoun
Work on the state-of-the-art indoor facility began this week, with the three courts due to open in April.
READ MORE
Team GB rowing star Helen Glover teams up with Aldi to get kids in Glasgow outdoors
Aldi has teamed up with Team GB rower and mum of three Helen Glover to help inspire families to get outdoors whatever the weather.
READ MORE
GET Free Books at Buchanan Galleries celebrates World Book Day with free reads for all
Scotland's first free bookshop, GET Free Books at Buchanan Galleries, is celebrating World Book Day by encouraging the public to rediscover the joy of reading - and to help others do the same!
READ MORE
Bumper collection of TV sensation Bluey episodes heading to Glasgow... just in time for the Easter holidays!
An hour-long collection of episodes from the global TV phenomenon Bluey will be arriving at cinemas in Glasgow just in time for the Easter holidays, on Friday 27th March.
READ MORE
The GWCT Scottish Game Fair returns better than ever for 2026
Scotland's much-loved outdoor celebration is officially back, The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair will return to the stunning grounds of Scone Palace this July!
READ MORE
Ardnamurchan Restaurant and Bar lifts the Robertson Silver Spade at Let Glasgow Flourish Awards
Glasgow businesses who go the extra mile to make the city look good with their dramatic flower displays, were celebrated at this year's 'Let Glasgow Flourish' Awards at Trades House.
READ MORE
Wee Write Family Day celebrates the magic of storytelling to inspire a lifelong love of reading in future generations
The next chapter of Glasgow's popular children's book festival, Wee Write, is set to welcome kids of all ages to a fun-filled day designed to nurture a lifelong love for reading.
READ MORE
The beloved stories of Roald Dhal return to the big screen at Vue
A number of iconic film adaptations based on the work of children's author Roald Dahl are returning to the big screen at Vue Cinemas across Scotland.
READ MORE
Philly Express and American Dirty Soda brings US flavours to Buchanan Galleries
Two US-inspired brands, Philly Express and American Dirty Soda, have opened at Buchanan Galleries, bringing their full American food menu and custom soda experience to Glasgow.
READ MORE
From flames to finals: Lauren C Moore ignites the UK wedding awards scene
Lauren C Moore is transforming UK events and weddings with her unique mix of live fire performance, dance, and bespoke entertainment experiences!
READ MORE
The Full Monty returns to Glasgow celebrating 30th anniversary of the iconic BAFTA winning film
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic BAFTA-winning film, the King's Theatre, Glasgow will welcome a major national tour of The Full Monty from Monday 14 until Saturday 19 June 2027!
READ MORE
Free and low cost screenings and events at Glasgow Film Festival
Glasgow Film Festival's 22nd edition opens tomorrow and includes an extensive programme of free and affordable screenings and events.
READ MORE
Free gardening workshops for kids return to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres' monthly children's gardening workshop returns this March, and the topic is peas and other pod plants.
READ MORE
Free Prosecco and Pink Gin for mums at Flight Club
The Social Darts bar is giving away a free glass of fizz for all mums, and the first 300 mums through the doors will also snag a miniature Mermaid Pink Gin to take home.
READ MORE
Iconic Scottish Design Exchange announces major Glasgow move
The move to Sauchiehall Street will support the continued growth of Scotland's artists and designers.
READ MORE
West End Restaurant Week to debut on Byres Road
Glasgow food fans are in for a treat as Visit West End Restaurant Week makes its debut in March bringing cut-price set menus to some of the most popular spots across Byres Road and The Lanes.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity launches Yellow Yogis
Beatson Cancer Charity has announced the launch of Yellow Yogis, a brand-new fundraising initiative set to bring thousands of people together for a large-scale yoga event at Glasgow's SEC!
READ MORE
City Centre hotel gets the party started with Flamingo Bingo this March
Glasgow's iconic voco Grand Central Hotel is set to bring 'flamingo fever' to the city with the hotel's own flamboyant take on the classic game of bingo!
READ MORE
Renowned Glaswegian filmmaker Lynne Ramsay to receive Cinema City Honorary Award at Glasgow Film Festival
BAFTA-winning Glaswegian writer-director Lynne Ramsay will receive the Cinema City Honorary Award at Glasgow Film Festival on 6th March at a special In Conversation event, From Page to Pulse.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links