Renfrewshire Council has secured £90,000 in funding to help develop plans aimed at regenerating the historic centre of Lochwinnoch.
The funding includes £45,000 from Historic Environment Scotland and a further £45,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The proposed “Cornerstones” project aims to help local people shape the future of the village by supporting investment in historic buildings and promoting Lochwinnoch’s heritage and history.
Councillor Andy Steel, convener of the council’s Economy and Regeneration Board, said the funding was a major boost for the village.
He said: “This funding from Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund is a powerful acknowledgement of Lochwinnoch’s heritage and its importance to local communities.
“We’re looking forward to working with residents and local organisations to support the development of the full project proposal. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to try and secure investment in Lochwinnoch’s heritage buildings and celebrate its unique architecture and history.”
The project area covers part of the village conservation area, stretching from Main Street and High Street to the Calder Street and Church Street junction, as well as Harvey Square, the Parish Church of Lochwinnoch, Auld Simon and Calder United Free Church.
Within the area are one A-listed building, 10 B-listed buildings, eight C-listed buildings and 18 shopfronts.
Dr Susan O’Connor, head of grants at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Heritage-led regeneration has the power to strengthen communities, support local economies and protect the places that matter most.
“Lochwinnoch has a wealth of heritage to draw from, with its rich architectural identity and strong sense of place.
“It’s important for us to support this early-stage funding that puts community at the heart of the process, inviting local people to shape plans from the outset and ensuring the village’s history plays an important part in its future.”
Caroline Clark, director for Scotland at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said heritage helped build community pride and strengthen local areas.
She said: “With our support the Cornerstones project will develop proposals centred on Lochwinnoch’s built heritage to create opportunities that will benefit the whole community as well as supporting the local economy.”
Community engagement work is expected to begin this autumn and continue for 12 months as part of the development stage.
If a second round funding application is approved, the full Cornerstones project is expected to begin in July 2028 and run for five years.