A WIGTOWNSHIRE group have been awarded vital funding to support their renovation of Whithorn Town Hall
Building Futures Galloway has received £80,000 to support the retrofit of the 19th century town hall in the latest round of SP Energy Networks’ Transmission Net Zero Fund.
The fund was launched in 2022 to help communities to advance their net zero plans and projects, prioritising those at risk of being left behind on the country’s journey to net zero emissions.
The hall renovation plans include the installation of an air source heat pump along with using specialist lime to insulate the walls – a technique that has been used throughout the area for centuries.
The charity will recruit members of its youth employability scheme, which offers young people the chance to train in traditional construction skills, to carry out the lime-based insulation. The project will not only safeguard the future of a historic building, but also upskill the next generation in traditional building methods.
Speaking on the support, Julia Muir Watt, chief executive at Building Futures Galloway, said: “With this grant we’ll be able to protect a beloved town landmark and simultaneously provide invaluable training opportunities for young people through our youth employability scheme.
“By incorporating traditional construction skills, such as the use of specialist lime insulation, we are proud to blend heritage preservation with modern sustainability. Our project reflects our commitment to both preserving Dumfries and Galloway’s rich architectural history and investing in the future of our community.”
