Makeover plan for historic town

The old printers and Co-op building will be redeveloped

Efforts to revitalise a Perthshire town have taken a step forward with the official launch of a new heritage body.

The Coupar Angus Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) will give grants for the repair and regeneration of the area's historic places.

Over the next three years, about £4.3m will be spent on 17 buildings.

The three main projects are the former Co-op, the Cumberland Barracks and the Royal Hotel. Another 14 buildings may qualify for 90% funding.

'Significantly improve'

The main aim of the THI is to breathe life into derelict and underused properties and bring them back into use.

Work is already under way to create 12 new affordable homes in the area.

There will be an exhibition on the initiative at the town hall over the next two weeks.

Councillor Alan Grant said: "I would urge residents to come along to find out about this major project which will significantly improve the environment in Coupar Angus.

"This will affect everyone who lives in the town and so we want people to know what is going on and to feel involved."