Scottish bid for Restoration cash

Dennis Head Old Beacon lighthouse on North Ronaldsay and Cromarty East Church in the Black Isle are among eight finalists competing.

Members of the public have been voting since Friday to decide which property will win £2m towards restoration costs.

The eight week programme featured 21 buildings. The winner will be announced at 2100 BST on BBC Two.

Completed in 1789 by Thomas Smith who was assisted by Robert Stephenson, grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, Dennis Head Old Beacon lighthouse won the Scottish heat of the programme.

"The lighthouse has a very special place in Scotland's history"
Billy Muir

Billy Muir, who has been at the forefront of the campaign to restore the Orkney lighthouse, said it was central to plans to attract more visitors to the island.

He said: "The lighthouse has a very special place in Scotland's history.

"If we win, the plan is to make sure that the whole site is safe for visitors.

"We want to show future generations how the first light operated by producing a replica lantern on ground level.

"We would also very much like to re-roof the light keeper's cottages and re-instate them to their former glory. "

'Heart of the community'

Cromarty East Church, which dates from the 16th Century but has its origins in medieval times, also became a finalist after being named runner-up with the most votes from the regional heats.

David Alston, Highland councillor for Black Isle North, said he was delighted it had earned a place in the final.

He said: "Cromarty East Church has been at the heart of the community for centuries and we hope that this will aid the efforts to restore it and preserve it for future generations."

The final will be broadcast live on BBC Two from the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, near Chichester in Sussex.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Restoration
Heritage Lottery Fund
Highland Council
Scottish Redundant Churches Trust
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