The successful HLF bid completes the funding jigsaw for the £8.9million project to go ahead, adding to funding  which has already been secured from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Scottish Government’s Young Scots Fund.

Confirmation of the funding follows on from full planning permission having been granted by Stirling Council. The Engine Shed will see the transformation of a derelict building into a world-leading education centre for building conservation in Scotland, creating and delivering educational resources and training on traditional buildings and materials.

As well as providing a centre of excellence for those already operating in the sector, it will also provide the opportunity for the sharing of knowledge and expertise through the creation of a ‘knowledge hub’ with events, exhibitions and activities for the general public.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, said: “This announcement marks a significant milestone within The Engine Shed project, and signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Scotland’s heritage sector.

“Developing skills for the future  is a key focus and I’m pleased that the HLF and Stirling Council share our vision to establish a world-class facility at The Engine Shed – helping to preserve and protect our nation’s historic environment for future generations.

“The new centre will showcase cutting edge conservation technology, science and innovation practices as well as providing a central hub to help foster a creative and inspiring space for local residents and visitors from across the country to engage with conservation through activities, exhibitions and events.”

David Mitchell, Director of Conservation at Historic Scotland, said: “These achievements mark the next key step  for the project and will enable work to start on-site from April 2015.

“This is an exciting time for the sector with The Engine Shed set to become a leading hub for building conservation nationally and internationally. We want to celebrate traditional materials and skills that built them whilst raising technical standards. Our approach is to create a strong network of building conservation training and educators, and showcase our traditions and their future relevance.”

Colin McLean, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland, said: “From castles and follies to the buildings that are part of our everyday lives, Scotland has a rich built heritage which requires specialist skills and knowledge to keep it from falling into neglect. The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to support a project which is visionary in its approach to tackling this issue. The Engine Shed will be a beacon for Scotland’s old buildings encouraging and training specialists and amateurs to care for them so that they are kept safe for future generations.”

Stirling Council Leader, Johanna Boyd, said: “Stirling is a modern and vibrant city with so much to offer, and the creation of The Engine Shed will add a fantastic new asset to our existing cultural, architectural and educational gems. The Engine Shed will not only benefit the city and people of Stirling, but industry experts and professionals, those wanting to expand their existing skill base and anyone with the creativity and passion to further expand their horizons. I cannot wait to see this innovative, inspiring and buzzing venture come to fruition.”

The Engine Shed is due to open in summer 2016.

Notes to editors

• The total funding package is £8.9m which includes: £3.8million from HLF, £3million from Scottish Government’s Young Scots Fund, £1.9million from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the difference made up by Historic Scotland
• The Engine Shed will house Historic Scotland’s Technical Outreach and Education, Conservation Science and Digital Documentation teams, strengthening the link between research, education and technology to increase an understanding of buildings and materials
• The development of The Engine Shed will create a network of conservation centres linking with Historic Scotland masonry training centres in Elgin and Forth Valley College and the applied conservation unit at South Gyle, Edinburgh
• This network will also bring together partners, including city heritage trusts, building preservation trusts, training providers and many others to create a strong network across the country with The Engine Shed at its heart

Further information

Media enquiries to Julie Gracie / Susan Ferrier at Golley Slater on 0131 220 8787 or 07814 487 663.

HLF press office: Katie Owen on 020 7591 6036, mobile: 07973 613 820 or Tom Williams on 020 7591 6056, email: tom.williams@hlf.org.uk.