AN HISTORIC property has been handed more than £12,000 from Historic Environment Scotland (HES)  to support its Covid recovery.

Cockenzie House and Gardens dates back to the 17th century and has been turned into a community hub offering small businesses and groups spaces within its walls.

It is one of more than 40 organisations to receive funds from HES as part of a £1.9million recovery fund to help them cope with the impacts of Covid-19.

The house, in Cockenzie, will put the money towards repairs which will ensure continued public access to the building which HES described as a “vibrant community hub offering studios for small business and artists and delivers a range of heritage and community projects within the grounds”.

The Historic Environment Recovery Fund is administered by HES on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Alex Paterson, chief executive at HES, said: “From museums in the Highlands to historic venues and buildings, we are pleased to support a diverse range of projects the length and breadth of Scotland as part of the Historic Environment Recovery Fund.

“By helping to protect jobs, reopen historic sites and maintaining investment in traditional skills training and apprenticeships, we hope to support the wider recovery of the sector and Scotland’s economy.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP said: “Scotland is internationally renowned for the quality and diversity of its historic environment.

"Our historic environment plays a crucial role in defining who we are as a nation, supporting wellbeing and sustainability within communities and promoting a positive image of Scotland across the world.

“I am pleased that a wide range of projects will benefit from Scottish Government funding as part of the Historic Environment Recovery Fund.

"The support delivered through this fund will safeguard our shared heritage for future generations, protect jobs and help to strengthen Scotland’s wider economic recovery.”