What is a Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI)?
A THI is a Heritage Lottery Fund programme which provides money for repairing and regenerating the historic environment in towns across the UK. This doesn't just mean large houses or ancient buildings. THIs can help renovate tenements and shops dating right up to the early 20th century, which together contribute to the essential character of a town's conservation area.

How does it work?
The Heritage Lottery Fund gives a grant to a local partnership, which manages a 'Common Fund', containing funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the local authority and other funders. This local partnership then awards grants to property owners within the designated THI area.

What is Dunbar THI?
The Dunbar THI is a partnership between East Lothian Council and the Alba Conservation Trust (a Building Preservation Trust dedicated to restoring and finding new uses for historic buildings). The Dunbar THI was launched in June 2004 and will operate for five years, with projects accepted for grant awards in the first three years. A THI Project Officer has been appointed and is based in The Town House in Dunbar High Street. The Common Fund is composed of money from East Lothian Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland.

What economic benefits will the Dunbar THI bring to the town?
The Dunbar THI will contribute to business development and economic regeneration within the town by improving its historic buildings and the wider environment. Specific projects such as improvements to properties above shops via the Tenement Scheme grant programme, and to shop fronts themselves via the Shop Fronts grant scheme, will help to make the town centre more appealing to both visitors and residents.

There are three ‘Priority Projects’ identified within the Dunbar THI, which will also have specific economic benefits. Improved facilities for fishermen and potential opportunities for new business will be created by the renovation of McArthurs Stores; and improved facilities for visitors at the Town House  will encourage further tourism within the town. The creation of an Arts Centre, possibly within the Abbey Church  or another suitable building, will appeal to both residents and tourists, boosting small businesses further.

How much money is available in the Dunbar THI?
The Dunbar THI Common Fund amounts to £1.8 million. This will be allocated to a wide range of projects over the period of the scheme, including the three large ‘Priority Projects'.

Who can apply?
Owners of properties within the designated THI area (click to view map of area) which date from the early 20th century or before are eligible to apply for grants, particularly under the Tenement Scheme, Building Repair and Shop Fronts grant programmes. Full details of eligible properties can be obtained from the Dunbar THI Project Officer.

What area does the Dunbar THI cover?
The THI is within Dunbar Conservation Area. Its boundary encloses the Medieval Burgh and Harbour area of the town, but does not include areas of 19th- and 20th-century development.