Unlocking Economic Growth & Tackle Poverty
The plans for development of the former Townhouse and Guildry buildings sitting in the centre of Arbroath have been given a major step forward to completion today.
Arbroath Court House Community Trust has been working for over ten years to re-develop the Arbroath Court House following a Community Asset Transfer from the Scottish Courts Service.
The project to transform the Arbroath Court House, to create town centre employment, leisure and learning opportunities has secured a £2.1 million grant from The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund delivered in partnership between Scottish Government and COSLA.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes confirmed the 2025-26 allocations from the RCGF as well as the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP). Scotland-wide, this will bring 24 disused or derelict sites and buildings into use, creating more than 160 jobs and support nearly 900 training opportunities.
In addition to safeguarding these two important historic listed buildings, the key aims of the project are to: develop a high quality, environmentally sustainable and fully accessible, mixed-use anchor building which can respond to community needs for the future; create good quality full and part-time jobs and provide career development opportunities and provide inspirational spaces for the whole community. The redeveloped properties will provide space for a mix of opportunities in enterprise, skills development, training and learning, blended with much-needed community space.
This announcement follows approval of £100,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Community Capital Grant Fund facilitated by Angus Council and monies from other funders, including the Scottish Lottery Community Fund, Place Based Investment Fund, Seagreen, Historic Environmental Scotland and the group’s own fundraising. It is also a fitting legacy to the former Chair, Angus Roberts who sadly passed away over Christmas 2024 after 10 years of tireless campaigning to achieve this.
The announcement coincides with a call for expressions of interest in 2026-27 funding to support regeneration projects in disadvantaged communities. As set out in the 2025 Programme for Government, future Scottish Government support for regeneration projects will be channelled through one national fund – the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund – to streamline the application and delivery process.
This funding will help to transform derelict sites the length and breadth of Scotland, creating homes, jobs and facilities that drive economic growth, tackle poverty and help support and growing thriving communities.
DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER KATE FORBES
This funding forms part of a wider £62.15 million investment by the Scottish Government towards regeneration projects in 2025-26. This will help to revitalise green spaces, town centres and derelict sites to benefit people across Scotland.
The 2025 Programme for Government stets out our renewed commitment to supporting regeneration projects across the country with one streamlined fund delivering this vision from next year.
More than £21.5 million from two Scottish Government funds will bring 24 disused or derelict sites and buildings into use, creating more than 160 jobs and support nearly 900 training opportunities.
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) May 23, 2025
Learn more: https://t.co/OJ8Lilhjv4 pic.twitter.com/ZEx2pxpsUO
These are exciting times for Arbroath with millions of pounds being invested throughout the town.
CLLR TOMMY STEWART, ANGUS COUNCIL COMMUNITIES CONVENER
This latest award marks a major step forward in Arbroath’s regeneration journey.
Restoring landmark High Street buildings isn’t just about preserving the past — it is aimed at building a better future and with a meaningful purpose for our civic buildings.
I am delighted that this project will bring jobs, training, and new life into the heart of Arbroath. It sends a clear message that the town is open for business, ambitious about its future, and ready to welcome further investment.
Congratulations to everyone involved — and, in particular, the Arbroath Courthouse Community Trust. Their tireless work has made this possible.
This is significant funding award is an important step forward. Now under community ownership, these buildings will be of great benefit to all in Arbroath – creating opportunities for employment, leisure and learning.
I have no doubts that the realisation this project will act as a catalyst for further town and community regeneration and be an exemplar for others seeking to revitalise our High Street.
