by Guest » 14 Oct 2004, 20:38
Some of you may be aware of the Portobello Town Scheme, which has for a number of years offered grants to residents in the conservation area who wished to reinstate original features, such as windows and railings. The grant is currently 50% of the total cost, to a maximum of £3000. It is funded in part by City of Edinburgh Council and in part by Historic Scotland.
A recent story in the Scotsman suggests that HS will in future be re-directing this budget outwith the major cities and it is feared this may mean the end of the Portobello Town scheme.
So I may have been one of the lucky ones to take advantage of this grant before it dries up, having recently reinstated original-style windows. If you plan to do likewise you might be interested to know that I had a call earlier this evening from the owner of Georgian Windows, the company I had the misfortune to deal with. Although the work was only completed today (after much delay and botched work), and the fact that I have yet to receive a bill, he told me that he was coming round to my house tomorrow to pick up the cheque. I explained that this would not be possible as I had not had the chance to examine the workmanship and that in any case I was required to inform the Council when the work was complete so that they could inspect it and make sure it was up to standard before they released the funds. I was then told not to be surprised if I came home to find my windows had been removed in that case.
It's always rewarding to employ reputable craftsmen. Does anyone know any?