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Allan
Wilson MSP
News - Press
Releases - 2004
Scottish Executive
Minister for Tourism, Frank McAveety Visits Beith - 6th July 2004 |
Scottish Executive
Minister for Tourism, Frank McAveety, was in Beith Cross this week to see
for himself progress with the Beith Townscape Heritage Initiative and hear
plans for the next proposed stage of development.
  Speaking in Beith Main Street during a day-long visit to Ayrshire, the
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport said:
“Scotland’s cultural heritage is something of which we are justifiably
proud. Thousands of people visit every year to experience it at first hand.
Being able to learn about and appreciate it is important not just for Scots
but also for those visitors who come to establish their own cultural and
heritage linkages.”
“In particular, the contribution made by Scots overseas to building the
United States, like the Reverend Witherspoon, the only Scot and ordained
churchman to sign the American Declaration of Independence, cannot be
underestimated. It is fitting that this regeneration project should have
restored an area of such historical significance given the cultural links
between our two countries” said Mr McAveety.
Mr McAveety was accompanied by Environment Minister and local MSP Allan
Wilson who said, “While it is important for posterity to preserve our
cultural heritage it is also important to do so in such a way as to lend
vitality as well as value to what is the historic centre of Beith.
Accommodating newly restored flats and contemporary businesses like the Post
Office, Chemist and Hairdressing salon in the development has meant that the
area is once more a hive of commercial activity and providing quality homes
for local people.”
“North Ayrshire Council and Cunninghame Housing Association deserve enormous
credit for their management of the project and their investment in
regeneration as well as conservation.”
“Stage two of the project is now underway and with the continuing support
and assistance of Government Agency, Historic Scotland will help restore
other areas of historical and architectural significance in the town while
ensuring that modern technology, techniques and materials are also applied
to best effect to preserve our cultural heritage for garret generations to
enjoy” said Mr Wilson. |
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