Three historic attractions have received a major funding boost after the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) confirmed over £16m of grants. The announcement was made as part of a £23m package pledged by the HLF for the repair and restoration of historic landmark buildings across Britain.

Watts Gallery, home to the works of Victorian painter and sculptor, GF Watts, will receive £4.3m of HLF cash to put towards a £10m renovation project which began in 2004. In order to secure the grant, the gallery had to raise almost £4m itself, but the Fund's decision means that work can now begin on the two-year project at the end of September.

Carole Souter, Chief Executive of the HLF, said, "These vital restoration works will not only secure the Gallery's future but also enable it to continue to welcome local visitors as well as attracting new ones."

Durlston Head Castle in Swanage, will also benefit from the HLF's decision, with the Fund contributing £3.1m as part of a £5.5m plan by Dorset County Castle to turn the castle and surrounding country park into a 'world class' attraction. With £2.4m of funding already in place through individual donations and fundraising drives, work is expected to get underway in summer 2009. Plans for the Castle's restoration include a new learning centre and observatory.

Burns Museum, however, picked up the largest slice of HLF funding, with £5.8m given to the Natural Trust of Scotland to help establish a new tourist attraction celebrating the life of Scottish bard Robert Burns. It is part of the multi-million pound project which has already seen contributions made by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire.

Meanwhile, Llanelly House in Llanelli, South Wales and All Souls Church, Bolton have been earmarked to receive over £7m of HLF money having obtained a Stage One Pass.

Image: Roy Eggleston