St John's Kirk: One of Perth's historic buildings.
Historic Scotland has awarded Perth a grant of £650,000 to help preserve the city's historic character.
The organisation is supporting Perth's forthcoming city status with a grant awarded to Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust. The bulk of funds, to be spread over three years, will go towards repairs on historic buildings.
The city will decide its own priority for repairs within a strategy agreed with Historic Scotland. Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, who made the announcement on Monday, said: "The grant from Historic Scotland will help secure Perth's outstanding built heritage, enhancing the city and preserving a sense of place.
"Improving the historic properties will also encourage tourism, promote the use of traditional building skills and make the city of Perth a better place to live, work and invest in.
"Using sustainable materials to adapt existing buildings will also help support the historic environment's transition to a low carbon economy. This award marks the culmination of a successful partnership between Historic Scotland and Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust."
The grant has been made as a result of Perth being granted city status, which will be officially recognised during a visit by the Queen on Friday. Perth's historic buildings include more than 360 listed properties, such as the A-listed Sheriff Court, St John's Kirk and Perth Bridge.
The Sheriff Court was built between 1816 and 1819 by Robert Smirke and is defined by a huge Greek Revival entrance portico and excellent interior.
St John's Kirk dates to the 15th century, with later alterations, and was remodelled in the 20th century by one of Scotland's best period architects, Robert Lorimer. Perth Bridge (also A listed), from 1766, features seven sandstone arches designed by John Smeaton.
In addition to these well known structures, Perth contains a broad range of traditional properties with vernacular features.
Trust chairwoman Sue Hendry said: "The scheme will allow the trust to enhance and promote historic buildings within the conservation areas of Perth and Kinnoull, and will complement the Tay Landscape Partnership Scheme currently being developed to celebrate the unique character of the surrounding area."
