HISTORIC Maybole Castle in Ayrshire is one of six national treasures to benefit from a cash boost from Historic Scotland's Building Repair Grants.

The 16th century tower house is a focus for the town and the centre of a project to create a community resource and heritage facility.

The Castle was placed on the Buildings at Risk Register in 2009. Its carved decorative work is unique, and the building is a rare survivor of high-status town house in a smaller settlement.

The project to repair and refit the castle will enable a variety of community activities, including a local heritage centre, a Clan Kennedy facility, a meeting and events resource, and an arts and natural history exhibition space.

A grant of £109,024 has been offered.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, said: "Our heritage lies at the heart of our identity, and contributes substantially to our reputation at home and abroad."