A major project to identify castles and tower-housesthat could be suitable for future restoration and development to drive economic investment and tourism to Scotland during the current climate,hasbeen announced by Culture Minister Michael Russell. The initiative, being taken forward by HistoricScotland and the first of its kind to be prepared by the Scottish Government, aims to encourage financial investment in and refurbishment of Scotland’s built heritage during the economic downturn. It will also provide advice on process, good practices and exemplars of similarprojects in the past with the aim of re-using and revitalising existing buildings.Historic Scotland has begun the first phase of the project, which is to carry out an audit of prospective buildings suitable for the list and to discuss the inclusion of buildings with their prospective owners. The launch of the preliminary list is expected by June 2009. For more information visithttp://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/news/news_article.htm?articleid=22988