The THI is vital to the success of Falkirk Council's plans for the regeneration of Bo'ness town centre, harbour and foreshore.
Crucial to that success is the proposed restoration of Scotland's first purpose-built cinema, The Hippodrome in Hope Street.
This Grade A listed property, built in 1911, is owned by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust and is to be restored for use as a conference centre, cinema and for local arts and performance.
There are five other priority projects — all
substantial derelict listed properties in the town
centre said to be of high architectural significance.
The THI will enable current owners to undertake full restoration for residential or commercial use. It will also allow other improvements to the town
centre like shop front grants and tenement repairs.
Bo'ness Town Centre has also been upgraded to Outstanding Conservation Area Status by Historic Scotland, who will be supporting the THI with a Town Scheme Grant and a building grant for the Hippodrome.
The bid was made to the Heritage Lottery Fund two years ago and was agreed subject to a detailed breakdown of costs for individual buildings.
Maureen Campbell, Falkirk Council's director of community services, said: "A huge amount of work has gone into this bid by Falkirk Council, our
partners and the local community. I am delighted that the worth of the project has been recognised by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Bo'ness has a remarkable wealth of historic buildings."
Councillor John Constable, convener of the Bo'ness regeneration working group, said: "I'm sure I'm speaking for all of my colleagues in Bo'ness when I say that I am absolutely delighted at the news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has agreed to support the THI with a grant of £1.3 million.
"That will enable the THI to draw down up to £5 million in investment from the council and its partners for a major refurbishment of the town centre.
"Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund contribution the project is now free to proceed."
Falkirk Council broke the news of the THI success at a reception in the town hall following the Prince of Wales' visit to the town last Wednesday.
With a number of key players gathered for the Dymock's Building celebration, the opportunity was taken to show conservation bodies some of the
buildings which will benefit from the new fund.
Laura Norris of the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust opened up the Hippodrome Cinema for the occasion. She said work was expected to start on the refurbishment in around 12 months.