ONE of Glasgow's historic buildings has been awarded a £500,000 grant to help stop the leaks.

ONE of Glasgow's historic buildings has been awarded a £500,000 grant to help stop the leaks.

The money will be used to carry out urgent repairs at the Pearce Institute in Govan.

Culture Minister Mike Russell announced Historic Scotland is to give the centre, which is now a community hub, cash to stop water damage.

It is the largest in a series of grants to be awarded to projects across Scotland.

Mr Russell said: "The purpose of the Pearce Institute has always been to serve the people of Govan.

"It is an iconic building, not just for Govan and Glasgow, but for Scotland - showing that the best of our heritage can be brilliantly utilised to provide vital facilities and lead the way in regenerating our communities, particularly with the newly re-opened conference centre.

"In the current economic climate it is essential we support projects that will make a real and visible difference to their communities and Scotland as a whole."

As well as conferences, the Pearce Institute hosts ceilidhs, dramas and music events and provides meeting and training rooms.

It is named after William Pearce, who was chairman and owner of the Fairfield yard in Govan - a millionaire businessman who became Govan's first Conservative MP in 1885.

Pearce Institute chief executive Norie Mackie said he was delighted with the cash boost for the centre.

He added: "This financial contribution from Historic Scotland to our phased restoration programme will play a major part in preparing the building for its life in the 21st century.

"The people of Govan are now confident everything possible is being done to not only ensure the survival of the PI but more importantly to make it a dynamic cultural asset."