Scots 'can lead the way' in regenerating historic buildings

Charles made the comment as he launched a guide which offers tips on how to make historic and listed buildings more energy efficient.

The reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinbugh follows a week of Royal visits to some major regeneration projects he has supported over the years.

He addressed the gathering of architects and heritage professionals in Edinburgh on the importance of preserving the country's historic

buildings.

"It's local people who really value these places hugely but they feel powerless to do anything about them," he said.

"But once something is done, nine times out of 10 or more, the value can be extracted from those sites in a remarkable way.

"We can demonstrate we can lead the way in Scotland on all this because Scotland has such a wonderfully rich heritage.

"Much of it, I regret to say, has been wasted but now really is a chance not to do so."

Charles, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, visited Stanley Mills, near Perth, earlier this week. The 18th-century cotton mills were converted into private homes in an award-winning project backed by The Prince's Regeneration Trust (PRT).

Charles also visited Dumfries House in Ayrshire, which opened to the public in 2008 after he headed a consortium of charities and heritage bodies to preserve the 18th-century stately home.

The Prince launched the Green Guide For Historic Buildings at Holyroodhouse yesterday. Published by the PRT, it provides step-by-step advice on improving the environmental sustainability of historic buildings.

"I hope this guide provides a certain amount of joined-up thinking on the whole issue," he said. The guide helps to indicate what small things you can do without it costing a fortune."