Grants up to £1.5m could be available in a scheme from Historic Environment Scotland.

The new Heritage & Place Programme is an area-based funding programme that aims to contribute to the development of vibrant and sustainable places in Scotland through community-based regeneration of the historic environment

Heritage focused schemes that are located within conservation areas or distinctive heritage areas will be supported through the programme. Grants, which will typically be between £750,000 – £1.5m, will support a combination of activities including the repair and reuse of historic environment assets, training to strengthen local traditional skills, and building capacity within communities to value and look after the historic environment in the long-term. 

Amy Eastwood, Head of Grants at HES, said:

“Heritage-led regeneration and the reuse of historic buildings have the power to transform places and generate long-term social and economic benefits.  

“Schemes accepted onto the programme will involve partnerships of a local, regional and national level to revive heritage areas based on a shared vision. Communities will be placed at the heart of each scheme to ensure their involvement throughout the process, as well as empowering them with the long-term aspiration of looking after their historic environment. “

There is a two-stage application process which includes a match-funded development phase to encourage strategic, high-quality schemes with meaningful community involvement. Schemes will also no longer need to be located within defined conservation areas, and conditions for third-party grants have been revised to ensure that requirements for funding are proportionate and provide further opportunities for participation.  

Traditional skills training and material audits is a strong feature of the scheme.

As part of the new approach, applicants to the Heritage & Place Programme will also be encouraged to apply for area-based funding under the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Grants for Heritage programme. HES and the Heritage Fund will work together to consider applications and will be hosting joint engagement sessions in April and May for applicants to find out more about the programmes. 

Neil Gray, Culture Minister in the Scottish Government said:

“The Heritage and Place programme will enhance community involvement in the regeneration projects that are funded in their area, encouraging a sense of community and place through investment in the sustainability of their shared heritage.”  

To find out more or to book a place on the engagement sessions hosted by HES and the Heritage Fund, email: grants@hes.scot. 

Click on this link for: Heritage & Place Programme