Funding Boost Supporting Scotland’s Heritage

A women smiling as she looks in  a glass case at the little Neolithic figurine
Westray Wifie in The Westray Heritage Centre Credit Noel Donaldson

 £3,566,935 has been awarded to 11 organisations throughout Scotland to support the work they do in promoting history and heritage.

The awards are part of the new Partnership Fund grant scheme administered by Historic Environment Scotland which sees HES working with smaller Third Sector organisations in the valuable work they do within communities.

Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at HES, said:

“I am delighted to announce the recipients of our new Partnership Fund which we launched just last year. We are supporting a diverse range of organisations as part of the scheme, from archaeology and traditional skills development to community engagement and climate action, and I look forward to seeing these projects in action over the coming years.”

The funding has been awarded as follows:

National Trust for Scotland: £1,062,000 

To support their annual maintenance programme for the next three years. As well as delivering conservation repairs to assets across the NTS estate, there will also be delivery of a training programme to upskill and engage with NTS staff and volunteers to improve knowledge of conservation repairs and practice. 

Keep Scotland Beautiful: £594,495 

To support communities to identify the historic assets that they value which will then form the basis of a programme of community heritage and climate action. 

The SCAPE Trust: £446,007 

The Trust will carry out coastal heritage survey work, focussing on areas not previously surveyed, and working collaboratively with volunteers to consider solutions for how to manage issues resulting from coastal erosion due to climate change. The Trust will also present and promote the work they do on a national and international platform. 

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland: £318,236 

To support the continuation of the highly successful Dig It! project which aims to empower new and hard to reach audiences and communities to get involved in archaeology over the next three years by participating in partnership projects. 

Scottish Civic Trust: £304,263 

The funding will support Doors Open Days and the My Place Photography Competition. 

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland: £276,060 

To create and deliver a new Regional Research Framework for the Clyde Valley area. 

Scottish Traditional Building Forum: £235,500 

The funding will support activity to encourage careers and skills development, raise the profile of the sector and increase the energy efficiency and impact of investment in traditional buildings. 

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists: £147,926 

To research and provide sector support for different routes into archaeology. 

Heritage Trust Network: £132,348 

To support the Heritage Trust Network activities which are delivered by their dedicated Development Officer for Scotland. 

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland: £28,948 

To support the creation of a regional research framework for Scotland’s islands. 

ALGAO Scotland: £21,170 

To support the creation of guidance for materials to be added to museums.  

Culture Minister in the Scottish Government Christina McKelvie said:

“I’m pleased to see such a diverse range of projects receiving funding from Historic Environment Scotland’s new grant scheme for the third sector. The awards will help to widen access to culture and heritage as well as provide skills development at a local level. 

“This new Partnership Fund also aligns with Scottish Government ambitions to build a well-being economy to create more resilient and sustainable communities in response to climate change.” 

A view over ruined old farm buildings in Westray
Image credit Noel Donaldson

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