Falkirk communities can tap into £2 million fund to protect historic landmarks and features

Grants ranging from £1000 to £500,000 are now available as part of Historic Environment Grants – which replaces a number of HES’s previous funding programmes,

including its Repair Grant and Support Fund schemes.

Historic Environment Grants will be open largely to not-for-profit organisations such as charities, local authorities, religious bodies and community groups, to help

further support Scotland’s diverse historic building stock, as well as supporting skills and the retrofit agenda.

There are three funding streams available – express grants of £1000 to £25,000, small grants of £25,000 to £100,000 and large grants of £100,000 to £500,000.

Expressions of interest can be submitted throughout the year, and applications will be accepted all year for express grants and three times per year for small and large grants.

To be considered for funding, applicants must be able to show how their project can contribute to key priority areas including engagement, place making, repair and

resilience, climate action, skills and the economy.

Through the programme, HES will fund tangible and intangible heritage – from historic buildings and gardens to skills, stories and traditions – as well as development

work, which is not something that HES has traditionally funded in the past.

As well as supporting repair and consolidation works, management plans and resilience planning and training, applications can also be focused on other aspects of

Scotland’s historic environment including archaeological excavations and research and outreach and learning activities. The scheme is also seeking to support the use

of local materials where possible, for example supporting with the cost of the repair and maintenance of thatched roofs through grant awards where local materials are

being used.

In addition, interim works up to £50,000 will be available for significant heritage assets at immediate risk of loss or damage.

Susan O’Connor, HES head of grants, said: “As a result of extensive consultation activity carried out last year, we have developed the new Historic Environment Grants

scheme which is a flexible, inclusive and easily accessible funding programmme.

“Not only can applicants apply for capital and activity costs under one programme, but we are now able to offer express grants and fund interim works for vulnerable

heritage assets up to £50,000, which is a first for the sector.

“Historic Environment Grants will help ensure that the projects we support have a long-term impact on the people and places of Scotland, and we very much look

forward to working with communities across the country to help secure a sustainable future for Scotland’s historic environment.”

Since HES was established in 2015, it has offered approximately £95.9m in grants using Grant in Aid provided by the Scottish Government.

Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “Inclusive and accessible funding for communities and organisations looking to engage with, preserve and protect our historic environment is vital.

“As these grants can have a significant impact on places and people, in particular supporting training and skills development in local communities, I would encourage those with relevant projects to apply for the new Historic Environment Grants funding scheme.”

For further information on Historic Environment Grants, visit the HES website and to submit an expression of interest, visit the HES Grants Portal.