LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Historic Environment Recovery Fund Grants Awarded

Over £1.9 million has been distributed to help support the recovery of Scotland’s historic environment sector from the impacts of COVID-19.

Historic Environment Recovery Fund Grants Awarded

Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Last Updated: 26 January 2021 12:32

Historic Environment Recovery Funding will support organisations and help to support the recovery of Scotland’s historic environment sector from the impacts of COVID-19

A working steam railway museum in Spey Valley, a historic castle on the Isle of Mull and an A-listed lighthouse on Shetland are among those set to benefit from funding as part of the Historic Environment Recovery Fund.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced funding of £1,916,238 to over 40 organisations across the country to help support the recovery of Scotland’s historic environment sector from the impacts of COVID-19.

The Historic Environment Recovery Fund was launched in October with two funding streams available.

The first stream - the Reopening Historic Buildings and Sites stream - offers support to help sites reopen to the public including repairs and PPE equipment and adaptions to facilitate social distancing. As part of this stream, £240,000 has been awarded to the A-listed Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh to assist with internal adaptions to facilitate social distancing and make the historic theatre safe for visitors when it is able to re-open.

£17,625 has also been awarded to Duart Castle Partnership to assist with works at the 13th century Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull as they start to plan for the next visitor season. As part of the works, a one-way system will be developed so that visitors can explore the castle safely.

Meanwhile, £73,743 has been awarded to Shetland Amenity Trust for works to the A-listed Sumburgh Head Lighthouse on Shetland. The funding will be used to address building maintenance as a result of winter storm damage, install COVID adaptions and develop a new business plan. The Trust will also deliver a community art project and video to promote the site and re-engage with the local community.

The A-listed Cockenzie House and Gardens in East Lothian has also been awarded £12,112 to cover repairs which will ensure continued public access to the building which is a vibrant community hub offering studios for small business and artists and delivers a range of heritage and community projects within the grounds.

The second stream – the Sector Resilience and Recovery stream – will help organisations to protect jobs or skills training posts, as well as assist with activities to help them adapt to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. Organisations which HES is supporting under this stream include The Scottish Lime Centre, based in Fife. The Scottish Lime Centre is a key provider of advice, training and practical experience for the repair and conservation of Scotland’s traditional and historic buildings and £25,000 has been awarded to upgrade their website, improve their online presence and develop four training videos for traditional building skills, enabling them to continue to deliver valuable online training in a COVID-safe manner.

The Strathspey Railway Company, which runs a working steam railway museum offering passengers a 20-mile journey through Spey Valley in historic rail carriages pulled by historic locomotives, has been awarded £57,700. The funding will safeguard the development of traditional skills including three engineering apprenticeships as well as PPE equipment to allow the museum to safely re-open and allow visitors to enjoy the railway heritage of the Spey Valley once it is safe to do so.

In addition, £39,575 has been awarded to the Friends of Dundonald Castle – a charity that operates the 14th century castle and visitor centre in Ayrshire. The funding will enable the organisation to focus on increasing their resilience while adapting to COVID-19, develop recovery plans, increase their digital presence and produce online learning resources.

The Historic Environment Recovery Fund is administered by HES on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive at HES, said: “From museums in the Highlands to historic venues and buildings in central Scotland and the Borders, we are pleased to support a diverse range of projects the length and breadth of Scotland as part of the Historic Environment Recovery Fund. By helping to protect jobs, reopen historic sites and maintaining investment in traditional skills training and apprenticeships, we hope to support the wider recovery of the sector and Scotland’s economy.

“While historic sites and visitor attractions have been impacted by the closure of sites throughout the 2020 visitor season and the loss of revenue, other organisations in the sector have also had to adapt the way in which they carry out their work, put crucial traditional skills training and educational activities on hold and look at new ways to generate income, and we hope that this funding will allow the recipients to prepare for the future.

“The historic environment sector provides countless benefits to local communities – including providing jobs and generating tourism spend - and it is vital that we support these organisations and ensure their important work can continue as we face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and seek to harness opportunities ahead.”


Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland is internationally renowned for the quality and diversity of its historic environment. Our historic environment plays a crucial role in defining who we are as a nation, supporting wellbeing and sustainability within communities and promoting a positive image of Scotland across the world.

“I am pleased that a wide range of projects will benefit from Scottish Government funding as part of the Historic Environment Recovery Fund. The support delivered through this fund will safeguard our shared heritage for future generations, protect jobs and help to strengthen Scotland’s wider economic recovery.”


The projects which have been awarded funding are:
• Archaeology Scotland - £72,000
• Ardnamurchan Lighthouse Trust Ltd - £27,171
• Bannockburn House Trust - £27,282
• Braemar Community Limited - £30,620
• Castle Roy Trust SCIO - £11,248
• Cawdor Castle Ltd - £100,528
• Clan Mackenzie Charitable Trust - £24,400
• Cockenzie House and Gardens - £12,112
• Collective - £47,988
• Dr Coralie Mills, Dendrochronicle - £14,998
• Duart Castle Partnership - £17,625
• Eden Court Highlands - £59,364
• Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust - £19,815
• Fife Historic Buildings Trust - £83,914
• Finlaggan Trust - £8,347
• Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO - £39,575
• Friends of Kilbride - £68,509
• Glasgow Women's Library - £30,000
• Govan Heritage Trust SCIO - £39,905
• Hopetoun House Preservation Trust - £71,355
• King's Theatre Kirkcaldy Limited - £87,000
• Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust - £18,985
• Northlight Heritage - £14,916
• Open Past - £12,575
• Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust - £53,351
• Raasay House Community Company - £15,782
• Scottish Lime Centre Trust - £25,000
• Scottish Railway Preservation Society - £158,654
• Shetland Amenity Trust - £73,743
• Skaill House - £30,000
• Smart History - £12,500
• Stonehaven Recreation Grounds - £92,069
• The Abbotsford Trust - £48,730
• The John Rae Society - £17,107
• The Moray Society/Elgin Museum - £8,720
• The Queen's Hall (Edinburgh) Ltd - £240,000
• The Ridge SCIO - £24,418
• The Strathspey Railway Company - £57,700
• The Swan Trust - £17,800
• Traquair House Charitable Trust - £30,104
• Wanlockhead Museum Trust - £70,328

Image: Queen's Hall Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Latest Fife News

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.

READ MORE
Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.

READ MORE
Local pupil wins Easter hard hat design competition

Local pupil wins Easter hard hat design competition

A local pupil from Pathhead Primary School in Kirkcaldy is the winner of Miller Homes’ first ever Easter hard hat design competition, the homebuilder’s take on the traditional Easter bonnet.

READ MORE
Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Noughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!

READ MORE
Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Dobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.

READ MORE
Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.

READ MORE
Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

This year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.

READ MORE
Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

A host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.

READ MORE
A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

Spring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!

READ MORE
National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

Full cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!

READ MORE
Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

READ MORE
Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

A sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

READ MORE
Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.

READ MORE
Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Great Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.

READ MORE
Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.

READ MORE
Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Friday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.

READ MORE
Scottish trad music is on the rise

Scottish trad music is on the rise

New research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.

READ MORE
The 5th Paisley Book Festival programme is announced

The 5th Paisley Book Festival programme is announced

A stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!

READ MORE
Last chance to secure an Earlybird Entry for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

Last chance to secure an Earlybird Entry for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and the Earlybird offer to save up to £8 off your entry ends this Friday 1st March at 10am.

READ MORE
Animated film raises thousands for Shelter Scotland

Animated film raises thousands for Shelter Scotland

A Scottish author's poignant tale of generosity and kindness has raised £2,262 to help the homeless.

READ MORE
Dobbies unveils its TEAriffic Mothers Day experience

Dobbies unveils its TEAriffic Mothers Day experience

Dobbies is offering customers the chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to an indulgent Mother's Day Afternoon Tea experience and a special flower gift on March 9th & 10th.

READ MORE
Fishermen bid to reel in political support

Fishermen bid to reel in political support

An Impassioned photo-led exhibition that depicts the challenge, pride and responsibility felt by those working in Scotland’s fishing industry is to debut within the Scottish Parliament.

READ MORE
Who will be named Scottish influencer of the year

Who will be named Scottish influencer of the year

The Scottish Influencer Awards, the major awards ceremony celebrating Scotland's stars of social, has announced the full shortlist of nominees in the running to be named the Influencer of the Year.

READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centre hosts free gardening workshops in March

Dobbies Garden Centre hosts free gardening workshops in March

Dobbies is encouraging gardeners of all ages and skill levels across the country to get one of their 5 a day by learning how to grow soft fruits at one of its free workshops in March.

READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show returns, celebrating 10 years of same sex marriage in Scotland

Scottish Wedding Show returns, celebrating 10 years of same sex marriage in Scotland

Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this Valentine's weekend and is putting love on display as the country celebrates 10 years of same sex marriage.

READ MORE
3D model offers chance to come face to face with Mary Queen of Scots

3D model offers chance to come face to face with Mary Queen of Scots

To mark the anniversary of Mary Queen of Scots’ death, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has released a digital 3D model of her death mask.

READ MORE
Rory McIlroy set for Genesis Scottish Open Title Defence

Rory McIlroy set for Genesis Scottish Open Title Defence

Rory McIlroy will return to the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick from July 11th-14th, with tickets on sale now!

READ MORE
Romance blooms at Dobbies

Romance blooms at Dobbies

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, will be indulging people of all ages with its Valentine's Afternoon Tea, taking place across 68 of its stores on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February!

READ MORE
Jack Docherty announces Scottish tour for top reviewed show

Jack Docherty announces Scottish tour for top reviewed show

Following a sell-out run at the Fringe, Jack Docherty, the BAFTA award-winning star of Scot Squad and Absolutely, is taking his critically-acclaimed show David Bowie & Me: Parallel Lives on tour.

READ MORE
Championships medals revealed, as Museum of World Athletics Exhibition officially opened by Scottish Athletics legends

Championships medals revealed, as Museum of World Athletics Exhibition officially opened by Scottish Athletics legends

With less than four weeks until the first World Athletics Indoor Champion Glasgow 24 is crowned, organisers have revealed the medal specially commissioned for the event following a design competition.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

St Andrews Indoor Golf Centre - Re-Launch
The team at St Andrews Indoor Golf Centre now ‘Centre of Golf Excellence St Andrews' look forward to welcoming you to our Relaunch Open Day on Saturday 30th March!
Disco on the Beach: Elie Beach
Come along and join Ya Dancer Silent Discos for their Outdoor Disco at Elie Beach, Leven on Saturday 27th April!
Langtoun Jazz Festival 2024 presents The Big Band Theory Fundraiser for Kirkcaldy Foodbank
Since Langtoun Jazz Festival began in 2018 we have always hosted an event to benefit Kirkcaldy Foodbank and this year we are delighted to welcome back The Big Band Theory!
James Grant
James Grant is one of the most renowned and respected performers Scotland has ever produced, don't miss him live at the King's Theatre Kirkcaldy on 25th May!
Kirkcaldy Links Market
The famous Kirkcaldy Links Market, Europe's Longest Street Fair, will return to the Esplanade between the 17th and 22nd April 2024!

Popular Listings

Adam Smith Theatre Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline Carnegie Hall Corn Exchange Cupar Kings Theatre Kirkcaldy Lochgelly Centre PJ Molloys Rothes Halls Teasses Estate The Byre Theatre St Andrews