HES launches recovery fund for historic environment sector in Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland launches a new £2.6 million fund to support the recovery of Scotland’s historic environment sector from the impacts of COVID-19.

Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Last Updated: 6 October 2020 13:08

The Historic Environment Recovery Fund will support organisations and safeguard jobs following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has launched a new £2.6 million fund to support the recovery of Scotland’s historic environment sector from the impacts of COVID-19, with applications opening on Monday 12 October.

The Historic Environment Recovery Fund has two funding streams available which organisations can apply to for grants from £10,000 - £100,000.

The Reopening Historic Buildings and Sites stream is open to organisations which manage historic buildings and sites that are normally open to the public at least 28 days per year.

As part of this stream, funding is available to help with reopening to the public, from urgent repairs and maintenance to PPE equipment and minor physical adaptions to enable social distancing. Organisations can also apply for funding to assist with training for staff and volunteers as well as activities to re-engage communities with their local heritage sites as they reopen.

The Sector Resilience and Recovery stream is open to any organisation which delivers significant outcomes for Scotland’s historic environment.

Organisations should apply to this stream for funding to enable them to remain solvent and protect jobs or skills training posts as well as assistance with activities to help them adapt to the impacts of COVID-19 and become more resilient in the future.

As part of this stream, funding is also available for those who deliver traditional skills training courses and can be used to invest in additional space or equipment to facilitate social distancing requirements as well as to develop new ways of delivering courses, such as online, so that people can continue to participate.

The Historic Environment Recovery Fund is administered by HES on behalf of the Scottish Government and comes from the £97m UK Government consequentials for the culture and heritage sectors.

Jane Ryder, Chair of HES, said: “We warmly welcome this additional £2.6 million funding from the Scottish Government which has enabled us to develop the Historic Environment Recovery Fund to support organisations and historic sites throughout Scotland.

“These are extraordinarily challenging times for all those involved in the historic environment sector.

“As well as organisations large and small, being major contributors to the economy through providing jobs and generating tourism spend, access to our historic environment provides crucial social benefits to communities throughout the country.

“To support the recovery and long-term health of the sector and of society, it is critical that we now assist by protecting jobs, reopening historic sites and investing in traditional skills and training opportunities. We are delighted this new fund will support those organisations within the sector in this way, to continue the important work that they do.”

Amy Eastwood, Head of Grants at HES, said: “The Historic Environment Recovery Fund is open to any organisation which works to ensure Scotland’s historic environment is understood, valued, cared for and enjoyed, and it may be possible for some organisations to apply to more than one funding stream.

“All applicants must be able to demonstrate that their work delivers significant environment or public benefits and that their organisation was financially sustainable prior to the outbreak of COVID-19.

“There are a number of ways in which the Historic Environment Recovery Fund can help with an organisation’s recovery and I would encourage people to visit our website to find out what support might be available to them.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The last six months have been a trying time for everyone in the culture and heritage sectors. The major issues presented by the pandemic are not going away soon, but this funding will provide much-needed support to organisations to ensure as many as possible can survive the crisis.

“Heritage attractions and historic buildings play a critical role in communities across Scotland. This funding will enable them to reopen safely, protecting jobs and supporting local economies.

“It will also ensure we continue to invest in historic assets themselves and ensure that the specialist traditional skills and expertise in conservation, which will be vital to our green recovery, are not lost.”

Applications for the Historic Environment Recovery Fund are open from Monday 12 October – Monday 2 November. For further information visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/herf

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

16.5 million visits make 2025 best year yet for Silverburn

Silverburn has welcomed a record 16.5 million visits over the past year, marking 2025 as its busiest year to date and underlining its status as Scotland's leading shopping and leisure destination.

Scottish Ensemble spotlights future string stars with Musical Encounters

Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of their Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland's young string players.

Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!

Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi

Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale

Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!

Glasgow Film Festival 2026 to open with UK Premiere of Everybody To Kenmure Street

A documentary about one of Scotland's most spontaneous and successful acts of civil resistance in recent memory will open Glasgow Film Festival's 22nd edition on 25th February!

Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club

If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!

Calling all Gingers!

The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!

Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026

The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.

Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot

Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!

Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!

Full casting announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical

Full casting has been announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical which will have its Scottish premiere at The King's Theatre Glasgow in April!

Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.

Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary

Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.

Silverburn expands leisure offering with new Pilates studio

Silverburn guests can kick-start their 2026 wellness journey with the arrival of the first Haus of Pilates studio.

Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot

Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!

Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition

One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.

Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year

Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!

The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands

One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong crashes into the Kings Theatre Glasgow

Multi-award winning company Mischief return to the King's Theatre Glasgow with their new stage show – Christmas Carol Goes Wrong!

Christmas drawing by 11 year old Glasgow schoolgirl lights up the city

An 11-year-old Glasgow schoolgirl has seen her Christmas drawing light up the city after it was transformed into a glowing display as part of this year’s festive light trail.

Scottish Doctor Who actor to lead The Woman in Black at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, as it returns to the Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.

Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas

Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!

Solasta Residence supports Beatson Cancer Charity through festive giving tree initiative

Solasta Residence in Glasgow has launched its first Giving Tree in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.

The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow unveils exciting new programme for 2026

The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is set to light up 2026 with a thrilling year of music, theatre and comedy.

Wingstop UKI opens its doors at Silverburn

Leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has turned up the heat on its dining line-up with the official opening of Wingstop UKI, bringing even more flavour and choice to guests.

90s pop icon joins the cast of Mean Girls

Faye Tozer to star alongside Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners in the award-winning musical Mean Girls, coming to the King's Theatre in Glasgow from Monday 29th June!