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.

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

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

Latest Glasgow News

Buchanan Galleries Christmas Cracker takes Childrens Hospital Charity guest donations to more than 100K

Charity donations from generous Christmas shoppers at Buchanan Galleries helped amass an impressive £66,000 during the festive season alone!

Mowgli Street Food Introduces the new 600 calorie Lite Tiffin

Healthy, hearty and great value at just £15 per person - Mowgli's new Lite Tiffin launches this January.

Return to Middle Earth as The Lord of The Rings Trilogy celebrates its 25th anniversary at Vue

One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Scottish actor Joe McFadden to lead acclaimed stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

The Theatre Royal Glasgow is delighted to announce that The Shawshank Redemption, the acclaimed stage adaptation of Stephen King's 1982 novella, will come to the venue in March!

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!