Deadline nears for heritage funding bids

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is encouraging local authorities and not-for-profit organisations to apply to the next round of its Heritage and Place Programme (H&PP) funding before expressions of interest close on 16 January 2026.

The programme helps communities revitalise and celebrate local heritage in Scotland’s towns, cities and villages. Funding can support activities such as the repair and sustainable re-use of historic buildings, traditional skills training, engaging local people with their heritage, and planning for the long-term care of places at the centre of communities.

This is the fourth round of funding available through H&PP, which supports the development and delivery of heritage focused projects within conservation areas or places with a distinctive heritage area. Through this programme, HES are looking to help sustainably repair, protect and enhance the historic heart of places across Scotland.

Grants and funding schemes offered by HES support projects that promote and protect Scotland’s historic environment. In 2024-5, HES awarded £12.4 million through its various grant programmes with nearly half (48.49%) directed towards area-based regeneration projects across the country.

Successful projects now in the delivery phase of H&PP showcase the impact of the funding. HES has recently announced an investment of £1.34 million in City of Edinburgh Council’s Granton Waterfront project. HES funding will support the major refurbishment of local landmarks including Granton Lighthouse and Madelvic House, as well as a dedicated Community Heritage Officer. This new role will lead heritage activities such as open days, exhibitions, walking tours and volunteering opportunities, ensuring that community is central to the regeneration.

In Moray, £980,000 has been committed to the revitalisation of Forres Conservation Area. The project will focus on understanding and improving traditional buildings in the conservation area, while also strengthening the availability of traditional skills by providing training and education. The funding will help ensure Forres’s historic buildings and local landmarks, several of which are category-A listed, remain a defining part of the town’s identity and character.

Other schemes now in delivery include the Silver City Heritage and Place project in Aberdeen, which is working to protect and enhance the city’s historic features.

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

“This programme is a great chance for local authorities and notforprofit organisations to bring new life to the historic places at the heart of their communities. We know how important heritage is to people’s sense of place, and the challenges faced in regenerating town centres and historic neighbourhoods. It has been inspiring to see the start of delivery phases for projects already supported through the programme, and we want to make sure others don’t miss out as the deadline approaches.

I encourage organisations to look at the criteria and consider if their own local projects could benefit from the Heritage and Place Programme. The first step is to get in touch through our Expression of Interest form and we can start the conversation.”

The programme criteria and application guidance is available on the Heritage and Place Programme webpages. Successful bids at the EOI stage will be invited to submit applications to the development phase in August 2026.

Applications are welcomed from local authorities, national park authorities and suitably experienced not-for-profit organisations based in Scotland. Individual property owners are not eligible to apply directly.

Main image Credit – Historic Environment Scotland