Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has launched the Heritage & Place Programme, an area-based fund aimed at supporting community-led regeneration in Scotland’s historic places. Eligible applicants include local authorities, national park authorities, and experienced not-for-profit organisations.

The programme operates in 2 stages:

Development Phase: up to 50% of eligible costs, with no fixed award level. Activities may include staff appointments, community engagement, skills audits, and condition surveys.
Delivery Phase: £750,000 – £1.5 million, supporting capital repairs, adaptive reuse of historic buildings, traditional skills training, and long-term maintenance strategies.

Projects must focus on defined heritage areas, demonstrate strong community involvement, and promote traditional skills and local capacity building. Previous successful applications include:

Shopfront repair and reinstatement work in Falkirk town centre.
Briggait Fish Market received funding for conservation-standard repairs to a historic Glasgow landmark.
Murray Fountain Restoration revitalised a key heritage feature in Crieff.
Saving St Kilda Kirk preserved one of Scotland’s most remote and culturally significant churches.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is Friday 16 January 2026, with full Development Phase applications due by Friday 7 August 2026.

For further information, including all guidance, eligibility, and how to apply, please visit the HES website (linked for your convenience).