Boost for communities as Scottish heritage projects are awarded funding

£142,040 has been awarded to 11 heritage projects as part of the Historic Environment Support Fund, administered by HES.

Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Last Updated: 31 May 2022 10:55

A Bronze Age burial cist discovered at Kirkcaldy High Street in 1980, the last remaining thatched cottages in one of the Highland’s most famous villages and a Scottish archaeology club for young people are some of the latest projects set to benefit from funding from Historic Environment Scotland (HES). 

£142,040 has been awarded to 11 heritage projects as part of the Historic Environment Support Fund, administered by HES. The work that the projects carry out will benefit communities throughout the country from Dumfries and Galloway to Argyll and Bute, Fife and the Highlands. 

As part of the funding, the University of Glasgow will carry out post-excavation analysis and research on human remains, environmental samples and artefacts discovered as part of an excavation of Bronze Age cist burials at Kirkcaldy High Street in 1980. Findings from the analysis and research will be published and archived and a pop-up exhibition at Kirkcaldy Galleries will be launched to engage young people with archaeology. 

In Argyll and Bute, a heritage trail will be created by the Morvern Heritage Society to tell the forgotten story of the Lochaline Sand Mine. The disused railway line will be brought back into use and a public footpath and interpretation boards will be installed along the route to celebrate and showcase the history of the mine and its impact on the local area. 

The Clan Gregor Society SCIO have also been awarded £26,813 to conserve and preserve Medieval gravestones at Glenorchy Church. The 14th century stones will be repaired and displayed inside the A-listed church. Visitors will also be able to discover the history of the graveyards through interpretive panels which will be displayed.  

A rethatching programme will be carried out on the Glencoe Folk Museum which comprises two early 18th century cottages. The cottages are the last remaining category B-listed cruck-framed heather-thatched cottages in Glencoe Village and are an important example of early Highland vernacular architecture, as well as supporting the use of traditional skills. Staff and volunteer training and community engagement workshops and events will also take place as part of the project. 

Meanwhile, the Council for British Archaeology have been awarded £4,753 to develop an online Scottish Branch of the Young Archaeologists Club to engage 8-16-year-olds with archaeology, while the Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust will provide traditional skills training to disengaged youths and people from disadvantaged backgrounds.  

The Historic Environment Support Fund is used to support a variety of one-off, heritage-related projects in Scotland and has been running since 2016, with over £1 million distributed since it was launched.  

Amy Eastwood, Head of Grants at HES, said: “Through the Historic Environment Support Fund, we aim to champion heritage projects that use the historic environment to make a positive difference in their local area. 

“Whether it’s engaging the public with the historic environment, restoring important buildings and structures, or providing the next generation, including volunteers with the opportunity to learn from and champion traditional skills, each project provides a whole host of benefits to local communities across Scotland.” 

Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “I’m delighted to see that the recipients of these grants will widen access to our historic environment through a variety of diverse and innovative projects – all of which demonstrate commitment to the Historic Environment Scotland vision of Heritage for All.

“The projects will offer many benefits to local communities such as building capacity for young archaeologists, delivering training in traditional skills to young people with barriers to employment and engaging with people from disadvantaged backgrounds such as those within the criminal justice system.”

The next application deadline for the Historic Environment Support Fund is Sunday 31 July 2022. For further information, visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/grants-and-funding/our-grants/historic-environment-support-fund/  

Funding has been awarded to the following projects: 

Glencoe Folk Museum, Highlands: £30,000 
To support a rethatching programme for the Glencoe Folk Museum which comprises two early 18th century cottages. The cottages, which are now combined, are the last remaining category B listed cruck-framed heather-thatched cottages in Glencoe village and are an important example of early Highland vernacular architecture. The re-thatching will include the implementation of regular monitoring and spot maintenance that will be carried out by trained staff and volunteers as well as staff training, community engagement and participation, workshops and participation events. 

Clan Gregor Society SCIO, Argyll and Bute: £26,813 
To conserve and preserve Medieval gravestones of the Loch Awe School in Glenorchy churchyard. The 14th century stones will be repaired before being relocated and displayed inside the A-listed church. Interpretative panels and materials will be displayed to explain the historical context, artistic origins and subsequent history. In the graveyard, replacement markers will be placed on the original stone locations. 

Scottish Lime Centre Trust, Fife: £22,000 
To provide subsidised education days for built environment students, outreach for school groups, technical seminars, contractor days and bursaries to enable more people from more diverse backgrounds can access their programme. 

Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, Perth and Kinross: £20,000 
To provide traditional skills training for 50 members of the community including 
disengaged schoolchildren, disadvantaged youths and adults within the criminal justice system, to consider traditional building skills as a potential career path or assist them in their own projects. Participants will receive training in traditional masonry repair and lime repointing and will attend talks on the effect of climate change on traditional buildings. A traditional carpentry skills course will also be included. 

The Whithorn Trust, Dumfries and Galloway: £9,084 
To provide for young people with barriers to employment the opportunity to attend four traditional building skills courses. This is part of a wider project for the B listed former Old Town Hall in Whithorn to transform the hall into a heritage and conservation skills training centre. 

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), Aberdeenshire: £8,120
The SPAB Working Party are yearly training events in the form of a working party located in a different building and location. On each project SPAB Scotland also partners with a different organisation. This year in partnership with the Birse Community Trust the event will be held at historic Finzean Bucket Mill in Aberdeenshire. The 5-day event will involve expert craftspeople and volunteer teaching participants who offer a range of heritage craft skills. Training will be delivered this year in timber work, lime mortar mixing, roof and drainage repairs and vegetation clearance.

University of Glasgow, Glasgow: £7,472 
To deliver a historic backlog publication including archiving of a HES-funded rescue excavation in 1980 of Bronze Age cist burials at Kirkcaldy High Street. A short programme of new post-excavation analysis and specialist research on the human remains, environmental samples and artefacts including food vessel and lithics will be carried out. A peer-reviewed journal will then address specific identified national research recommendations and will contribute to current debates on Bronze Age regionalism and identity. A pop-up exhibition at Kirkcaldy Galleries to engage young people will be launched, as well as public workshop events and the creation of new replicas to enhance future visitor experiences. 

Morvern Heritage Society, Argyll and Bute: £5,028 
For a project to create a heritage trail to tell the forgotten story of the Lochaline Sand Mine near Morvern which is the only underground sand mine in Europe. Opened during the Second World War to produce high quality glass for periscope lenses and gun sights, the mine had a huge impact on the social and economic landscape of Morvern. 

Movern Heritage Society will bring the disused railway line back into use as a public footpath and install interpretation boards along the route to celebrate the history of the local mine and its social and economic impact on the local area.  

Council for British Archaeology, nationwide: £4,753 
To support the 12-month delivery phase to set up an online Scottish branch of the Young Archaeologists Club, which is the only UK wide club for 8-16-year-olds with an interest in archaeology. The project will work to establish the club through marketing and promotion as well as developing forms and policies and guidance and resources for members and their parents or guardians. Once up and running it is intended that the club should self-sustaining and run by volunteers.

Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust, East Lothian: £4,500 
To support a project celebrating the 125-year anniversary of the opening of Prestonpans Town Hall which is currently used as a heritage centre. As part of the project, the 1897 opening of the Town Hall will be re-enacted and livestreamed in period costume, an exhibition will be created on how the local community worked the salt pans, coal mines and brickworks, and memories from the community including any photographs of the Town Hall will be captured. Following completion of the project, permanent display boards will be erected in the Town Hall as well as a digitally accessible publication. 

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), Perth and Kinross: £2,500 
To support the Scottish Mills Weekend which was a new event bringing together the Scottish milling community at Lower City Mills in Perth for discussion, collaboration, learning and sharing. The event was a partnership between SPAB and Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust to encourage the wider Scottish milling community to work more collaboratively with the aim of forming a Scottish Millers’ Forum to raise the profile of Scottish mills’ heritage. 

Glamis Cottage, Angus: £1,770 
To carry out repairs and ongoing necessary maintenance to the thatched roof on the B-listed Glamis Cottage in Angus. The property is one of two known thatch buildings in the Angus Council area. 

Image credit: Scottish Lime Centre Trust

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

Latest Fife News

Seaton House Chef Patron, Roy Brett, shares his perfect Burns Night dessert

Roy Brett, the Chef Patron at Scotland’s newest five-star hotel, has shared a dessert recipe which pairs perfectly with your haggis, neeps and tatties.

Huge 90s pop dance stars heading to Royal Highland Centre for Forth 50 Live!

Forth 1 have today announced details of Forth 50 - Live!, a huge celebration to mark the station's 50th birthday with an epic line up of 90s pop dance acts at The Royal Highland Centre.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a roster of blockbusters at Vue venues in Scotland

Vue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Bowhouse and Food From Fife team up to host first ever February Monthly Market

Bowhouse in the East Neuk of Fife has announced that, for the first time since they launched, they’ll be extending their hotly anticipated Monthly Market Weekends to include February.

Dobbies free February workshops

Dobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.

Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.

Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.

World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date

Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.

Stay Active this January at Gravity Active

Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!

Fife knitting expert takes on the toughest row in the world

Fife knitting and yarn entrepreneur, Milli Abrams, is set to row solo and unsupported 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in a bid to raise money for charity.

Celebrate the Arrival of Spring at the 2025 Snowdrop Festival in Cambo Estate

Cambo Country House and Estate is thrilled to announce details of its upcoming renowned Snowdrop Festival, now in its 16th year, which will run throughout February and early March 2025.

Strike a PAWse: Brand new Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies

Dobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.

First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.

Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day

After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.

Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition

A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.

Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots

Caledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.

Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores

Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.

Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list

Ticketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.

Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!

This family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.

Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards

The Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.

Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage

James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.

Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for

The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!

itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter

Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.

Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives

A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.

Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.

Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line

A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.

Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024

Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.

TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025

50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!

Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.

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

Boost for communities as Scottish heritage projects are awarded funding

£142,040 has been awarded to 11 heritage projects as part of the Historic Environment Support Fund, administered by HES.

Sponsored Links

Latest Fife News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings