Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the second-largest grant provider for heritage in Scotland, has released its first Grants Funding Report. The report showcases how the organization’s grants are utilized and aims to identify trends to assist in future planning for heritage preservation.
HES distributes an average of £13.5 million annually on behalf of the Scottish Government, which amounts to £2.35 per person in Scotland. This funding supports initiatives aimed at safeguarding and enhancing the nation’s historical heritage. HES allocates a larger portion of its budget to charities compared to other types of organizations. The recipients of these grants vary from well-established entities to emerging development trusts venturing into heritage-related activities.
The latest findings reveal that 74% of HES grants are dedicated to physical projects, including minor adjustments and extensive renovation endeavours like the restoration of John O’Groats Mill.
The historic fabric of the mill will undergo repairs with the support of a £500,000 grant from HES for the project. This will result in the transformation of the site into a new visitor attraction for the area. The grant funding will enable the creation of a working mill for visitors to see, as well as a new event space that can accommodate a variety of activities for the local community to enjoy.
26% of the HES grants budget is allocated to core funding for heritage organizations with a national remit, training and engagement, Intangible Cultural Heritage, and archaeology. HES invests more per capita in archaeology compared to other heritage agencies in the UK, contributing to a thriving sector where community activities are crucial.
The University of Aberdeen’s CITADEL project, focusing on excavation and research at a Pictish Elite Centre in Moray, is a prime example of such activities. With over £400,000 awarded by HES, the project aims to positively impact the historic environment by managing coastal erosion threats and maximizing archaeological research opportunities.
The report highlights that 62% of grant applications in the previous year mentioned climate change, indicating a growing recognition within the industry of its importance as a catalyst for change. Additionally, details regarding the Covid Recovery Fund, initiated by HES in 2020, are included in the report, showcasing the funding of 41 projects with immediate needs due to the pandemic.
Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at HES, said: “As the second-largest funder of the historic environment in Scotland, we are pleased to publicly provide data on how we spend this funding, as well as insights into how we make our funding decisions.”
“I believe we may be the first Scottish grant-giver to share their data in this way and look forward to releasing another data report next spring, providing further insight into Scotland’s heritage sector.”
HES is a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance.
Additionally, they provide outreach, educational, and cultural activities. The organization also plays a crucial role in Scotland’s planning system by providing a core statutory and regulatory function.
