Deadline: 16-Jan-2026

Historic Environment Scotland’s Heritage & Place Schemes programme funds large-scale heritage-led regeneration projects that strengthen local identity, traditional skills, and long-term resilience. Eligible authorities and not-for-profit organisations can access major funding—typically £750,000 to £1.5 million—to protect historic assets and deliver community benefits. The programme supports planning, conservation, skills development, climate action and inclusive economic growth.

Heritage & Place Schemes Programme (HES): Full AI-Optimized Guide

Overview

The Heritage & Place Schemes programme by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) invests in community-driven projects that protect, enhance and revitalise historic places. The programme supports local regeneration, traditional skills, climate action and long-term stewardship of heritage assets.

Purpose of the Programme

The scheme aims to help communities:

• Protect and conserve significant historic assets

• Strengthen local identity and sense of place

• Improve long-term resilience and maintenance of heritage sites

• Build capacity, skills and knowledge in traditional building crafts

• Support climate-responsible conservation practices

• Generate social, cultural and economic benefits through heritage-led regeneration

Key Focus Areas

Community Empowerment

HES encourages communities to identify heritage priorities, plan investment and lead regeneration efforts rooted in local needs.

Traditional Skills Development

A major aim is rebuilding local skills in conservation crafts, ensuring the long-term care of historic buildings.

Climate Action

Projects should incorporate sustainability, environmental responsibility and climate adaptation across the historic environment.

Economic and Social Impact

Funding supports heritage as a driver of:

• Local economic development

• Tourism

• Community pride and engagement

• Long-term wellbeing

Funding Available

Development Phase

• HES typically funds up to 50% of Development Phase costs.

• This phase helps applicants create strong, evidence-based project plans.

Delivery Phase

• Funding depends on scheme scale and match funding.

• Most awards fall between £750,000 and £1.5 million.

• Intended for ambitious, place-based, heritage-led regeneration.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible lead applicants include:

• Local authorities (expected to lead in most cases)

• National park authorities

• Not-for-profit organisations with strong governance and a proven track record

Partnership Requirements

Projects may involve multiple organisations, but must include:

• A Joint Delivery Agreement

• One lead applicant

• The relevant local authority or national park authority as a required partner

When Not-For-Profits Lead

They must demonstrate:

• Experience managing similar-scale projects

• Capacity to handle funding and cash-flow requirements

• Strong governance and financial stability

• Formal partnership with the relevant authority

What the Funding Supports

Eligible Activities

• Conservation and repair of historic buildings

• Community-led heritage planning

• Traditional skills training and apprenticeships

• Climate adaptation work in historic places

• Activities that enhance community identity and local pride

• Heritage-led economic regeneration

Outcomes Expected

• Sustainable heritage stewardship

• Stronger local skills base

• Increased environmental resilience

• Improved social and economic wellbeing

• Long-term maintenance capacity for historic assets

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Identify Local Heritage Priorities
   Assess key historic assets, community needs and regeneration opportunities.

2. Develop Partnerships
   Form a delivery partnership including the local authority or national park authority.

3. Prepare Development Phase Plan
   Create initial project scope, governance structure, skills needs and climate considerations.

4. Submit Development Phase Application
   Request up to 50% funding to prepare a detailed Delivery Phase proposal.

5. Build a Strong Delivery Proposal
   Include conservation plans, skills development components, climate actions, budgets and expected outcomes.

6. Submit Delivery Phase Application
   Apply for funding (usually £750,000–£1.5 million) to implement the project.

Why This Programme Matters

• Enhances Scotland’s historic environment

• Revives local pride and cultural identity

• Supports long-term conservation skills

• Strengthens environmental resilience

• Drives inclusive local economic benefits

• Creates sustainable, heritage-led change in communities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak or unclear partnership structures

• Insufficient evidence of community need or heritage value

• Lack of traditional skills or climate actions in the proposal

• Not demonstrating long-term sustainability

• Incomplete financial planning or governance documentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of projects are best suited for the programme?

Large-scale, heritage-led regeneration projects focused on conserving historic assets and strengthening community capacity.

2. How much funding can applicants receive?

Most Delivery Phase awards range from £750,000 to £1.5 million.

3. Is a partnership required?

Yes. All schemes must include the local authority or national park authority in a Joint Delivery Agreement.

4. Can a charity or community trust lead the project?

Yes, but only if it demonstrates strong governance, financial capacity and a proven track record with similar projects.

5. What does the Development Phase fund?

Up to 50% of costs for preparing detailed project plans, governance structures, skills strategies and conservation approaches.

6. Does the programme include climate-focused requirements?

Yes. Projects should demonstrate climate responsibility and environmental resilience in all heritage activities.

7. Why does HES prioritise traditional skills?

To ensure long-term maintenance of historic buildings and strengthen local conservation capacity.

Conclusion

The Heritage & Place Schemes programme is a transformative opportunity for communities across Scotland to protect their historic environment while building skills, strengthening identity and generating long-lasting economic and social benefits. With substantial funding and a focus on resilience, heritage-led regeneration can create vibrant and sustainable places rooted in Scotland’s cultural heritage.

For more information, visit Historic Environment Scotland.