Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has raised the maximum grant available per project by a quarter of a million pounds
HES writes:
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is increasing the maximum grant funding available per project from £500,000 to £750,000 to better support projects with the increased construction and running costs. HES is the second-largest funder of heritage in Scotland, investing around £12.4million in grant funding in 2024-25 on behalf of the Scottish Government to projects that protect and promote the country’s historic environment. HES funding delivers strong returns, in 2024-25 for every £1 we invest an additional £5.24 was invested, showing the impact that HES financial commitment has on the projects supported.
The increased grant ceiling will better equip projects to tackle the increased costs they face due to the cost-of-living crisis and climate change. Construction projects have been significantly impacted by the increased cost of living and global supply chain disruptions, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, climate change is driving the need for more robust and resilient solutions, often requiring more expensive techniques and materials. As a funding body, HES is already widely recognised as an expert in built heritage, and it has a sizeable impact on the projects funded through its grants programmes. Increasing the maximum award will allow HES to continue shaping more positive outcomes for Scotland’s historic environment and ensure its grant priorities, such as climate action and community benefit, remain key to project planning from the outset.
Dr Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at HES, said: ‘HES awarded its first £500,000 grants in 1990, and the limit has not increased since. It is time for us to join other funders in recognising the toll that the cost of living and climate change has taken on projects and offer greater support. In addition to our financial support, we also offer technical guidance and support as part of our funding process. Because we conduct our own quality processes, we are uniquely able to identify and help mitigate risk for capital projects. We are confident that our enhanced funding will allow us to support Scotland’s heritage even more effectively than before.’
Applications for the Historic Environment Grants Programme are now open and the increased amount of up to £750,000 can be applied for from 01 April 2026. To learn more, please visit our Grants and funding web pages.
