Orkney to benefit from £200m National Lottery Fund to 'unlock heritage'

Orkney has been named among six new areas across the UK to benefit from a £200m National Lottery Fund to help places of interest ‘unlock the potential of their heritage’.

The investment comes through the Heritage Fund’s ‘Heritage Places’ initiative, which supports regions with rich cultural histories to strengthen local identity, boost tourism and improve community wellbeing.

Orkney joins Barking & Dagenham, Belfast Historic Waterfront, Dudley, Tameside, and Ynys Môn (Isle of Anglesey) as the latest areas selected for the long-term funding.

Described as boasting “a cultural legacy spanning 5,000 years, from Mesolithic settlements to Viking strongholds and a vibrant, creative community spirit”, Orkney will now receive tailored support to develop heritage-led projects celebrating its history and landscapes.

Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Our six new Heritage Places each hold incredible potential – from Tameside’s rich industrial past to the Standing Stones of Stenness on Orkney and the vibrant coastal heritage of Ynys Môn. Each place is bursting with diverse heritage treasures to be explored.

“We are proud to champion and invest in these places, helping communities and partners to shape bold new visions for the heritage on their doorstep. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can make sure heritage is valued, cared for, and sustained for everyone – now and for generations to come.

The Kitchner Memorial tower on the cliffs at Marwick Head on the west coast of Orkney iStock

“For over 30 years, we’ve invested in heritage to create better places to live, work and visit, increasing the positive contribution heritage makes to life in the UK. Heritage Places builds on that legacy, offering long-term support and driving even greater impact.”

The charity – the UK’s largest heritage funder – has awarded more than £8.9bn to over 48,000 projects since 1994, all made possible through National Lottery players.

The Heritage Places initiative forms part of #Heritage2033, the Fund’s ten-year strategy to ensure heritage continues to make a positive impact on communities. The programme provides long-term support to selected areas to help them develop local heritage strategies, partnerships, and investment plans.

Earlier projects have already shown success in places such as Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, where a ten-year heritage strategy was developed with community input, and Stoke-on-Trent, where the city council and Staffordshire University are collaborating on heritage skills and capital projects.

Orkney follows Glasgow, which was one of the first areas in Scotland to be awarded Heritage Places status in 2023 – recognising its architectural and industrial heritage and community-led regeneration efforts.

Orkney Islands Council has been contacted for comment.