Heritage organisations share £6.4m in emergency support

More than 100 organisations across Scotland have shared a £6.4m fund as part of an emergency support package for the heritage sector.

The money raised from the National Lottery aims to help tackle pressures faced by organisations most affected by Covid-19 over the next few months.

The Heritage Emergency Fund was set up at speed in late April, with grants going towards costs including core staff, essential maintenance and utility costs, and safe reopening.

It saved many organisations from permanent closure.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Scotland director Caroline Clark said: “As the enormous impact of the coronavirus pandemic became apparent, we had to act quickly to support the heritage sector and do our best to help organisations navigate through this incredibly challenging time.

“We launched our Heritage Emergency Fund, which has allowed us to get funding out to over 100 diverse organisations.

“We cannot save everyone and we know challenges still lie ahead, but we are grateful that, thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to help so many.”

Among the awards is a grant for £49,200 that has allowed Forth Rivers Trust to introduce safe working practices and purchase extra protection and additional tools.

Volunteers will be tree-planting, managing invasive species, keeping paths maintained and monitoring fish and other species to protect and improve the area for wildlife and community use.

Grants have been made across the full breadth of heritage from historic sites, industrial and maritime heritage, museums, libraries and archives to parks and gardens, landscapes and nature.

They have also gone to charities supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities, and organisations exploring and supporting the UK’s cultural heritage.