Historic Environment Scotland Launches Pilot Fund to Protect Nation’s Iconic Places of Worship
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has unveiled a new financial initiative designed to safeguard the nation’s architectural heritage. The Scotland’s Places of Worship Fund will provide crucial support for listed religious buildings, helping them manage the financial burden of essential repair and conservation projects.
The pilot scheme, which is scheduled to open for applications in October 2026, aims to offset VAT costs associated with maintenance work. By easing this financial pressure, HES hopes to ensure that these historically significant buildings remain viable, safe, and accessible to the communities they serve.
A Response to Changing Financial Landscapes
The development of this standalone scheme follows the closure of the previous UK-wide Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. With that national support removed, the Scottish Government and HES have moved to bridge the gap, dedicating up to £1 million from the existing HES grants budget to support the initiative through March 2027.
Funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants of all faiths and denominations. Beyond immediate repairs, the pilot is designed to gather data on the demand for such support, which will then serve as evidence to inform potential long-term funding strategies for Scotland’s historic environment.
More Than Just Buildings
For many across the country, these structures are much more than houses of worship; they are integral community hubs, iconic landmarks, and vital social infrastructure.
Katerina Brown, Chief Executive Officer at HES, emphasized the cultural value of the project: “Scotland’s historic places of worship are an important part of our shared heritage. By supporting early intervention and ongoing maintenance, the Fund will help protect historic buildings, sustain traditional skills, and support the long-term resilience of significant heritage assets.”
Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, underscored the government’s commitment to the sector. “VAT charges on essential repair work can act as a barrier to investment in historic buildings,” she noted. “I am glad we have been able to work with Historic Environment Scotland to plug the gap left by the UK Government’s withdrawal of this vital support.”
Moving Forward
HES is currently collaborating with faith groups and sector stakeholders to refine the guidance and application processes. This inclusive approach ensures that the fund is tailored to the needs of the diverse communities that maintain and cherish these sites.
Organizations planning repair or conservation work are encouraged to visit the official HES website ahead of the October 2026 launch. In addition to this new pilot, HES reminds applicants that other support options, including the existing Historic Environment Grants Programme, remain available for those overseeing the care of the nation’s most precious historic assets.
