Up to £19.5 million is to be made available to Scotland's cities for heritage projects as part of a wider funding package from Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

The money will be channelled through Scotland's City Heritage Trusts (CHTs) and allocated across several cities, including Dunfermline for the first time. Following its designation as Scotland's eighth city in 2022, Dunfermline now qualifies for support via the CHT scheme. HES administers the funding on behalf of the Scottish Government to protect and promote the nation's diverse historic environment.

As part of the package, the CHT funding period is being extended from three to five years, allowing trusts to plan longer-term projects and develop their own delivery programmes. Grants will support the repair and re-use of historic buildings, training in traditional and specialist skills, and outreach activities such as exhibitions.

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Alison Turnbull, Director of External Relations and Partnerships at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: "It has now been twenty years since the City Heritage Trust scheme was first put in place, and we are excited to increase the funding period as well as bring a new city into the programme."

She said the scheme has proved highly effective in supporting local buildings, conservation areas and built-heritage outreach, and that HES will help each CHT set longer-term goals to champion heritage projects that contribute to Scotland's story.

"HES's funding schemes, such as the CHT scheme, continue to leverage match funding in the sector. We are very proud of the fact that the potential overall investment in the historic environment in 2026-31 catalysed by HES investment could be around £51 million, supporting jobs, skills and contributing to our sense of place."

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: "This five-year funding demonstrates the commitment from both Scottish Government and Historic Environment Scotland in providing long-term support for initiatives that will help protect and safeguard our nation's historic buildings and cultural heritage.

"Each award will empower the successful cities to allocate funding to projects within their area – allowing this support to be tailored to meet each area's needs.

"This community-centric approach ensures local voices can lead the way in how Scotland's story is told, for generations to come."