New alliance wins funding for project
Grassroots heritage around Scotland will receive more support after a newly-formed organisation secured backing from two major funders.
The Scottish Community Heritage Alliance (SCHA) successfully bid for cash from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland to run heritage networking and training events in the next 18 months.
Seymour Adams, SCHA chairperson, thanked the funders and said: “The Grassroots Heritage in Scotland project allows us to reach out and connect with heritage groups, museums and projects throughout Scotland.
“We have seen the benefits of such events having participated in Highland Heritage Day for the past two years. There was a supportive environment, where groups could share successes and challenges, identify areas of collaboration and learn about some of the common issues affecting all heritage groups.
“It’s now time to roll this out to 12 locations throughout Scotland to help us reach those involved in grassroots heritage.”
SCHA has been set up to represent the grassroots heritage community by providing networking and support, advocacy and research opportunities.
Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “We’re thrilled to be able to help fund the crucial work of SCHA. The events being created will support key aims of HES by allowing local communities to engage with heritage in a new way and encourage collaboration and the sharing of best practice throughout Scotland.”
The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s £32,700 support for the Grassroots Heritage in Scotland project was made possible thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.
The first priority of the project is to recruit an individual who will identify and contact as many heritage groups, museums and projects as possible, then organise and work with them to deliver the 12 roadshows to take place over the next year.
They will also organise online networking and training sessions on issues that arise during the roadshows.
The successful candidate can be based anywhere in Scotland. Further details are available on the SCHA website www.scottishcommunityheritagealliance.org
Mr Adams continued: “The first task will be to identify who is active in local heritage. We are eager to hear from as many groups and individuals as possible.
“Please email us at scottishcommunityheritage@ gmail.com and we will get in touch about events near you. Membership of SCHA is currently free and more information about ways to join the organisation can be found on our website.”
Community heritage organisations tend to be small scale, run by volunteers and many times lack expertise, training and opportunities for development.
At times, organisations which may not identify themselves as working within the heritage sector nevertheless are entrusted with the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of communities.
The sector needs information and data derived from research to achieve successful advocacy and positive change. SCHA hopes this project will connect many of these small organisations.