Tag: expressions of interest invited

Creative Scotland: Interested in Multi-Year Funding?

On 21 October, we’ll be opening a call for cultural and creative organisations based in Scotland to submit Expressions of Interest in Multi-Year Funding, with a deadline of 18 November

This call for Expressions of Interest is an information gathering exercise, to provide us with insight on the likely demand for future Multi-Year Funding –

PLEASE NOTE: Submitting an Expression of Interest will not have any bearing on an organisation’s eligibility to apply for Multi-Year Funding when the formal application process opens.

DETAILS

We would like to provide advance notice to cultural and creative organisations based in Scotland, of our intention to seek Expressions of Interest for Multi-Year Funding from April 2028. 

Timeline

The call for Expressions of Interest will open at 11am on Wednesday 21 October 2026, and close at 5pm on Wednesday 18 November 2026, and will be accessible through the Creative Scotland website.  

The full application process for new applicants will open in early 2027, with the next cohort of Multi-Year Funded Organisations in place from April 2028.

Purpose

This call for Expressions of Interest is an information gathering exercise, to provide us with insight on the likely demand for future Multi-Year Funding, in terms of both the number of organisations seeking this type of funding support, and the likely financial ask. 

While providing invaluable information on the future potential for the Multi-Year Funding Programme to support culture and creativity in Scotland, this will also help us shape the detail of the formal application process.  

Expressions of Interest will not be assessed, and no decisions will be made regarding individual organisations at this stage. Submitting an Expression of Interest will not have any bearing on an organisation’s eligibility to apply for Multi-Year Funding when the formal application process opens.  

Information required 

Expressions of Interest will be invited from organisations currently in receipt of Multi-Year Funding along with those interested in joining the programme from 2028.

A short form will be available via our website where organisations will be asked to provide summary information on their area of practice and an indication of the level of annual funding they anticipate requiring, on an annual basis, from April 2028. 

Find out more

Any questions on the Expression of Interest, the Multi-Year Funding Programme, or any other aspect of Creative Scotland’s funding, should be directed to our Enquiries Service. 

Background

Information and guidance on the Expression of Interest in Multi-Year Funding from April 2028 will be made available on our website from 11am on 21 October. 

Feedback gathered during the original development of Multi-Year Funding (MYF) called for a move away from a single, large-scale application round towards a rolling, continuous programme that reduces the administrative burden on applicants and the wider sector.

This would include the potential for organisations already in receipt of MYF, subject to review, to be offered continued funding through this programme beyond the original three-year agreement.

Alongside this, organisations not currently in receipt of MYF would have the opportunity to join the programme.

Creative Scotland is currently developing the details of this next stage of the programme, and the Expression of Interest response will help with that development. 

Further information on the current Multi-Year Funding Programme can be found on the Creative Scotland website: Multi-Year Funding | Creative Scotland 

Heritage Portfolio and Mansfield Traquair Trust continue ongoing partnership amidst SCVO departure

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), Mansfield Traquair Centre’s primary tenant for many years, has formally given notice and will be vacating the building.

The Mansfield Traquair Trust is now welcoming expressions of interest from organisations that would value and complement the unique cultural and architectural character of this iconic heritage site, home to the celebrated murals of Phoebe Anna Traquair, often called ‘Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel.’

During this transition, event operations will continue as normal. The Trust has an existing partnership with Heritage Portfolio, the venue’s longstanding catering and events provider, which remains in place to support planned and future events. 

With a track record of delivering exceptional hospitality across landmark Scottish venues including the Signet Library, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery among others, Heritage Portfolio brings continuity, experience and reassurance during this period of change.

Dr. Duncan Thomson, Chair of the Mansfield Traquair Trust, said: “For those planning special occasions, we know how vital reliability and consistency are.

“Our longstanding relationship with Heritage Portfolio reflects a shared commitment to making Mansfield Traquair a distinctive and memorable setting for weddings, corporate events and celebrations.”

Sandy Robson, Executive Director of Heritage Portfolio said “We want to reassure all current and prospective clients that Mansfield Traquair is very much open for business and operating as normal.

“Working within the venue for over 20 years, our team knows what it takes to deliver unforgettable events with the exceptional service and attention to detail that Heritage Portfolio is known for, while respecting the building’s remarkable history and architecture.

“We look forward to working with the Trust through this transitional period and celebrating many more special moments with our guests.”

As we move forward, the Trust remains committed to ensuring Mansfield Traquair continues to thrive as a venue for celebration, culture, and community, supported by partnerships that reflect and uphold its unique character.

This commitment is further supported by the Friends of Mansfield Traquair Trust, a dedicated group of volunteers who help bring the building’s rich history to life.

The Friends provide trained guides for Open Days, lead private tours by arrangement. They also offer talks for local groups and societies, helping to share the story of Mansfield Traquair with wider audiences.

Heritage Portfolio, a division of Sodexo Live! is a leading provider of private and corporate hospitality for cultural destinations.

Producing outstanding catering and event services, it serves some of the most prestigious venues across Britain, delivering amazing experiences that go beyond the remarkable food it creates.

In Scotland partners include Musselburgh Racecourse, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, National Galleries Scotland, V&A Dundee and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 

New national park(s) for Scotland

Call for expressions of interest from local areas

Communities across Scotland are being asked to consider whether their local area could be designated as the country’s newest national park.

Individuals, groups or organisations considering making a proposal can now register early interest. 

Nominations will officially open later this year, once the appraisal framework has been finalised. The government has committed to designating at least one new national park in Scotland by Spring 2026. 

Visiting Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater said: “I look forward to engaging with communities and learning more about their proposals, and I encourage everyone to get involved as we move closer to naming Scotland’s next national park.

“Our existing national parks play an important role in tackling the biodiversity and climate crises, whilst also supporting local communities, businesses and visitors.

“Last year we consulted widely on the future of national parks in Scotland, and there was broad support for our commitment to create at least one new park by 2026.”

Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority Gordon Watson said: “National Parks have a vital role to play in securing a more sustainable future for Scotland. They are unique places where we can maximise the benefits that can be provided for nature, climate and people.

“Scotland has set ambitious targets to reach Net Zero and to restore biodiversity by 2045.

“If we are to reach those targets, urgent, bold action is required and Scotland’s existing – and any new – National Parks can make a substantial contribution. 

“Through scaling up our efforts to lock-in carbon in the landscape, restore nature at scale and enable a greener low-emission economy, we can, together, help Scotland make significant progress towards these commitments.”

Registers of interest should be submitted by email to: NationalParks@gov.scot 

A draft appraisal framework with broad selection criteria for new national parks has also been published for consultation. 

The Scottish Government is already aware of several communities or groups that are interested in putting their area forward for national park status. Our appraisal framework will help to ensure the nomination process is fair, transparent and inclusive.

Registration opened yesterday (Thursday 11 May 2023). There is no requirement to register interest in order to submit a nomination. Nor does registration commit a group or organisation to submitting a nomination. 

Registration will allow the Scottish Government to update interested parties with any important information, key dates and communications throughout the process.