Tag: Historic Environment Scotland

Photography competition celebrates World Heritage Day

Photography enthusiasts are being encouraged to enter a competition running until October celebrating three decades of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were first inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995 making this World Heritage Day (Saturday, 18 April) so special as the competition is part of the Site’s 30th birthday celebrations.

This makes this weekend the perfect time to explore the Old and New Towns to capture images of one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes in the world.

The winner of the competition, which is run by Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, and the Council, will receive a year’s membership to Historic Scotland.

Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust.

The over-all winner will take pride of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.

The entries will be judged by Tom Duffin, a professional photographer who specialises in showcasing Edinburgh’s heritage; Neil Hanna, a multi-award-winning photographer with over 35 years of experience; and Jane Bradley, celebrated Arts and Culture Correspondent at the Scotsman.

This year’s World Heritage Day celebrations also include the following event:

DID JOHN BAYNE TAKE A SECRET TO HIS GRAVE?

TODAY (Saturday 18 April) as part of the Legacies in Stone project, Edinburgh World Heritage, the Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the Council (funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund) aim to lift the lid on a secret centuries in the making: does a broken gravestone in John Bayne’s mausoleum hide a forgotten burial vault?

By repairing a simple flat grave slab, the aim is to unlock the mystery of this unique tomb in Scotland’s most famous kirkyard.

How to join:

Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “This year World Heritage Day is so special as there is much to celebrate. The 30th birthday is a significant achievement and milestone to reach as looking after the Site with our partners takes a lot of care and has many challenges. Edinburgh is a living, breathing city and it needs to be well managed to balance the needs of our residents, businesses and visitors.

“This World Heritage Day is a great time to enter our photography competition as it’s a lovely time of year to capture the changing light, sunsets and skylines this part of our stunning capital city is so famous for.

“The beautiful spring flowers appearing in the many gardens and open spaces are also there for us all to enjoy. If you’re interested in photography, why not explore the area this weekend to capture what inspires you most about the Old and New Towns.

“You could combine your visit to find out if John Bayne took a secret to his grave by attending the event in Greyfriars Kirkyard – or if history is more your interest – just attend the event instead.”

George Findlater, Head of Community and Economic Development at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “After thirty years of being a World Heritage Site, Edinburgh continues to inspire admiration from visitors and locals alike.

“We are excited to offer a year’s membership to Historic Scotland as a prize in the photography competition, and World Heritage Day is a terrific opportunity to bring out your camera and capture what makes Edinburgh so unique across the competition categories.”

Douglas Brotherston, Chairman of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “Thirty years as a World Heritage Site is quite a wonderful achievement and we are delighted at Edinburgh World Heritage, together with our partners at HES and the City of Edinburgh Council to mark the occasion by holding this photography competition.

“The unique appeal of Edinburgh’s streets and landscapes, skylines and special heritage is so varied, it lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We hope that we will get many entries from locals and visitors alike who can capture the glorious views of our spectacular city.”

The twelve categories for which applicants can submit their photographs are:

  1. Medieval Old Town
  2. Neo-classical New Town
  3. Gardens and open spaces
  4. Urban planning/street layout
  5. Topography and skyline
  6. Public and commercial monuments
  7. Conservation
  8. Layering of heritage
  9. Architectural detail
  10. Graveyards
  11. Juxtaposition
  12.  The Living City

Celebrating 30 years of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

Planning Convener Cllr Joan Griffiths writes about birthday celebrations for Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site ahead of World Heritage Day on Saturday:

It’s three decades since Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns were inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1995, recognising the city’s diverse and iconic buildings and landmarks –  thirty years on and we have a lot to celebrate this World Heritage Day,  Saturday 18 April.

The status recognises the Towns (collectively) as one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes in the world and helps us along with our partners, Historic Environment Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage, to make sure its value and beauty is preserved for generations to come.

As partners we’re tasked with preserving the organic medieval Old Town and the planned Georgian New Town including the city’s iconic skyline. The Site offers a rich contrast of styles between the Old Town’s narrow, winding closes and the broad, elegant streets of the New Town. Along with our partners we look after around 4,500 individual buildings and for around 30,000 Edinburgh residents the Site is their home.

UNESCO’s values include working with communities and young people. Celebrating this big birthday is giving us a fantastic opportunity to engage residents and visitors in activities to help them find out more about this historically important and internationally renowned area of our beautiful Capital city.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, we’re running a competition with our partners to help celebrate this milestone. We’re asking you to share an image with us before the end of October that captures what inspires you most about the World Heritage Site and makes Edinburgh so special in your eyes. There are 12 categories to choose from, ranging from the Medieval Old Town to the Living City.

Winning images in each category will become part of a year-long calendar and you will be able to buy one in our Museums and Galleries shops, at Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money to help manage the Site going forward.

For our young residents we’ve asked a class of primary four Granton Primary pupils to work with a freelance artist over the summer term. The children will visit the Museum of Edinburgh and be given a special educational tour of the World Heritage Site.

The artist will carry out a number of sessions with the pupils in their classroom guiding them to paint their impressions of what they found interesting and memorable during their trip around this historic area of our city. When complete the work will be exhibited in the Museum of Edinburgh from 5 October to 10 January for everyone to enjoy.

Why not use this week to find out more about the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site and enter any special images of the area you are proud of into our photography competition. Good luck and happy snapping!

Edinburgh Castle’s Crown Room gets a right royal makeover

See behind the scenes as Castle’s Crown Room gets a right royal makeover

Work is progressing on redevelopment of the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle, the historic home of the Crown, Sword and Sceptre which make up the Honours of Scotland.

Since the Crown Room closed its vault doors in January, significant refurbishment has been underway to enhance the display of the Honours. Elements of the Victorian design are being restored, including the room’s oak panelling. New oak shields have been carved by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) joiners to return these features to the original, simpler form that would have decorated the display at that time.

A new, bespoke display case for the Honours is also being installed. This has been designed to continue to keep these priceless objects physically secure, environmentally stable and looking their best for the 2m visitors who flock to the site each year.

The project has also provided a historic opportunity for a new generation of craftspeople to hone their skills. John Lamb, Third Year Apprentice Joiner at HES, has been working on the oak panelling conservation and creation of the new shields, while Mackenzie Francis, Second Year Apprentice Painter, has been painting the doors of the Crown Room.

Speaking about his involvement in the project, John said: “I’ve been able to work across all joinery aspects of the Crown Room refurbishment, which has been a really great opportunity.

“I’ve learned to use different router techniques while working on the new shields, and I’ve learned so much already working with the other joiners.”

Mackenzie added: “We’ve been using a metal paint to paint the doors of the Crown Room a new colour. Working on this project has given me the opportunity to find out more about different types of paint, which is a good skill to learn.

“It’s a big honour to work in the Crown Room, it’s not every day that you get the opportunity to do something like this.”

The redevelopment of the Crown Room is the latest chapter in the unfolding story of the Honours of Scotland, Britain’s oldest crown jewels and among the oldest in Europe. They have mainly been housed in the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle since its completion in 1617.

The room is a purpose-built secure vault designed specially to hold these treasures, with barrel-vaulting and thickened walls providing added security.

Kathy Richmond, Head of Collections & Applied Conservation at HES, said: “The Honours of Scotland are objects of immense significance and a key highlight of a visit to Edinburgh Castle.

“With this redevelopment, we’re taking inspiration from the past, and also want these objects to benefit from modern, high-quality design that meets the highest industry standards.

“The new display case will continue to ensure the long-term security and stability of the Honours, while creating an atmospheric and memorable experience for visitors.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the Crown Room later this spring to see the Honours once again in all their glory.”

The Crown Room redevelopment is scheduled to be completed in April 2026.

Information regarding the reopening of the Crown Room to visitors will be published on the Edinburgh Castle website.

Doors reopening to historic sites across Edinburgh and the Lothians for the summer season

Iconic heritage attractions prepare to welcome visitors once again 

Cairnpapple Hill, Seton Collegiate Church, Torphichen Preceptory and Trinity House will reopen to visitors from Wednesday 1 April, as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) kicks off the start of its spring/summer season. 

Cairnpapple Hill is one of Scotland’s best-known prehistoric sites, with evidence of human activity on the hill dating back over 5,500 years. The site will be open from 10am to 4.30pm  until Wednesday 30 September. 

Seton Collegiate Church was a private place of worship in the 15th and 16th centuries for the local landowning Seaton family and was raided by English forces during Henry VIII’s wars of Rough Wooing against the Scots. 

The site will be open from 10am to 4.30pm until Wednesday 30 September. 

Founded in the 12th century, Torphichen Preceptory was the Scottish headquarters for Knights Hospitaller. In 1298, it was occupied by William Wallace during the Wars of Independence, which forced the order to withdraw from Scotland for a short period. The site will be open from 1pm to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday 4 April until Sunday 27 September. 

Trinity House is an elegant Georgian building and was once the headquarters of the Incorporation of Mariners and Shipmasters. It is home to a collection of maritime treasures, including a Sir Henry Raeburn masterpiece painting of Admiral Adam Duncan. The site will be open for guided tours every Friday at 11am and 1pm from Friday 3 April. 

Visitors will also benefit from increased access at Hailes Castle following the completion of essential conservation work, including being able to explore its Great Hall. Hailes is one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles, dating from the early 1200s. 

Roger Curtis, Interim Director of Operations at HES, said: “It’s always exciting to welcome visitors to our wonderful historic sites over the spring and summer months. Whether revisiting a favourite spot or experiencing a new place for the first time, warmer weather offers a fantastic opportunity to get outside and explore Scotland’s historic environment. 

“With many of our sites set within some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, our properties offer incredibly beautiful nature experiences too. From dramatic viewpoints to peaceful grounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy.” 

Visitors can find out more about sites reopening in their area and plan their visit at historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place. Please check the website for the latest information before travelling.

Entry to sites and daytime events is free for Historic Scotland members. Members can also collect History Hunt Cards, a series of seven cards looking at the various types of sites including fortresses, settlements, and towers, when they visit staffed sites. A full set can be exchanged for a pin badge only available through the Hunt.

For further information or to become a member visit: alittlehistory.scot. 

Last chance to shape the future of Scotland’s heritage 

  • Final call for public input on long-term management of cultural heritage in state care across Edinburgh and the Lothians
  • Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Properties and Collections strategy consultation closes 23 January

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is urging people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to have their say on the future of its historically significant properties and collections, which they manage on behalf of the people of Scotland.

HES is set to finalise its long-term Properties and Collections strategy later this year and is encouraging those with an interest in Scotland’s heritage to share their views before the consultation closes on 23 January at 23:59.

HES looks after more than 300 historic sites including Edinburgh and Tantallon Castles and Linlithgow Palace; 43,000 objects; and 5 million archival records on behalf of the people of Scotland. Many of Scotland’s historic assets are facing increasing challenges in their management but there are also opportunities for this national network of cultural heritage to do more for Scotland.

Proposals within the draft strategy include how HES will adapt to the realities of a changing climate and consider how some properties could be used by community groups throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.

HES wants to hear what matters to the people of Scotland when it comes to heritage and how best to care for it, so it continues to benefit future generations.

Scottish influencers Historic Ally and Black Scottish Adventurers have joined the call urging people to take part in the consultation.

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES said: “The sites and objects that we look after don’t ‘belong’ to HES – we look after them on behalf of the people of Scotland and we want to hear all views and ideas on the draft strategy. The choices we make now will shape how the properties and collections we look after are managed for decades to come.

“We want to hear from everyone – whether you visit our sites often, work with heritage, or simply feel a connection to Scotland’s past. With the consultation closing soon, we’re encouraging as many people as possible to take part.

“The context in which the cultural heritage sector operates is changing significantly and the time is right to consider what the future of state care should look like – how we can best engage with communities, deal with the traditional skills crisis, deliver more sustainable tourism, and make the right decisions with transparency.”

The consultation is available now on CitizenSpace and will remain open until 23 January 2026. The final strategy is expected to be published later in 2026 following approvals by Scottish Government Ministers.

Castle of Light offers special £10 tickets for spectacular closing night

As Castle of Light: Fire and Ice prepares to draw its sixth dazzling season to a close, visitors are being invited to experience the award-winning after-dark event at Edinburgh Castle one final time, with a special £10 ticket available for the final night (Sunday 4 January 2026).

Illuminating the capital’s skyline throughout the festive season, Castle of Light has once again captivated audiences with extraordinary installations, immersive storytelling and breathtaking projections, this year inspired by the elemental forces of fire and ice.

With only a handful of dates remaining in its seven-week run, there are limited opportunities to journey through Scotland’s most iconic fortress as its transformed into a mesmerising world of light, sound and wonder.

To celebrate the closing night on Sunday 4 January 2026, all tickets will be available for just £10, offering a final chance for visitors to escape the everyday and experience the magic of Castle of Light before the festive season fades.

Created by a consortium of Scotland’s leading digital and visual artists, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Castle of Light has become a highlight of Edinburgh’s winter calendar, blending cutting-edge creativity with centuries of Scottish heritage.

Kit Reid, Head of Experience at HES, said: “Castle of Light: Fire and Ice has been a huge hit with visitors, with people travelling from far and wide to experience the iconic site lit up after-dark.

“We’re delighted to offer these £10 tickets and encourage anyone who hasn’t experienced the event yet to come along and celebrate the final night of this year’s spectacular event.”

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot

Auditor General express concerns over Historic Environment Scotland

‘Unacceptable governance at HES’

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) must put strong controls in place to prevent fraud and ensure value for money after unacceptable weaknesses were found in its governance.

The audit of HES’s 2024/25 accounts reported weaknesses in governance arrangements, including: procurement issues, data breaches, unclear processes for complimentary tickets to events at its venues, and no formal register of interests for the Executive Leadership Team.

Auditors reported weaknesses in the financial management of electronic purchasing cards and hospitality. They also found that the HES board was not provided with a paper to scrutinise the cancellation of a specialist archive storage project, which has already cost £2.9 million, with a further £0.5 million likely to be spent.

Together, these issues suggest a culture where organisational policies are not consistently applied or followed.

HES operated without a Chief Executive or Accountable Officer for almost six months in 2025. The Scottish Government should have appointed a substitute Accountable Officer to provide the necessary leadership and accountability in accordance with ministerial guidelines.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “Historic Environment Scotland is navigating a period of significant instability and challenge, with a number of staff-related matters that need to be resolved. This includes allegations of a toxic workplace culture which needs to be fully investigated and addressed.

“My report outlines unacceptable weaknesses in HES’s governance arrangements.

“It is critical that strong controls are now put in place to prevent the risk of fraud and demonstrate that value for money is being achieved.”

s22_251216_historic_environment_scotlandDownload

Rising seas and storms put Scotland’s past at risk: Historic Environment Scotland calls for action

  • Scotland’s heritage is under threat: rising seas, heavier storms, and wetter winters are accelerating damage to historic sites and experts warn time is running out
  • From castles to coastal ruins, Scotland’s most iconic landmarks are facing a climate crisis and urgent action is needed to help protect them for future generations
  • Historic Environment Scotland (HES) proposes a long-term approach to adapting and managing Scotland’s historic places, objects and archival records in draft strategy
  • Public invited to share views before consultation closes on 23 January

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is warning that some of Scotland’s most historically significant heritage properties are being affected by accelerating climate change.

Changing weather patterns, including increased rainfall and temperature variability, are creating more water ingress and placing additional stress on historic masonry. Scotland’s average temperature over the last decade was 1°C warmer than the 1961 to1990 baseline, and winters were 25% wetter, intensifying the processes that crack and erode masonry. Future projections from Adaptation Scotland suggest typical winters could be warmer and wetter, while summers become hotter and drier, increasing risks of drought and wildfires.

Sea levels will continue to rise, and long-term projections show coastal flooding and erosion will intensify, threatening sites such as Skara Brae and Blackness Castle. Dynamic Coast research (2021) estimates that coastal erosion could put around £1.2 billion worth of property and infrastructure at risk along Scotland’s shores over the next 25 years.

Climate projections also indicate intense, heavy rainfall events will increase in both winter and summer, raising the risk of flash floods and structural damage.

Changing weather patterns may accelerate decay in masonry buildings, while more variable and extreme weather will bring frequent storms and unpredictable conditions, disrupting access and increasing emergency repairs to buildings.

2025 has seen the highest number of weather-related site closures and access restrictions at HES properties in the past decade, with 281 so far this year.

HES is highlighting the huge challenges posed by the increasing rate and impact of climate change on heritage sites across Scotland as it seeks the public’s views on plans for the long-term management of the places and items it cares for. The organisation is actively identifying solutions for managing these challenges, which are set out in its draft Properties and Collections Strategy.

The organisation is calling on more people across the country to take part in the consultation, which is open until 23 January 2026. People are being asked to express their views on the proposed plans and changes to how HES could operate and manage the 300+ historic places, 43,000 objects, and 5 million archival records in its care.

HES is proposing to strengthen its response in the face of the accelerating impact of climate change, including a combination of management approaches to help mitigate its effects. As well as suggesting testing “innovative solutions,” the organisation has suggested its conservation principles must be more pragmatic, including necessary interventions as appropriate to further build resilience, such as interventions at wall heads, reinstatement of roofs and other water-shedding elements that may provide positive long-term outcomes.

According to Nathalie Lodhi, Head of Climate Change at HES, specialists are already witnessing a shift in the type and scale of challenges facing historic sites: “Unroofed historic sites, like many of our properties in care, are more susceptible to the effects of climate change as they no longer shed water effectively, putting them at higher risk.

“More frequent and intense storms mean more emergency repairs and structural monitoring, while temperature variations lead to higher risk of mould or issues from humidity. It’s not a question of what climate change is doing to our historic environment, but how fast it’s happening.

“We know that we need to use the latest data we have to understand the full extent of current and future climate change impacts on our sites and crucially, use these to inform our long-term decisions.”

Recognising the importance of planning its response to climate change now, HES is currently consulting on its draft Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship.

In it, HES sets out proposed plans on how it will:

  • Focus care on the places and objects that need it most and have the greatest potential to help people and communities.
  • Make decisions based on evidence, expert advice, including public input.
  • Work with others to protect and use these places in ways that benefit everyone.
  • Respond to climate change and rising costs with practical, long-term planning.
  • Support traditional skills and local jobs.
  • Improve access, learning, and visitor experiences.

HES says the long-term priorities of the strategy are focusing on the cultural assets in its care that have both the greatest conservation need and the greatest potential to make a difference to people and place, ensuring Scotland’s most significant cultural assets in a national context are conserved and sustainably managed for future generations. Public feedback through the consultation will help refine and shape the final version of the Properties and Collections strategy.

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES, stressed the importance of public engagement in shaping the final strategy: “Our historic environment is a huge part of what makes Scotland so special.

“We already know that we need to take action to protect it for future generations, but we need input from people across Scotland to help us identify what we should prioritise and ensure our strategy reflects the needs of local communities.

“That’s why we’re urging everyone – whether they work in the heritage sector or simply feel an affinity with Scottish culture – to take part in our consultation.

“We have small window of opportunity to find ways to shape a new, positive future for the properties and collections. We want to hear from people about how we face up to the huge challenges we face, but also how we grasp positive opportunities. Your voice matters to us. Now is the time to make it heard.”

The consultation is available now on CitizenSpace and will remain open until 23 January 2026. The final strategy is expected to be published in spring 2026.

Photography competition to kick off 30th birthday celebrations for Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

Residents and visitors are invited to enter a photography competition, launched to celebrate Edinburgh’s 30 years on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The competition is being run by the partners who look after the site: Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH), Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust.

The over-all winner will take price of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were first inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995, where they were recognised as one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes in the world. With its division into Old and New Town, Edinburgh is a remarkable example of urban growth, showcasing two distinct but equally significant styles of city planning.

Photography enthusiasts will have until October 2026 to submit their work showcasing Edinburgh in all its glory across the seasons. The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers, using any camera or device.

The entries will be judged by Tom Duffin, a professional photographer who specialises in showcasing Edinburgh’s heritage; Neil Hanna, a multi-award-winning photographer with over 35 years of experience; and Jane Bradley, celebrated Arts and Culture Correspondent at the Scotsman.

Terry Levinthal, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “Edinburgh is a city of matchless qualities.  It is a city of contrasts; of distant prospects and intimate details; a city of old and new; a place to be admired and be lived in.  

“These very picturesque qualities make it the perfect subject for photography.  To mark 30 years since inscription, we hope that everyone will be inspired to share their favourite views, details, buildings and places with us, so that we can share them with others.”

James Bruhn, Head of World Heritage and Heritage Policy at HES, said: “When a place is inscribed on the World Heritage List, that is by no means the end of the story.

“Edinburgh is a living, breathing place, and we are excited to support this competition and give local photographers the chance to capture Edinburgh’s unique beauty and win a membership to visit historic sites across the country.”

Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “I’d encourage everyone with an interest in photography to help us celebrate this significant milestone for the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site by entering the competition for a chance to be part of this exciting calendar.  I’m really looking forward to seeing the results.

“It’s a huge accolade to hold World Heritage Status and it’s extra challenging for a living, breathing city. We look after the Site with our partners and it’s important to us to make sure our residents from across the city feel a sense of ownership and belonging to the Site.

“The competition and resulting calendar is a great opportunity for people to reflect on what the Site means for them through their art as well as what they find special or feel proud of in this internationally renowned part of the Capital.”

The twelve categories for which applicants can submit their photographs are:

  1. Medieval Old Town
  2. Neo-classical New Town
  3. Gardens and open spaces
  4. Urban planning/street layout
  5. Topography and skyline
  6. Public and commercial monuments
  7. Conservation
  8. Layering of heritage
  9. Architectural detail
  10. Graveyards
  11. Juxtaposition
  12. The Living City

To learn more about the competition and prepare to take the perfect shot, visit this document.

£2.9m heritage investment for Granton Waterfront regeneration

Funding from Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund will protect the built heritage of Granton Waterfront

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are investing £1.34 million and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) are investing £1.24 million from their jointly funded Heritage and Place Programme into Granton Waterfront. 

With the funding, the City of Edinburgh Council will bring the area’s historic buildings and structures back to life through restoring, upgrading and connecting these facilities with the wider community. The money will also be used to support new opportunities for the community to explore and celebrate Granton’s heritage.

Each building and structure awarded the funding has its own unique story to tell about the history of Granton Waterfront, stretching from the late Victorian era to the early modern period. Together, they reflect the area’s rich industrial and cultural heritage. The funding secured will ensure that future generations will enjoy what they have to offer in the years to come.

Restoration projects

Granton Lighthouse

At Granton Lighthouse, a full refurbishment of this nineteenth century C-listed building, including major fabric repairs and accessibility enhancements, will create a new flexible, creative, learning, enterprise and community development space, operated by arts charity Out of the Blue.

Madelvic House

Madelvic House, a B-listed building from the 1890s, will also benefit. Once the headquarters for the UK’s first car factory, it will undergo roof and window restoration, interior upgrades, and accessibility improvements so it can be used by local arts and heritage organisations.

Granton Station building platforms

The magnificent Edwardian former Granton gasworks railway station building is one of the capital projects that will benefit from the funding. It has already been beautifully refurbished and is occupied by social enterprise charity WASPS.

The funding will be used to carry out upgrades to the disused platforms and introduce a heritage arts installation with green space that supports biodiversity.

Granton Castle Walled Garden

The Council is also working with the Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden to carry out structural restoration to the boundary walls and doocot. This will build on initial works the Council has already carried out, helping to ensure its continued use as a community garden and food education hub.

Beyond physical restoration, the project places strong emphasis on community engagement and skills development.

As part of the funding secured, a dedicated Community Heritage Officer will be appointed to lead a programme of heritage activities, including open days, exhibitions, walking tours, and volunteering opportunities.

These events will be developed with local people and organisations to make sure they reflect the community’s interests, aspirations and the heritage that they care about.

Numerous community organisations are involved in the initiative, including Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden, Wasps, Granton:Hub, and Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.

Their collaboration ensures that the heritage investment not only preserves the past but also empowers the present and future generations.

The work will all be completed by 2030 and as it continues interpretation boards will also be installed to support navigation, explain the significance of the place and improve visitor experience and engagement. 

Sir Mark Jones, Chair of the Board at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Heritage has always played a vital role in shaping places and communities, and it’s important that it continues to do so.

“Through our Heritage and Place Programme investment in Granton Waterfront, we’re supporting a place‑based approach that not only conserves historic buildings but reconnects them with the people who live here today.

“From local landmarks like the Lighthouse and Madelvic House, to community assets like the walled garden and industrial heritage embedded in Granton Station, each helps to tell the story of Granton’s past.

“By restoring and upgrading them, we’re ensuring they remain at the heart of its future – creating inclusive and accessible spaces for generations to come.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’re very grateful to be awarded this funding to carefully restore the built heritage of Granton Waterfront as part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the area.

“A key aim of the project is to involve the local community in our plans for these listed buildings and structures as we bring them back to life for local people and visitors to use and enjoy for generations to come.

 “As part of the restoration work we will deliver traditional skills training in partnership with Edinburgh College and local contractors will focus on construction and conservation skills that support career development and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the area’s heritage.

“The regeneration of Granton Waterfront is guided by a “place first” approach and we’re aiming to reconnect heritage sites and create inclusive, accessible spaces that foster wellbeing, creativity, and social cohesion.

“The project will also support activities at Granton Castle Walled Garden, enhancing local food production and education, and helping to alleviate food poverty.

“This project, along with the recent refurbishment of the gasholder and creation of Gasholder 1 Park, demonstrates our commitment to celebrate the historical legacy of the area.”

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “Granton is in the midst of major regeneration which will deliver exciting new opportunities for the area, creating new homes and bringing existing and new communities together.

“In that context, Granton’s heritage offers strong anchor points for community connections and our investment of £1,248,86, thanks to National Lottery players, will ensure heritage sits at the heart of Granton’s regeneration underpinning its character and values.

“Heritage connects people, cultures and communities to a place. We are investing in Granton as a place that supports community, embraces cohesive and sustainable economic regeneration, and cultural connections with a genuine pride in place.”

granton:hub responded: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce that granton:hub has been included in a £2.9 million investment as part of the Granton Waterfront Regeneration project 

“Madelvic House which is ‘B’ listed and from the 1890s will also benefit.

“Once the headquarters for the UK’s first car factory, it will undergo roof and window restoration, interior upgrades, and accessibility improvements so it can be used by local arts and heritage organisations.

“We are thrilled to be in fantastic company alongside @grantoncastlegarden @ootbdrillhall and look forward to seeing their projects expand and develop for the local community in Granton.”

The Granton:hub AGM takes place this Saturday 29th November, from 11am – 2pm.

This is a chance to come together as a community, hear about everything we’ve been up to@over the last year, and find out what’s ahead for 2026.

Next year marks a significant step forward for the hub, as we look to renovate our historic building – preserving its heritage for future generations while making it more accessible and welcoming for everyone in the community.

We look forward to seeing you there!