Calanais Fund for Heritage
Introducing the Calanais Fund for Heritage
The Outer Hebrides are home to some of Scotland’s most remarkable and evocative heritage sites, from the iconic stone circles at Calanais to the hidden stories of our Gaelic traditions. Recognising the importance of protecting, celebrating, and making accessible this extraordinary legacy, Urras nan Tursachan (UnT), in partnership with The National Fund for Heritage is proud to announce the development of the 2026 pilot of Calanais Fund for Heritage (CFfH)—a new grant-giving initiative designed to support heritage-led community development across the islands.
The Fund represents a major opportunity to empower local communities, deepen engagement with the Outer Hebrides’ heritage, and enhance wellbeing through inclusive, accessible, and sustainable projects. By supporting initiatives that connect people to the islands’ rich archaeological, historical, and cultural resources, the CFfH aims to foster a shared sense of pride and stewardship for generations to come.
The Vision Behind the Fund
The Calanais Fund for Heritage is more than a funding mechanism—it is a vision for how heritage can enrich lives. Its approach focuses on accessibility, inclusion, and community empowerment. By directing resources to locally led projects, the Fund seeks to:
• Enable communities to engage directly with their heritage,
• Strengthen wellbeing through heritage activities that bring people together.
• Promote sustainable use of heritage assets while creating educational and economic opportunities.
Phased Launch of the Fund
The CFfH will be introduced in two distinct phases:
Pilot Phase (2026–2028)
The initial two-year phase, launching in August 2026, will be supported by the National Heritage Lottery Fund. The pilot is intended to provide an opportunity to refine the Fund’s structure, governance, and operation while delivering real support to heritage projects. The Fund will work closely with community organisations to test application processes, assess project outcomes, and build best practices for future delivery.
Operational Phase
The second phase of the Fund is proposed as part of the Calanais 2025 project, which has redeveloped the Calanais Visitor Centre. During this phase, a proportion of the net proceeds from visitor admissions will be reinvested into the Fund to support community-led heritage activity across the Outer Hebrides. Launching following the polit, this operational phase will provide a long-term, sustainable source of support for heritage projects, contingent on final financial arrangements and agreement with HES.
Purpose of the Calanais Fund for Heritage
The CFfH has been designed to support a broad spectrum of community-based initiatives, with a focus on enhancing understanding, access, and engagement with heritage. Its key objectives are:
- Support Community-Based Heritage Projects
The Fund prioritises projects that increase awareness and understanding of prehistory, history, and both tangible and intangible heritage. From archaeological research to the preservation of local traditions, the Fund encourages initiatives that celebrate the islands’ rich and diverse legacy. - Increase Engagement with Less Accessible Heritage Sites
Not all heritage sites in the Outer Hebrides are equally easy to visit or explore. The Fund aims to open up lesser-known or hard-to-reach sites, helping people discover hidden treasures while improving physical, intellectual, and social access. - Promote Local Empowerment and Skills Development
By supporting community-led projects, the Fund encourages local participation, capacity-building, and the sustainable stewardship of heritage assets. Projects may involve training, volunteer opportunities, or initiatives that develop heritage skills relevant to the islands’ economy and cultural life. - Enhance Economic, Educational, Cultural, and Community Wellbeing
Heritage is not only a source of knowledge and inspiration—it is also a catalyst for community wellbeing and economic development. By funding projects that integrate education, cultural tourism, mental health, and community services, the CFfHcontributes to a thriving, resilient Outer Hebrides.
Who Can Apply
The Calanais Fund for Heritage is open to constituted, not-for-profit organisationsoperating anywhere in the Outer Hebrides. These groups are expected to work in partnership with appropriately qualified experts when necessary, such as archaeologists, conservators, educators, or access specialists.
While commercial organisations, individuals, and informal groups are generally not eligible, they can collaborate with an eligible constituted body which will make the application. This approach ensures that projects are professionally supported, sustainable, and aligned with the Fund’s objectives.
Building a Stronger Heritage Community
The Calanais Fund for Heritage is designed to create lasting benefits for both people and places. By linking community ambition with professional expertise and sustainable funding, the Fund aims to:
- Strengthen connections between residents and their heritage
- Improve the quality of visitor experiences across the Outer Hebrides
- Encourage inclusive participation in cultural and historical projects
- Foster skills, education, and wellbeing across communities
In doing so, the CFfH will play a vital role in shaping the future of heritage in the Outer Hebrides, ensuring that local stories, traditions, and sites are not only preserved but celebrated and shared widely.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the CFfH pilot phase in August 2026 marks an exciting step forward for the Outer Hebrides. As communities begin to explore the possibilities offered by this new Fund, the potential for innovative, inclusive, and impactful heritage projects is enormous.
The operational phase, following the redevelopment of the Calanais Visitor Centre, will embed the Fund as a permanent feature of heritage support, allowing future generations to engage with the Outer Hebrides’ remarkable heritage in new and meaningful ways.
The Calanais Fund for Heritage is more than a funding programme—it is an invitation. An invitation for communities to shape the story of their islands, celebrate their culture, and ensure that the Outer Hebrides remain a place where heritage is alive, accessible, and empowering for everyone.
If you would like to know more about the Calanais Fund for Heritage ahead of the launch please email us at hello@calanais.org or Get in touch
