Resources

We’ve compiled some helpful resources for groups looking to take on a local built environment project.

Identifying, developing and delivering historic building projects (Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival): Learn from My Place Mentoring Officer Jamie McNamara and a panel of experts about funding, facilitating, mentoring and delivering heritage projects.

Governance (BRICK Works Guide): This guide supports groups involved in projects aimed at regenerating their local heritage to develop strong and effective governance. If you are a part of a community group looking to start a heritage led regeneration project, this guide will help you to understand the steps required to establish your group as a legal entity, fit to deliver and manage your project. 

Business Planning (BRICK Works Guide): This guide shows how to make a strong business case for your heritage regeneration project. Understanding and setting out exactly how you are going to regenerate your historic building, how much this work will cost and how the building will be used when the work is finished, is key to the success of any project.

Fundraising from Private Sources (BRICK Works Guide):This guide offers interested audiences the tools and knowledge necessary to set up and deliver a sustainable fundraising strategy, focusing on attracting funding from private sources. It has become increasingly important that community-led programmes and services have a diverse funding structure which enables them to mitigate risks and ensure success. 

Visioning and Options Development (BRICK Works Guide): This guide explains how to establish a united vision and explore viable new uses for a redundant historic building. Having a strong, shared vision for your project is essential for spreading the word and ensuring that everyone involved is committed to the same outcome for the building. 

 

Digital Innovation (BRICK Works Guide): This guide will help you to take the first steps to setting up online platforms (website, email and social media) as well as offering advice on the best way to use them to reach the right people. Digital and social media communication can serve two key purposes when it comes to heritage regeneration projects: The first is raising awareness and the second is as a fundraising tool.

Tenement Maintenance Advice (Under One Roof): Useful guidance on how to work with others towards a common goal, as well as how to tackle repairs.

Publications for Development Trusts (Development Trusts Association Scotland): A list of publication either directly sponsored or of specific relevance to development trusts, often containing information that’s useful more generally for those contemplating their own regeneration projects.

Buildings At Risk Register: Find out if the building you’re interested in is a Building At Risk – it puts it in a higher category of importance for funders.

Resources for community-owned pubs (Plunkett Foundation): If you’re thinking of taking over a pub in Scotland, the Plunkett Foundation may be able to support you.

Historic Churches Scotland: For those looking to take on a church building, this is a good first port of call.

Heritage Funding Directory (The Heritage Alliance and the Architectural Heritage Fund): A free guide to financial support for anyone undertaking UK related heritage projects. This is a useful starting point for navigating funding sources in the sector.

Communities and Local Heritage Guide (Historic Environment Scotland): Looking for advice on exploring and caring for your community’s local heritage? Not sure who to speak to? This handy pack contains useful web links directing you to a range of organisations who can help you get started.

We Are Culture (Scottish Civic Trust): A toolkit to help heritage organisations co-create, deliver and evaluate inclusive events.