What we do

The Scottish Churches Architectural Heritage Trust was established in 1978 to assist congregations of any denomination in Scotland in the preservation and upkeep of church buildings which are in regular use for public worship, principally by raising funds for their repair and restoration and by acting as a source of technical advice and assistance on maintenance and repair.

The list of grants awarded shows the type of work we support and gives an indication of the level of grant.

• How to apply for a grant
• What we will consider
• What we will not consider

Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme

The Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme (whereby VAT on work and fees for repairs to listed buildings can be reclaimed) is due to end in March 2011. There is currently a campaign going on to support the continuation of the LPWGS past March 2011 including a petition on the 10 Downing Street website. See the Save the Refund website for more information including a sample letter you can send. We urge anybody who appreciates our living eccelsiastical heritage to send a letter to your MP or the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Our Heritage

Scotland has over 3,500 church buildings of all denominations. Over 2,500 of these are listed as being of architectural or historical interest. Country churches, medieval cathedrals, Georgian, Victorian and more modern church buildings contribute so much to the landscape, townscape and cultural heritage of Scotland.

Admiration and appreciation of Scotland's church buildings will not ensure their continued existence. Congregations all over Scotland are struggling to maintain and repair their churches. Inflation and the increasing toll of the Scottish climate on buildings now one or more centuries old have caused many churches to fall into dangerous disrepair.

Support

This trust is mainly dependent on support from private individuals, business organisations and all those concerned with maintaining Scotland's valuable architectural and historic heritage.