Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF)

Our Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund supports opportunities to conserve, protect and promote the nature and culture of the Highlands & Islands. 

Funding decisions have been made for the single round of the Natural and Cultural Heritage Challenge Fund and 13 applicants have been offered funding.

 

Find out more

Blogs

Opened in 1997, Kilmartin Museum’s mission is to inspire and educate people by interpreting, explaining and conserving the internationally important archaeological landscape, artefacts and natural heritage of Kilmartin Glen. One of Scotland's most important archaeological landscapes, the Glen contains significant prehistoric and early historic sites and monuments. Now an impressive renovation of Kilmartin Museum into a modern visitor attraction is underway to deliver an enhanced visitor experience, supported by a strong digital presence. The development will create an inspiring place in which to celebrate and tell the internationally important story of Kilmartin Glen’s cultural and natural heritage, whilst ensuring its continued protection.
Steeped in archaeology

The name Skye is said to reflect long forgotten Norse associations and to be derived from the word for cloud, but for many the Gaelic reference to the 'Misty Isle' is better known. Easy to access and hugely popular the island has undergone something of a tourism renaissance in recent years. Popularity has come at a price. Groaning infrastructure struggling to cope with the influx of visitors is the most obvious sign. But help is at hand. Skye's Iconic Sites Project has tapped into the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund to better promote the outstanding scenery, wildlife and culture of the areas.
Skye's Iconic Sites Project

Gaelic version

Thathar ag ràdh gu bheil seann cheangal caillte eadar na Lochlannaich agus an t-ainm 'Sgitheanach' agus gur dòcha gur e 'sgòth' no 'neul' a bu chiall dha ach 's ann mar 'Eilean a' Cheò' as fheàrr a dh'aithnichear an t-Eilean Sgitheanach le cuid. Tha e furasta a ruigsinn agus tha fèill mhòr air o chionn ghoirid am measg luchd-turais.
Ach tha cosgais an cois na fèille. Cha tèid aig bun-structar an eilein cumail ris an àrdachadh mhòr an àireamh an luchd-turais. Ach tha cobhair faisg air làimh. Tha am pròiseact Skye's Iconic Sites air feum a dhèanamh den Mhaoin Dualchais Nàdarra is Chultarail airson seallaidhean, fiadh-bheatha is cultar an àite a bhrosnachadh gu èifeachdach.
Lèirsinn shoilleir an Eilean a’ Cheò

The Real Wild West: Adopt-a-Monument : We know it as the most westerly spot on our mainland.  Rugged yet beautiful, blessed with a range of scenery that can quite simply take the breath away.  That's the essence of the wild and stunning Ardnamurchan peninsula. Such stunning landscapes often go hand in hand with being that bit harder to visit than most. However, thanks to an ambitious new project the area is about to become a deal more accessible, both on-site and from afar. The Real Wild West: Adopt-a-Monument on Ardnamurchan is an exciting programme on several levels and is set to bring a cultural and tourism boost to this area.
The Real Wild West

Hermaness hill path and welcome area: The installation, by NatureScot, of boardwalks in this popular area will reinstate the historic route to Muckle Flugga lighthouse signalling station and create a circular walk around Hermaness National Nature Reserve whilst protecting fragile blanket bog and rare nesting birds.  Further information will be provided for visitors, and other local tourist attractions will benefit too.
Hermaness NNR project

The Coast that Shaped the World -  Led by West Highland College (University of the Highlands & Islands), this project will create a website, app and programme of digital exhibitions along the west coast of Scotland narrating the maritime stories of our coastal communities.  We sat down with Project Officer Kelly Morrison to find out a little more about the project.
The Coast that Shaped the World

A stunning project, delivered by North West Mull Community Woodland Company, Ulva House will be conserved and refurbished, bringing it into public use as a visitor centre. A research project with the University of the Highlands and Islands will investigate further the story of the people of Ulva and the wider impact they have had on the world. A website will include information and interpretation. Ulva House Garden will be restored by volunteers.
Ulva Cultural Heritage Project

Lews Castle College UHI and Uibhist Virtual Archaeology Project will create a series of augmented reality experiences and mixed-media exhibitions for seven archaeological sites along the Hebridean Way walking route. In this guest blog, Emily Gal explains some of the plans and ambitions for the project.
Uist Virtual Archaelogy Project

Wildlife Watch Abernethy has received just over £252,000 from the Natural Cultural and Heritage Fund, which will create three new, local jobs as well as extend the opening season and improve the visitor experience at Loch Garten, so more people can enjoy the nature reserve and learn about conservation in the Cairngorms.
Wildlife Watch Abernethy project 

Latest partner press releases

• NCHF - Strathnaver Museum secures major capital funding
• NTS - Funding secured for Corrieshalloch Gorge gateway
• Trees for Life - £2 million for world's first rewilding centre near Loch Ness

You can also read a short introduction to our NCHF projects (powerpoint)