Grant Funding
Building Repair Grants
Inverness City Heritage Trust offers grant funding to support the repair, conservation and enhancement of traditional buildings within Inverness. Our funding helps property owners, community groups and custodians of historic buildings to carry out high-quality, conservation led repair work that enhances the city’s built environment and preserves it for future generations.
What We Fund
Our grants support a broad range of activities relating to the conservation of traditional buildings, and may include:
- External fabric repairs, including roofs, chimneys, masonry, stonework, render, windows, doors, and rainwater goods.
- Shopfront restoration, including appropriate signage, reinstatement of historic details, and sympathetic design.
- Professional services, such as architectural drawings, structural surveys, historic building assessments and conservation plans.
- Community-led conservation projects, where wider heritage value or public benefit can be demonstrated.
- Traditional skills training, where eligible as part of an approved repair scheme.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for funding, your project must generally meet the following criteria:
- The building must be of traditional construction, typically built before 1919 using breathable materials.
- The property should be located within a designated Conservation Area in Inverness or have strong heritage significance.
- Applicants must be the owner or have the written consent of the property owner.
- The proposed work must demonstrate a clear conservation benefit and meet our Guidance on Standards of Work.
We also encourage applications from community organisations, charitable groups and SMEs involved in heritage-led regeneration.
What We Don’t Fund
Our grants are not available for:
- Routine maintenance (e.g. painting or cleaning without repair).
- Modern alterations, extensions or internal refurbishments.
- Retrospective claims (work completed before approval).
- Buildings not of traditional construction.
- Work that does not comply with conservation best practice.
Guidance and Standards
All grant-aided works must follow best practice in conservation. This means that for successful grant funding support we would expect:
- Use of traditional materials such as lime mortar, natural slate, and timber.
- Minimal intervention – repairs should retain as much original fabric as possible.
- Appropriately qualified professionals and contractors.
Application Process
Applying for a grant involves several steps:
1. Initial Enquiry
Contact us with a brief outline of your project. We’ll confirm basic eligibility and arrange a site visit if appropriate.
2. Site Visit & Advice
Our team will assess the condition of the building and provide early guidance on conservation priorities.
3. Formal Application
Complete the application form and submit required documents (drawings, costs, photos, ownership details).
4. Review
Applications are assessed by our Grants Panel for eligibility, quality, and value for money.
5. Decision & Agreement
If approved, you’ll receive a formal grant offer outlining conditions and timelines.
6. Delivery & Payment
Funds are released in stages, subject to satisfactory progress and evidence of compliant work.
Supporting Documents
We provide several guidance notes and templates to support your application:
Grant Levels and Match Funding Grant levels will vary depending on project type, urgency and available funds. As a general guide:
- Small-scale repair projects may receive up to 50% of eligible costs
- Larger or priority projects may receive higher percentages
- Match funding from owners, other trusts or public bodies is encouraged
Tips for a Successful Application
- Speak to us early – we’re here to help shape viable proposals.
- Gather accurate repair estimates and professional input.
- Provide high-quality photos showing the current condition.
- Demonstrate how the work meets conservation and public benefit goals.
After the Work
On completion, we may ask for final photographs, professional sign-off, and a brief summary of outcomes. Some projects may be featured as case studies to help promote heritage conservation in Inverness.
Thinking about a project? Please contact us if you would like to make a preliminary enquiry and we will be happy to provide you with pre-application information.
