Orkney is set to benefit for the first time from a unique initiative aimed at promoting financial sustainability in the heritage sector. Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage (RSH) is a sector-wide partnership led by Arts & Business Scotland with Archaeology Scotland, Built Environment Forum Scotland, greenspace Scotland and Museums Galleries Scotland funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Catalyst scheme.
Since its launch in 2014, RSH has been delivering a programme of accessible training courses, inspirational expert led events and networking opportunities throughout Scotland. In September, RSH will deliver a two day programme on Orkney, which will be the first time the training has extended beyond the mainland.
Project Manager for RSH, Louise Downing said: “In a week where Scotland’s heritage is being celebrated following the successful bid to secure the Forth Bridge as the sixth world heritage site it is fantastic that Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage is able to deliver targeted training to the heritage sector in Orkney – home to another UNESCO world heritage site.
“RSH is about injecting sustainability and longevity into the heritage sector and we’re delighted to be able to include Orkney, with its own rich heritage in our 2015 programme of events.”
The partnership was awarded a grant of £452,200 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to produce the capacity building programme which has now completed year one of delivery. Chief Executive of Arts & Business Scotland, David Watt added: “Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage is the result of organisations from across the heritage sector coming together for the first time to deliver a coordinated programme of support and capacity building. We’re thrilled to be extending the reach of the programme for year two to less accessible locations such as Orkney.”
Over two days in September RSH will deliver its Make it Happen and In Focus training courses which will concentrate on identifying funding sources for heritage organisations and projects as well as legacy fundraising and applying to charitable trusts and foundations.
