The first year of a unique initiative created to promote financial sustainability within the heritage sector has been hailed a huge success. Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage (RSH), a three year project which is the first of its kind, brings together key bodies to deliver a programme of training to help futureproof the sector.

Within the first year of delivery almost 300 individuals from over 200 organisations have taken part in 33 events around the country. Project Manager Louise Downing said: “This has been an exceptional first year for Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage and we’re delighted that the response from within the sector has been so encouraging. Going forwards we will be fine tuning our package of training to further improve the programme with the challenge being to increase our reach geographically.”

Since its launch in 2014, RSH has been delivering a programme of accessible training courses, inspirational expert led events and networking opportunities throughout Scotland. The partnership, led by Arts & Business Scotland with Archaeology Scotland, Built Environment Forum Scotland, greenspace Scotland and Museums Galleries Scotland 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.

Year two gets underway with a two day programme on Orkney in September, which will be the first time the training has extended beyond the mainland. There will also be three special events in the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow including case study presentations from heritage organisations. The full training programme has been extended and now includes and In Focus session on Sponsorship, a bespoke training course exploring the opportunities heritage groups and organisations have with obtaining corporate sponsorship, as well as the introduction of a peer support network.

Louise Downing added: “Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage is about injecting sustainability and longevity into the heritage sector and we’re delighted to be able to be visiting Orkney, with its own rich heritage, as part of our 2015 programme of events.”