Places of Worship Strategic Initiative
Almost half a million pounds in funding has been awarded to the Development Trust Association Scotland (DTAS) for its New Futures Programme, with a key focus on former places of worship. It is the first funding award in Scotland under our £15million Places of Worship strategic initiative.
This grant will enable us to work with communities across the country to help them retain these key assets for generations to come.
Linda Gillespie, Head of Community Ownership at DTAS
DTAS is an independent, member-led organisation which aims to promote, support and represent development trusts. These are community-led organisations which are using a combination of enterprise and creativity to improve the quality of life for local people in urban, rural and island communities across Scotland.
The New Futures Programme will help community organisations with:
- building capacity for the care and management of current or former places of worship, including community ownership models
- developing networks and support for access to funding
- sharing skills and knowledge sharing
- practical help with community consultation and engagement
Linda Gillespie, Head of Community Ownership at DTAS, said: “With many historic places of worship in Scotland now potentially being disposed of, this grant will enable us to work with communities across the country to help them retain these key assets for generations to come.”
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “We recognise the scale of the challenges facing places of worship and those who care for them, and want to be as creative and responsive as possible to the sector’s needs, now and in the future.
“We’re really pleased to support this strategic project with DTAS as it will help communities explore new uses for former places of worship and, where appropriate to look at community ownership models giving these cherished buildings a bright and sustainable future."
