1. Home
  2. Community heritage
  3. Story

Community heritage

Shelves full of pamphlets and bookmarks highlighting significant LGBTQ+ writers
Lavender Menace in Edinburgh. Credit: Andrew Thompson.

Stories

Five community spaces that made LGBTQ+ history

Lavender Menace, Edinburgh Founded in 1982, Lavender Menace was the first LGBTQ+ bookshop in Scotland. The shop, and its successor Wilde & West, soon became a hub where people could meet, share experiences and discover LGBTQ+ literature that was hard to find elsewhere. Today it’s been reimagined as
five people on a tour of an allotment garden on a sunny day
An activity in the community garden for Roots, part of Belfast 2024's Our Future Heritage programme.

Stories

Grantee Q&A: delivering a heritage-inspired creative programme

We asked Christine Osborne from Belfast City Council to share what she’s learned from the Council’s Belfast 2024 project journey – from developing their application to building a legacy plan.
A podcast episode is being recorded in a studio designed to feel like a cosy living room, with three SWI members talking to a host.
Recording a podcast episode with SWI members Maz Thorn, Janette McKirdy and Sandra MacArthur. Photo: Scottish Women's Institutes.

Stories

Grantee Q&A: preparation is critical to every stage of your heritage project

It’s a big challenge to capture and share over a century of community history. Scottish Women’s Institutes (SWI) CEO Diane Cooper tells us what she’s learned from developing and delivering its unique heritage programme.
Two women, sat at the bar of a cosy pub, raise their glasses and smile at the barman.
The restored pub has become a focus for socialising and a hub of key community facilities. Photo: Ty'n Llan.

Stories

Grantee Q&A: collaboration and contingency key to community project success

Siôn Jones, project manager for the restoration of the Grade II listed Ty’n Llan Tavern near Caernarfon, shares what he’s learned throughout the process – from the importance of meticulous planning to managing the day-to-day surprises of delivery.
Three wheelchair users protesting about the inaccessibility of public transport. They are in a busy road in London and have stopped a bus. The central figure has handcuffed themself to the bus and the person on the right of the photograph is about to do the same. The central figure also holds a placard that says “2007 WE WILL RIDE 2007”. On the pavement behind them a crowd looks on.
The Disabled People’s Archive is preserving moments of protest and community. Credit: The Disabled People's Archive, Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People.

Stories

Access and activism: the archives preserving disabled people’s heritage

Meet two projects in the north of England opening up their archives to shine a spotlight on the fight for disability rights.
A view of the now-destroyed tree at Sycamore Gap on Hadrian's Wall.
Preventing acts of criminal damage to heritage sites is a critical concern. Photo: Gordon Leggett, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Stories

Crime, AI and innovation: what our heritage sector surveys revealed in 2025

Our new UK Heritage Pulse research investigates the impact of crime on heritage settings. It’s the latest insight from our conversations to understand the views and experiences of our sector.
A young girl in a white dress and boots takes a penalty kick.
A community project in Airdrie, home of the world's first penalty kick, has supported the development of the Felt Experience Resource Kit. Photo: North Lanarkshire Council.

Stories

Putting people’s memories at the heart of heritage-inspired regeneration

We’ve developed a free resource to help heritage projects to understand their communities' felt experience and how this can shape more effective, considerate decision making and sustainable planning.
Twimukye Mushaka smiles whilst looking at a portrait of herself on display.
A portrait of Twimukye Mushaka, by photographer Karen Gordon, featured in the project's exhibition highlighting migrant stories in Scotland.

Stories

Grantee Q&A: building a platform for a community's heritage

Nazek Ramadan from Migrant Voice shares her reflections and advice on the different stages of their project’s journey – from the challenges of the application process to the joys of providing amazing opportunities for their community.
Five dancers strike a pose outside Bradford Arts Centre.
Bradford-based dancers, representing a mix of cultures, celebrate the opening of Bradford Arts Centre. Photo: Guzelian Ltd.

Stories

Putting communities at the heart of Bradford

Our support is helping local people across the district tell their stories, celebrate identity and shape a future rooted in pride and belonging.

If you query is regarding our application portal, please contact our support team.