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A Global Response is
anticipated from a quite unique charitable fundraising campaign centred
on a "transformative vision" by the Edinburgh-based the Society of
Antiquaries of Scotland to create a new permanent home for the
organisation and a heritage hub for the nation.
It's fitting the fundraising efforts are in concert with the Burns
Season a move that also chimes with Corporate Social Responsibility
objectives. A recent study reveals an overwhelming 92 per cent of
'corporate impact professionals' report increased investments in CSR
because it's good for business.
Specifically, 88 per cent say such CSR financial commitments
"future-proof" their organisation when it comes to talent acquisition
and retention, customer satisfaction and regulatory readiness.
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) cites a changing
face of CSR where organisations are actively focusing more on
environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals alongside their bottom
line.
The society has a history stretching back to 1780, a pivotal figure in
its development being Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) who served as a
Fellow and later as Vice-President.
A Fitting Location
For the past decade - mainly funded through membership subscriptions as
a recognised independent heritage organisation - it has been working
towards this key point in its history.
A B-listed building in Bristo Place, immediately adjacent to the
National Museum of Scotland, has been singled out as a truly exceptional
and fitting location.
Beyond a home for the society - the hub can be the beating heart of
Scotland's heritage as a connector, facilitator, independent voice and
national centre for knowledge exchange.
Society President Diana Murray CBE fittingly chose its St Andrew's Day
AGM to announce: "It will be home for the society and a gateway to
Scotland's past: a visible, welcoming national centre for research,
learning and engagement."
Thanks to the generosity of the current owner the society has been given
an exceptional opportunity to purchase the landmark property by January
2027 at a fixed price of 2.1 million pnds stg.
Unlocking Global Support
A first step involved applying to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for
costs to develop the building and help move the vision forward "with the
intention always to fundraise ourselves" hoping such a dual approach
would prove feasible.
The society heard in September 2025 its initial application was not
successful. However feedback received from the NHLF was extremely
positive. "They have expressed strong interest in the
project...encouraging us to reapply for funding once the building has
been purchased."
A clear signal acquiring the property is an essential first step in
unlocking wider support from the fund and other grant-giving sources. In
terms of cost, location and sustainability - a unique time-limited
opportunity has been presented and must be seized upon, pressing ahead
with urgency.
To this end a major fundraising campaign is underway: the society is
commiting up to 630,000 pnds stg to the project and on Burns Night, 25
January, 2026, a 12-month "Capital Campaign" will be launched to raise
1.5 million pnds stg from major donors, philanthropists and corporate
partners.
The Burns Night initiative represents a pivotal moment with the society
particularly seeking Fellows and other individuals and organisations who
are willing to make a significant pledge towards laying the foundation
for the historic transformation of the building into the hub.
Welcoming People from all Walks of Life
Scotland is currently lacking such a bespoke heritage space coordinated
by an organisation that is not dependent on government funding and
dedicated to welcoming people from all walks of life to explore all
aspects of Scotland's past.
A space bringing together different heritage bodies to collaborate,
conceive of new research and engage with the public. The Society,
endowed with a diverse range of views and expertise within its
membership, can provide such a neutral hub.
An Evening of Burns & Ambition: Launching Our Fundraising Campaign
One that preserves and enhances our legacy, through broader engagement
and collaboration, building resilience across Scotland's heritage sector
for generations to come.
Society contact is Deborah Roe at deborah@socantscot.org to discuss how
corporate and individual partnerships can deliver mutual benefits.
Further details at www.socantscot.org/heritagehub |
