Tuesday October 20th 2026
View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill (Getty Images)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A £3.8 million funding programme has opened to help upgrade Edinburgh’s cultural and heritage buildings, with grants available for improvements to accessibility and energy efficiency.
The Small Scale Accessible and Sustainable Capital Fund will allow eligible owners and operators to apply for grants ranging from £10,000 to £500,000 over the next three years.
Funded through Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy, the scheme aims to protect the future of the capital’s cultural buildings by making them more accessible to the public and reducing their carbon emissions.
Projects could include installing ramps and lifts, improving insulation and windows, upgrading building structures and systems, and introducing low-carbon technologies.
Funding could also support accessible technology, including wayfinding apps and live captioning equipment, helping more people enjoy the city’s cultural and heritage spaces.
Applications are now open, with three deadlines planned for the programme.
The first round closes on November 20, 2026, followed by February 26, 2027, and December 10, 2027.
Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher said: “Edinburgh’s cultural and heritage buildings and spaces are at the heart of what makes our city a world leading cultural destination. We want to invest in these places and protect their futures as high quality, green, creative and well-maintained visitor destinations that everyone can enjoy.
“A thriving cultural sector in our capital city is one that benefits visitors and residents alike. The Visitor Levy is all about sustaining and enhancing everything that makes Edinburgh so special. By using some of its proceeds to upgrade these unique places, we can make the city a more accessible and welcoming destination for everyone.”
The fund forms part of the council’s Culture, Heritage and Events investment programme, backed by more than £90 million in planned Visitor Levy investment over three years.
Other initiatives supported by the levy include a £2.62 million fund for arts and cultural organisations, grants to improve Edinburgh’s visitor economy, and investment in festival events and city-centre policing.
Eligible organisations can find details of the funding criteria and apply through Edinburgh Council’s website.
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