Year of Natural Scotland 2013

The Year of Natural Scotland 2013 is the latest in the Scottish Government's series of themed years, led by EventScotland and VisitScotland, which will culminate in Homecoming Scotland in 2014.

The aim of Year of Natural Scotland 2013 is to promote Scotland's stunning natural beauty and biodiversity, and promote opportunities for visitors to enjoy our beautiful landscapes, wildlife and heritage responsibly.

Scottish Natural Heritage is the lead national agency for Year of Natural Scotland 2013 with responsibility for the planning and delivery of activity during the year.

This page provides information on SNH grants and our priorities for Year of Natural Scotland 2013 as well as links to some other sources of funding that may be available.  General information on Year of Natural Scotland 2013 is available on our website or you can contact Dougie Pollock on 01738 458536 or by email dougie.pollock@snh.gov.uk.

SNH grants and Year of Natural Scotland 2013

We are looking for:

Community Action Grant applications that deliver our funding priorities and our priorities specific to the Year of Natural Scotland 2013.

Natural Project Proposals that will deliver our funding priorities and which also support the delivery of the Year of Natural Scotland 2013.

Our priorities for the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 are:

• supporting events and festivals contributing to the Year of Natural Scotland
• making the links between nature, culture and creativity (see further information below on artistic and creative projects)
• helping young people to engage with nature and landscapes
• celebrating John Muir

You will find more information on which type of grant you should apply for in Our grant categories guidance.

Artistic and creative projects - During the Year of Natural Scotland 2013, we are keen to support projects that involve people as well as artists and which link creativity and the natural heritage. Of particular interest are projects which take place in or near:

• a National Nature Reserve
• a National Scenic Area
• a National Park
• one of Scotland's Great Trails,
• or which celebrate the legacy of John Muir

Specific grant conditions for Year of Natural Scotland 2013

To support events and activities, a special Year of Natural Scotland 2013 logo has been created along with guidelines on how to use it. Successful grant applicants will need to follow these guidelines. You will also need to monitor and evaluate specific Year of Natural Scotland activities. These conditions will be included in any grant offer we make to you.

If you have a project idea, please contact your local Scottish Natural Heritage office, where our local Area grant staff will be happy to advise.  Alternatively, you can contact us at grants@snh.gov.uk.

Other sources of funding for Year of Natural Scotland 2013

Other potential sources of funding for projects contributing to the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 are available:

Creative Scotland - the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 open fund, joint funded by Creative Scotland and SNH, is now closed. Projects that applied to this fund should not apply to SNH for match funding.

We will however consider match funding projects that involve other sources of Creative Scotland funding. Please refer to SNH Grants and Year of Natural Scotland 2013 (above) for more information on artistic and creative projects. Information on other funding that may be available from Creative Scotland can be found on their website  .

VisitScotland and EventScotland are both supporting the Year of Natural Scotland 2013. The VisitScotland Natural Scotland Growth Fund  will support marketing projects aimed at increasing tourism spend throughout Scotland while showcasing its natural heritage. More details of this fund are available on the VisitScotland website.

Further information on EventScotland  funding can be found on their website.

If your project can show a clear contribution to our funding priorities for the Year of Natural Scotland 2013, and is eligible for our grant, we will consider match funding.

Information on other funders that may consider supporting natural heritage related projects is available on our Other sources of funding page.

Help and advice

To discuss possible match funding from other funders that may be available for your project you should get in touch with them directly.

If you have any queries on SNH match funding, please contact grants@snh.gov.uk.