National Lottery funding will help North Lanarkshire communities uncover their heritage

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has announced that it is investing £200,000 in North Lanarkshire to help five communities explore their heritage in an exciting new project.

The people of Caldercruix, Greengairs, Harthill, Plains and Upperton will be encouraged to uncover the history of their villages under the guidance of a new heritage officer from the Rural Development Trust. The industry, agriculture, and traditions on which the settlements grew will be explored as well as the surrounding natural heritage.

A community grants scheme will then be available to celebrate and share their heritage more widely which could include training in research, oral history gathering, storytelling, interpretation, paths or trails, filming or event management.

Caroline Clark, Director Scotland at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: A common understanding of our past is the glue that holds our communities together. It tells us who we are, where we have come from and gives us a sense of identity. The challenges we have faced over the last few months have highlighted how important that sense of community is.

“Thanks to players of The National Lottery, this funding will help bring people together to explore, share and celebrate what is particularly special to them and in doing so, will build connections, resilience and pride.”

Kirsten Robb, Manager of the Community Action Lanarkshire team at the Rural Development Trust, added:

“We are delighted that the National Lottery Heritage Fund has recognised communities' hard work preparing their local action plans in 2019. These plans identified various projects to improve local people's lives and formed the basis of this successful funding application. With the support of a heritage plan, a Rural Development Trust project officer and a small grants scheme, communities in Caldercruix, Greengairs, Harthill, Plains and Upperton will lead the exploration, enjoyment and protection of local heritage for all.”

Funding for Digital

The National Lottery Heritage is also supporting important digital development in the region’s heritage sector with funding  for Gael Music and Culture NL.

Traditional music organisation, Gael Music will use £10,000 to work with young people to find and digitise local traditional music. A further £10,000 will help CultureNL further develop its website which gives open access to one of the finest industrial history collections in Britain.

Grants now available

Today’s announcement coincides with The Fund’s phased re-opening of its project funding programme to support organisations through the months ahead. Applications for grants from £3,000 - £10,000 and from £10,000 - £100,000 are now open to provide much-needed financial assistance, particularly to those heritage sector organisations which have, so far, been unable to access COVID-19 emergency funds, and those seeking to re-engage communities in heritage activities.

As part of its strategic framework, North Lanarkshire is a priority area for the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It is working hard with local groups to make sure they make the most of the National Lottery grants available to them. The Heritage Fund is supporting projects across the region, such as Seven Lochs and Cumbernauld Living Landscape  but there is the potential to untap much more. If you have a heritage project you would like to discuss, then please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For further information:

The National Lottery Heritage Fund: Shiona Mackay on 07926 120537 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Rural Development Trust: Kirsten Robb on 01555 880551 / 07432 465903 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.