New £3.8m funding programme to help ‘futureproof’ Edinburgh’s historic buildings

A new £3.8m funding programme is set to help “futureproof” Edinburgh’s historic buildings.

Applications are now being accepted for the Small Scale Accessible and Sustainable Capital Fund, which will see income from the city’s tourist tax reinvested into upgrading cultural and heritage buildings.

The visitor levy, a 5% surcharge on overnight accommodation, was introduced in Edinburgh in July.

The three-year programme will allow owners and operators of such spaces to apply for grants of up to £500,000 for projects that improve accessibility and help cut carbon emissions.

This could include the installation of ramps and lifts, upgrades to insulation and windows, or introduction of low carbon technologies.

The fund forms part of the Visitor Levy’s £90m investment programmes, which also include the £2.62m Innovate Fund, which provides extra support for cultural and arts organisations.

Council leader Jane Meagher said the levy is about “enhancing everything that makes Edinburgh special”.

“Edinburgh’s cultural and heritage buildings and spaces are at the heart of what makes our city a world-leading cultural destination”, she said.

“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.”

Applications for the first round of funding close on November 20, 2026, with two further rounds to be held in the coming months.