The Society’s £1.5 million campaign to establish Scotland’s first national heritage hub in Edinburgh is set to benefit from a new heritage preservation partnership programme launched by luxury historic estates company Storied Collection.

Storied Collection is a curated portfolio of historic estates, castles and heritage properties across the UK, Ireland and Europe, selected for their architectural and cultural significance. Alongside offering exclusive-use stays, the brand focuses on uncovering and sharing the stories behind each property, helping guests connect more deeply with history. Through its partnerships and initiatives, Storied Collection aims to support the long-term preservation and understanding of historic places.

The interior of Borthwick Castle in Midlothian (© Storied Collection)

The company has announced the Society as its first partner under the scheme, as part of a five-year commitment to heritage preservation. The partnership will see Storied Collection promote the Society’s fundraising appeal to its audience of guests and members, and make a financial contribution to the Society’s appeal to acquire and transform a B-listed building on Bristo Place, next to the National Museum of Scotland, into a heritage hub for research, education and events.

The Society must reach its £1.5 million target by a fixed deadline of January 2027.

Artist’s impression of the proposed heritage hub (© Benjamin Tindall Architects)

The proposed hub aims to address a lack of accessible, independent space for heritage activity in Scotland. Plans include exhibition areas, meeting space and facilities for public engagement, alongside improved access to collections and resources. The building will also offer exhibition and meeting space to grassroots heritage organisations from across Scotland, enabling them to benefit from the ten million visitors per year who come to the UNESCO World Heritage Site area in which the building sits.

The heritage preservation partnership programme has been developed by Storied Collection with the goal of ensuring that Scotland and the wider UK’s heritage sector has the support it needs to continue its vital work preserving and promoting cultural heritage for future generations. With 37 managed properties spanning the UK, Ireland and Europe, combining a total property age of approximately 14,700 years, this partnership is the first in a wider programme by Storied Collection to work with organisations involved in the preservation of historic places.

Artist’s impression of the interior of the heritage hub (© Benjamin Tindall Architects)

Justin Hauge, CEO, Storied Collection, said:

“Part of our mission is to empower our members through community, and for us that also means helping ensure that the histories and legacies of the properties and the communities we operate in are cared for. We are inspired by the Society’s vision to create a centralised heritage hub and resource for Scotland and honoured to partner with them in this ambitious campaign. We also look forward to sharing the Society’s expertise with our members, who are equally passionate about preserving the unique stories their properties inhabit.”

Dr Simon Gilmour FSAScot, Director of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Storied Collection, whose commitment to uncovering and sharing the stories behind historic places reflects our own vision, that Scotland’s past is for everyone to research, share, enjoy and protect, home and abroad. Partnerships like this are vital in ensuring Scotland’s heritage has the platform, resources and reach it deserves, and we look forward to welcoming Storied Collection’s members and guests into that story.”

Read More About the Hub and Fundraising Campaign