To help realise the Society’s vision for a new heritage hub, we are inviting supporters to contribute towards the cost of purchasing the building.

We would be delighted to discuss how you can be part of this transformative moment for the Society and for Scotland’s heritage. Whether you are considering a personal gift, supporting through your trust or foundation, your company, or exploring a wider partnership, we would be pleased to work with you to ensure your philanthropy has lasting impact.

For gifts of £1 million or more there is the opportunity to be the Primary Naming Donor. The donor will be honoured with a truly unique and prestigious form of recognition: the opportunity to name the building itself, thereby establishing their name as the official postal address. Their name, coats of arms or corporate logo will also be acknowledged on the building’s exterior,  proudly aligned alongside the Society’s name in a commanding position beside the National Museum of Scotland, in the very heart of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. This public expression
of gratitude offers a legacy at the heart of Scotland’s cultural quarter.

We have developed tiered giving levels inspired by iconic artefacts from Scotland’s past, reflecting metalworking traditions that range from the brilliance of gold to the functional beauty of pewter.

Gold Tier (gifts of £200,000 or more)
Gold Donors will be honoured with their name, coats of arms or corporate logo displayed in the new Board Room.

As part of the special distinction reserved for the Primary Donor and Gold Donors, those individuals who fall within Lord Lyon’s consideration and do not already have a coat of arms will have the opportunity to work with us to propose one. In recognition of their significant contribution to Scotland’s heritage, this bespoke design can then be presented as a petition for a grant of arms to Lord Lyon.

Silver Tier (gifts of £100,000 or more)
Bronze Tier (gifts of £50,000 or more)
Copper Tier (gifts of £10,000 or more)
Silver, Bronze and Copper Donors will be celebrated on an honour board within the building, marking their commitment to the Society for future generations.

Pewter Tier (gifts between £2,000 and £9,999) donors will also be recognised in the building.

All Copper Donors and above will join The 21st-Century Founding Circle, recognising those whose generosity makes this transformation possible. Through special events, insights from experts, and opportunities to engage with the Society’s communities, this Circle offers a meaningful way to see the difference your philanthropy makes.

Pewter Donors will be welcomed into The Antiquaries Circle and will also enjoy a tailored programme of events.

All donors will be recognised individually in a special volume of the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

After the initial purchase and redevelopment, the building would pay for itself. The residential properties and additional income from office and other rentals will cover the management and maintenance of the property with the net profit gifted to the Society for its charitable activity, ensuring the Society is more financially secure and can develop more benefits for the heritage sector, the public and Fellows.

We intend to raise the full purchase cost of the building by 1 January 2027 and avoid the necessity for loans which would impact on the financial return the project can provide to the Society and thus its charitable objectives; this would also ensure the project has long-term sustainability.

How is the project being managed? 

This major capital fundraising campaign is being led by Deborah Roe, our Head of Fundraising.

Council of the Society is fully committed to the project which is managed using procedures that include checks and balances for Council and its relevant Committees to review, consider and agree the project at each stage. A specific Working Group has been created to critically evaluate and support the project in detail.

Council have engaged fundraising experts, More Partnership, to support and provide specialised advice and we have already begun discussions with major grant giving bodies. Council will continue to engage the expertise it needs to successfully monitor and deliver the project.

Image Credit: Benjamin Tindall Architects

After the initial purchase and redevelopment, the building will pay for itself