Fundraising Update 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Fellows and other supporters, we are now within touching distance of purchasing the Bristo Port Building and developing a national heritage hub, helping the Society make Scotland’s history and heritage more accessible for everyone to research, share, enjoy and protect.

Our supporters, making donations of all sizes, have managed to raise an incredible £1.4 million, meaning we now have just £100,000 left to raise before January 2027 to purchase the building. We are grateful for the immense generosity of everyone who has helped us reach this point.

With your continued support, we can complete the first stage of the project and move into the second phase. This will involve, in dialogue with partner organisations, renovating and sensitively developing the building into an accessible and open space. More details to be announced shortly.

The Heritage Hub in the Media

The global press launch was executed on 17 March 2026 across Scottish, UK, North American, European, Australian and international outlets including US society, heritage, genealogy and diaspora press.

Coverage secured includes:

• BBC Scotland
• The Herald
• Yahoo News UK
• FOX16
• Scotland on Sunday
• Scottish Banner
• Expat Living Singapore
• The Scotsman 
• Current Archaeology
• Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) magazine
• Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) Bulletin
• Museums + Heritage Advisor
• Museums Association
• Scotland magazine
• John O’Groat Journal & Caithness Courier
• Electric Scotland

This outstanding level of coverage has given the campaign a powerful platform, raising awareness of the project among Fellows, supporters, potential funders and the wider public at home and overseas.

With thanks to Candace Watermeyer for her PR consultancy support