Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we have two dedicated support officers, based in Scotland, who are on hand to help you with advice and training. To get in touch with David or Anne-Marie, please email cherishscotland@nationalchurchestrust.org
From serving in the Royal Navy to winning Radical Entrepreneur of the Year with the Sunday Observer, as well as working for a number of community and faith-based organisations, David brings extensive experience to the National Churches Trust. He is passionate about keeping churches open where possible, as well as helping them to become more self-sustaining. Please get in touch with David if you'd like advice and support for your place of worship.
Anne-Marie has worked with property in the Heritage sector for over 30 years. She believes historic churches can and do play an essential role in our community life and contribute to our sense of wellbeing. The need for good maintenance and the correct approach to traditional repair are the best ways for you to secure the future of your church, and Anne-Marie can help you to do this.
Whether you are looking to repair your roof, install a kitchen or accessible toilets, clear asbestos or simply need help undertaking regular essential maintenance to your building, we offer a range of grants to suit the size and needs of your project. We also have a special Cherish grant – created especially to help Scottish places of worship.
From how to develop and manage a church building project, to keeping your church in good condition by regular maintenance, you can find out about the key things you need to do to look after your church building.
Many churches, chapels and meeting houses were built to be at the heart of their communities; to be busy and used by all. There are many ways to ensure that this is still the case. Discover how to create the perfect welcome, tell your story and more.
We run regular events throughout the year, to help your place of worship.
Understanding the significance of your church building is a vital foundation for any successful project. This session, from 2-3pm on Tuesday 16 June, introduces Statements of Significance and explains how they help guide change, support good decision-making, and strengthen conversations with funders, advisers and consent bodies.
Walking and pilgrimage offer powerful ways to connect people with place, heritage and each other. Join us from 2pm on Tuesday 30 June for this session, which explores how walks, trails and pilgrimage-style activities can be used as tools for community engagement, wellbeing and storytelling.
Join us from 2pm on Thursday 16 July 2026. This session will explore ways of diversifying income sources whilst supporting the needs of communities. In a highly competitive funding environment, we cannot always solely rely on grants and donations. How can we make the most of the opportunities that could be there and do we see them? Join us to find out.
The Volunteer Mentoring Pilot Scheme helps connect people who have a story to share with those in need of support. We're looking for both mentors and mentees. Find out more and sign up today.
High costs of repairs, dwindling congregation numbers and lack of financial support are making the future of many church buildings in Scotland uncertain. But the National Churches Trust is working in partnership with other organisations in Scotland to help equip places of worship to weather these uncertain times.
Cherish includes training, support, advice and funding for places of worship in Scotland, Wales and North West England (Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester).
