About

Scotland’s Urban Past is a five-year nationwide community engagement project about the history of Scotland’s towns and cities.

Anyone can get involved and start investigating urban environments and how they've changed over time.

We support all kinds of projects which help people to explore and celebrate the history of Scotland's towns and cities. Every project idea stems from a local community. We help to grow these ideas into full community-led projects by offering groups training, access to essential resources and continued project support.

Scotland's Urban Past (SUP) is led by Historic Environment Scotland, supported by a £1.65m Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

SUP builds on the success of Scotland's Rural Past, a community archaeology project which trained hundreds of volunteers across Scotland in recording historic settlements.

Want to get involved?

There are lots of different ways to get involved with Scotland's Urban Past. Discover more about getting started.

Got a question?

Our helpful FAQs are here to answer your questions about Scotland's Urban Past.

Meet the team

A brief introduction to the team behind Scotland's Urban Past.

If you want to discuss your ideas for a project, want to see an event near you, or just want to find out what's going on, get in touch.

Press and media

For our latest press releases, information about Scotland's Urban Past and key contacts to answer media enquiries.