Dundee Historic Environment Trust was established in 2004. It is an independent charitable organisation set up to promote and encourage the conservation, protection and improvement of Dundee’s historic environment. Dundee Historic Environment Trust administers grants on behalf of the Scottish Government with funding made available by Historic Environment Scotland (HES). We also receive support from Dundee City Council. The Trust’s activities are focussed on the historic environment located within the Dundee City Council boundary.
The Trust’s vision for the city’s historic environment is to enable it to be better and more widely understood, well maintained and kept in good condition, well used and enjoyed, for it to contribute to modern day activity by all sectors of the community (residents, workers, students, tourists, etc), for it to be a catalyst for environmental, cultural, economic and social change for the better, and for it to provide a framework for incorporating exemplary modern design.
Our strategic objectives are based on the following aims:
• To enhance the quality, appearance and condition of Dundee’s built historic environment.
• To support the promotion of Dundee’s historic built environment as an attractive place to live, work, visit and invest in.
• To bring disused/underused buildings back into economic use, either as business premises or as affordable accommodation.
• To promote timely repairs and encourage continuing maintenance.
• To encourage the use and improved availability of traditional craft- based building skills and appropriate traditional and/or energy efficient materials.
• To stimulate the understanding and appreciation of the historic built environment.
Since 2004 Dundee Historic Environment Trust has awarded grants totalling over £2m towards building or streetscape repairs and projects that provide opportunities to learn about and enjoy Dundee’s historic environment. Building projects have ranged from comprehensive repair works securing the future of empty buildings to the repair of individual critical elements such as chimneys and rainwater goods using appropriate traditional materials and standards. Our new community heritage grants are supporting local community groups to run events and provide engagement with intangible cultural heritage.
Dundee Historic Environment Trust is managed by a full time Director who is seconded from Dundee City Council. Adam Swan was formerly the Council Conservation Officer and has managed the Trust since its inception in 2004. In 2025 the Trust was joined by two new staff members – Community Engagement Advisor Mylene Herd and Information Coordinator Amanda Forde. The Trust occasionally also employs consultants to support the organisation in meeting its objectives.
Dundee Historic Environment Trust is a Fair Work First employer.
Our Trustees
Dundee Historic Environment Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees and comprised of up to 12 Elected Trustees, including 1 Council Nominee. There are currently 9 Trustees who contribute their time, skills and expertise to the Trust on a voluntary basis.
Michael Gale
Vanessa Kelly
Honorary Treasurer
Louise Murphy
Blythe Petrie
Doug Binnie
John Gray
Barbara Illsley
Chair of Grants Committee
Gregor Hamilton
Dundee City Council Representative
Gordon MacDougall
Chair of Trustees
Our Office
Our office is in the Waterfront area of Dundee centre, at 29 Exchange Street, DD1 3DJ. This was historically the maritime quarter and is situated between the commercial & civic areas and the new developments in the historic and infilled dock areas.
The office is in a listed building dating to the early 1830s and it retains features and character; its early shopfront is a rare survivor.
The office is also used for formal and informal meetings. When open and available we welcome drop-in callers. The office is normally open Tues – Fri between 10.00am and 5.00pm.
We are happy to discuss potential grant projects and may also be able to provide guidance and information for projects not associated with grant applications.
We stock a wide range of leaflets which provide technical guidance for historic building repair and maintenance. We also have information and leaflets about local heritage, including the series of Dundee Heritage Walking guides.