Dundee Historic Environment Trust was established in 2004 as an independent charitable organisation which promotes and encourages the conservation, protection and improvement of Dundee’s historic environment. To that end, the 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. Our activities are focussed on the historic environment located within the Dundee City Council boundary.
Dundee Historic Environment Trust’s vision for the city’s historic environment is to enable people to understand it better and to keep it well maintained and in good condition, to use it well and to enjoy it. We also hope that Dundee’s historic environment will contribute to modern day activity by all sectors of the community (residents, workers, students, tourists, etc), be a catalyst for environmental, cultural, economic and social change for the better, and provide a framework for incorporating exemplary modern design.
Accordingly, our strategic objectives are based on the following aims:
In working towards these aims, 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. In addition, our new community heritage grants are supporting local community groups to run events and provide engagement with intangible cultural heritage.
Adam Swan, the Director, manages the Trust and is seconded from Dundee City Council. Formerly he was the Council Conservation Officer and he has managed the Trust since its inception in 2004. In order to increase our capacity to achieve our aims, in 2025 two new staff members joined the Trust – 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
In addition to our staff, Dundee Historic Environment Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees 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.
We are delighted to host external organisations and groups in our office for meetings and other events. When open and available we also welcome members of the public for general visits and enquiries. The office is normally open Tuesday to Friday between 10.00am and 5.00pm.
We are happy to both discuss potential grant projects and provide guidance and information for projects not associated with grant applications.
The office stocks 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.