The Dalrymple Archaeological Fund was set up under the Will of James Dalrymple Gray of Dalrymple of Woodhead, Kirkintilloch, who died in 1908. In 1994 the Fund received a large bequest from the estate of Professor Gordon Donaldson, former Historiographer Royal, who was formerly a Trustee. In recognition of this bequest the name of the Fund was changed to “The Dalrymple Donaldson Fund”.
The purpose of the Fund is to make Grants out of income for “the judicious restoration and repair of buildings of historical and antiquarian interest in Scotland, England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Greece but especially in Scotland”.
The Fund is administered by a Board of Trustees – three of whom represent the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and three of whom represent the Glasgow Archaeological Society. Additionally, there had been one member representing the Scottish Ecclesiological Society as long as it existed. The present Trustees are:
Mr. Dale Bilsland, Chair
Glasgow Archaeological Society
Dr. Anthony Lewis, Secretary
Glasgow Archaeological Society
Ms Lisbeth Thoms, MBE
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Ms. Susan Hothersall
Glasgow Archaeological Society
Professor Julian Luxford
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Mr. Andrew Stevenson
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
The Trustees meet annually in December to consider grant applications. Grants awarded are then paid on commencement of works. During the year to 30th September 2022 Grants totalling £15,000 were made to:
Leighton Library, Dunblane
Boleskine House, Foyers, Inverness
Nairn Free Church of Scotland, Nairn
Fintry Parish Church, Fintry
Further details may be obtained from the Fund Clerks – Bartys, Solicitors, 61 High Street, Dunblane, Perthshire, FK1 0EH (DX560630 LP1 DUNBLANE) 01786 822296 [Beth Hamilton] bmh@wjm.co.uk
Applications require to be submitted before 31 October in the year preceding start of work.
Download Guidelines here
Download Application Form here