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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Annual Impact Report 2025-26

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Scotlands oldest heritage charity and learned society, celebrated recent achievements in its Annual Impact Report for June 2025 to May 2026, announced on 7 October 2026, spanning research, public engagement and nationally important heritage projects.

Report snapshot
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About

Founded in 1780 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1783, the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland connects around 2,800 Fellows worldwide and delivers nationally important heritage projects, including ScARF and Dig It!, on behalf of major funders.

Key Metrics

Fellows worldwide Around 2,800 Fellows connected worldwide, joining a global community of scholars, archaeologists, historians and heritage enthusiasts.
Public engagement More than 3.7 million combined engagements across Society channels, estimated at over 2.2 million individuals, with 20,000+ social media followers.
Publications reach 56,868 e-book downloads, 6 new e-books published and 18 funded projects totaling over £30,000.
Lectures delivered 7 public lectures with 589 in-person and 924 online attendees, plus 6 Rhind Lectures attracting 188 in-person and 1,186 online.

Key Outcomes

  • Scotlands past was researched, shared, enjoyed and protected by more people, with national research frameworks and public engagement projects supporting scholars, communities and grassroots heritage initiatives.

Geography

Scotland

Impact Snapshot
Key Metric 1
Total income £138,600,000 and total expenditure £108,350,000 (year ended 31 March 2025, charity no. 1068852); 5 million people welcomed through palace gates; £138.6m income...
Key Metric 2
Over 160,000 members making 300,000+ visits generating £5.8m membership income plus £814k Gift Aid; 217,400 £1 Universal Credit tickets sold; 304,000 visitors to Untold...
Key Metric 3
89% of visitors gained a better understanding of stories (discovery); 83% felt happier after their visit (joy); 76% were inspired to learn more; 28,365...
83% of visitors felt happier after their visit; 89% gained better understanding of palace stories; 94% charitable activities allocation of total expenditure; Tomorrow's Tower campaign secured £1.9m including £1m from Sandys Trust and National Lottery Heritage Fund development grant
Impact Snapshot
Key Metric 1
3,943 young people reached across 279 learning sessions in 16 programmes; 46 public performances reaching 8,517 audience members
Key Metric 2
100+ Emerging Professionals supported with 159 paid performance opportunities; 32% from regions beyond London; 32% from African, Asian, Caribbean or Mixed Heritage backgrounds
Key Metric 3
46% of Under-18 participants receive bursaries; 46% benefit from free access (Pupil Premium, free school meals or low-income families)
Largest single concert audience of 1,500 for British Standard Time at Berlin's Konzerthaus; NYJO Under 18s alumni have gone on to Birmingham Conservatoire, Leeds Conservatoire and Cambridge University
Impact Snapshot
Sales generated
Over £6.5 million in sales generated by publicly funded programmes in 2025/26.
Livelihoods supported
Around 13,500 artists, musicians and nano creative enterprises supported across the UK.
Return on investment
£9 returned to the creative economy for every £1 of public investment received.
Artists, musicians and nano creative enterprises gained vital income and business support, strengthening a thriving and inclusive creative economy.
Impact Snapshot
Sessions delivered
885 sessions delivered in schools, early years settings and cultural venues in 2025/26
CPD trainings
47 CPD trainings delivered for teachers and early years practitioners
Learning Partner reach
1,045 adults and 770 children supported through Groundswell Arts' work as Learning Partner on Youth Music's programme
885 creative sessions delivered for children and families across schools, early years settings and cultural venues.