Scotland is having a Year of History, Heritage & Archaeology in 2017, which has attracted backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The aim of the designation of next year is to inspire people to get involved in learning about and enjoying their heritage for the first time.

Stories, Stones & Bones, as it has been dubbed, will encourage people in communities across Scotland to dig deeper into their past and to find out more about their local history, customs and traditions. It is hoped that often complex, sometimes quirky but always fascinating stories will be unearthed.

HLF is offering grants of between £3,000 and £10,000 to projects that will engage new people and a wider range of people with their history. Projects can involve researching local historic landmarks, learning about natural heritage, unearthing the history beneath your feet, delving into archives, or, perhaps, something else. The grants will give everyone the chance to explore their heritage and celebrate and share what they learn with others.

How to apply for a grant

HLF promises this is quick and easy using material on the Sharing Heritage programme page. Stories, Stones & Bones projects will need to achieve two HLF outcomes in order to qulify:

• more people and a wider range of people will have engaged with heritage
• people will have learnt about heritage

If you've got a question about applying for a grant or delivering your project, contact the Scotland development team and get their advice.

There are two deadlines. The first is Friday 30 September this year (decisions will be announced in November) and the second is Tuesday 31 January next year (decisions in March).