School visits travel subsidy

Scottish schools can apply for help towards the travel costs of visiting heritage sites of national importance. The scheme for the 2025/26 financial year is open.

The Scottish Government Heritage Travel Subsidy for Schools covers 75% of transport costs (up to a maximum of £350) to visit the chosen site.

Scotland's special schools and units can apply for 100% of travel costs (up to a maximum of £350). 

Any Scottish school can apply for a School Visits Travel Subsidy if visiting: 

• Any Historic Scotland site 

• Selected National Trust for Scotland sites including Bannockburn and Culloden battlefields and Robert Burns' Birthplace Museum 

• David Livingstone's Birthplace 

• New Lanark World Heritage Site 

• The Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre 

Funding is limited and priority will be given to schools in areas with high indicators of multiple deprivation. For more information see the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. 

Subsidy applications must be made before your visit. The visit must be booked in advance and for a genuine educational purpose. 

To apply for a travel subsidy:

1. Make a booking by contacting the site/organisation you wish to visit

2. Obtain a quote for travel costs (e.g. from a coach company) 

3. Complete the travel subsidy application form via the link below

Schools travel subsidy applications 

Our team will respond to you by email to let you know if your application is successful or not. 

After your visit, and within one month of the visit date, please submit a copy of the paid bus company invoice or group travel receipt to travelsubsidy@hes.scot. 

75% of the total cost of travel (up to a maximum of £350) will be reimbursed to the school usually within 30 days of a valid claim being processed by our finance unit. For Scotland's special schools and units, 100% of travel costs (up to a maximum of £350) will be reimbursed. 

If you have any questions about the process or applying or your application, please contact us at travelsubsidy@hes.scot.