Archaeology Scotland Heritage Hero Awards

Why this award?

The Heritage Hero Award is an award scheme for history, heritage and archaeology projects. The awards aim to encourage young people to connect with their past, and to reward their achievements in doing so. 

The Awards are free and accessible for all ages and abilities, providing a focus, framework and reward for any project you might be undertaking. They  follow a 5-activity structure, fitting naturally with project work and planning – where participants are expected to Plan, Investigate, Engage with, Inspire others with, and Reflect on their projects.

The aims of the award scheme are:

• To improve young people’s self-confidence and wellbeing through engagement with challenging heritage projects
• To inspire young people to develop a lifelong interest in Scotland’s past
• To increase awareness of how to access Scotland’s heritage in schools, youth groups and similar organisations
• To help foster links between heritage organisations, community groups and young people

Further information can be found on our website and in the award Handbook.

Case studies: 

HHA Case Study – Stobs Camp Project – Archaeology Scotland

HHA Case Study – Digging in the Graveyard – Archaeology Scotland

Who is it for?

Something we have been exceptionally proud of is the role of the Awards in championing accessibility in heritage and archaeology. The awards are deliberately designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, age or background. They encourage a breakdown of barriers to participation, through the flexibility of the award scheme, the fact written work is not a requirement, and they are not an academic assessed award. Projects can be developed in schools, youth groups, heritage organisations and community groups.

What time commitment is required?

There are 5 different award levels to cover all ages, abilities and projects. Completion of the previous level is not necessary. It is also possible for different participants in a project to achieve different levels, based on their own participation. The indicative time commitment required for each level is:

Heritage Explorer - 3+ hours, for short projects only lasting a day/ weekend

Heritage Detective - 8+ hours

Heritage Hero Bronze - 15+ hours

Heritage Hero Silver - 30+ hours

Heritage Hero Gold - 60+ hours

Is the award externally accredited?

The Heritage Hero Awards are not externally accredited, but are easily linked to other accredited youth awards -see handbook for more information.