I met representatives of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Parliament to learn more about funding oppertunities for local community groups.•

The Centenary of the First World War is a chance to understand the war, uncover its stories and explore what it means to us today. At a recent Parliamentary event I found out more about how the Heritage Lottery Fund supports projects across the UK that focus not just on the events of 1914-;1918 but also on the lasting changes the war brought about.

HLF is making at least £1million a year available until 2019 as part of the First World War: then and now programme for small, community grants.• It provides grants of £3,000 to £10,000 enabling groups right across the UK, including here in Edinburgh, to explore, conserve and share their First World War heritage and deepen their understanding of the impact of the conflict.

Successful projects will include:

• researching, identifying and recording local heritage;

• creating a community archive or collection;
• developing new interpretation of heritage through exhibitions, trails, smartphone apps
• researching, writing and performing creative material based on heritage sources;
• conserving and finding out more about war memorials

•The HLF has given out an incredible £770 million to over 3,700 projects in Scotland.•I urge all constituents to consider applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for community projects.