| Status | Executive Agency of Scottish Government |
|---|---|
| Territory | Scotland |
| Leadership | Ruth Parsons |
| Appointment | 2009 |
| Founded | 1991 |
| HQ | Longmore House, Edinburgh |
| Website | www.historic-scotland.gov.uk |
Historic Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Alba Aosmhor) is an executive agency of the Scottish Government, responsible for historic monuments in Scotland.
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As its website states:
Historic Scotland was created as an agency in 1991 and was attached to the Scottish Executive Education Department, which embraces all aspects of the cultural heritage, in May 1999. As part of the Scottish Government, Historic Scotland is directly accountable to the Scottish Ministers for safeguarding the nation's built heritage, and promoting its understanding and enjoyment.
Historic Scotland is a successor organisation to the Ancient Monuments Division of the Ministry of Works and the Scottish Development Department.
As an arm of the Scottish Government, Historic Scotland has similar functions to its counterparts in other parts of the United Kingdom:
The agency's Framework Document sets out the responsibilities of the Scottish Ministers and the agency's Chief Executive.[1] Its Corporate Plan sets out its targets and performance against them.[2]
Historic Scotland's role has not been without controversy. In 2002, proposals to restore Castle Tioram in the West Highlands, by putting a roof back on, were blocked by Historic Scotland, which favoured stabilising it as a ruin. This position was supported in an extensive local Public Inquiry at which the arguments for both sides were heard.[3] It has been implied that this dispute has led to a review of the operations of the organisation.[4] Such disputes on the proper way to conserve a building are common, but are normally resolved within an academic context.
After widespread consultation, Historic Scotland published a comprehensive series of Scottish Historic Environment Policy papers, consolidated into a single volume in October 2008.[5][6]
Historic Scotland and the Glasgow School of Art's Digital Design Studio have formed the Centre for Digital Documentation and Visualization to promote the documentation and 3D representation of heritage objects, architecture and environments with laser scanning and 3D visualization software.[7]
Historic Scotland has direct responsibility for maintaining and running over 360 monuments in its care, about a quarter of which are manned and charge admission entry. These properties have additional features such as guidebooks, books and other resources, published by HMSO or private publishing companies. Since its inception it has increased the number of events run at its sites, most frequently designed to engage young people with history. Similarly, new museums and visitor centres have been opened, notably at Arbroath Abbey and Urquhart Castle. There is also a hospitality section, which makes some properties available for wedding receptions and other functions.
Notable properties include:
Membership to Historic Scotland is promoted by the organisation, with benefits such as free entry to all their properties free of charge for the duration of the annual membership, as well as entry to properties in England (under the care of English Heritage) and Wales (under the care of Cadw) for half price in their first year and free for subsequent years. Life memberships are also available. It publishes a quarterly magazine for use of members.
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