People of Scotland invited to have their say on priorities for heritage in Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is looking to the people of Scotland for input on draft plan to help country’s heritage deliver real, lasting benefits for all.
Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Last Updated: 24 October 2024 16:20
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) opened a public consultation today, Thursday 24 October, asking the public for their views on how the organisation can best support Scotland’s diverse heritage through its next Corporate Plan. The plan will guide HES’s work over the next three years (2025-2028) and the organisation wants to ensure the public help shape their priorities and approach to the challenges and opportunities it faces.
As Scotland’s heritage faces increasing pressures from economic and political challenges, climate change, and a shortage of traditional skills, the heritage charity and public body is seeking feedback on how it intends to organise its work around five priority areas. The draft plan also outlines aims to work in partnership locally, nationally, and internationally, innovate in the face of challenges, and focus on the areas of work that offer the greatest impact to the people of Scotland.
Scotland’s historic environment is a vital part of the country’s economy, contributing £6 billion and supporting 81,000 jobs in 2023-24. As the largest operator of paid-for visitor attractions in Scotland, HES properties generated £900 million through tourism that would otherwise be lost without the draw of the historic sites the organisation cares for. This includes spend in local businesses such as retail, hospitality, and transport, benefitting economies and communities across Scotland. The organisation awards around £13.5 million in grants each year on behalf of the Scottish Government to projects that protect and promote the country’s historic environment. HES also plays an important role in Scotland’s planning system, as well as working with learners and education providers across the country to make the historic environment a valued national resource for lifelong learning.
We live in a climate emergency and with the negative impact of a changing climate on Scotland’s historic environment, rising costs, and a shortage of traditional skills, the need for a resilient, forward-thinking organisation has never been greater. Through this consultation, HES aims to gather diverse perspectives on the areas of focus it has outlined for the next three years: Scotland’s heritage, skills and learning, people and places, climate action, and inclusion and resilience.
“Scotland’s heritage is not just about the past; it’s central to shaping a greener, more inclusive future for all to enjoy," said Katerina Brown, Chief Executive of HES. "Our historic environment has a vital role to play in addressing some of the most pressing concerns facing individuals, businesses, and communities today. Whether it’s addressing the rising costs and tackling the limited availability of skilled contractors for building owners, or the impact of extreme weather events that close historic places, reducing visitor numbers and income for local businesses – these are real issues where heritage can be part of the solution.
“Our draft corporate plan, Heritage for All, outlines how we can enhance Scotland’s historic environment to maximise the benefits of our shared heritage. By prioritising resources, improving efficiency, fostering innovation, and working with partners in the heritage sector and beyond, we can help more people engage with and benefit from their local heritage. We're inviting partners, stakeholders, and the public to help us shape this plan, and I encourage everyone to reflect on how heritage plays a role in their daily lives and share their experience so our work can make the greatest impact in the years ahead.”
The consultation opens today, Thursday 24 October, until 3 January 2025. HES encourages everyone in Scotland to share their views and contribute to how the nation’s historic environment can continue to deliver for Scotland.
The consultation can be found at historicenvironment.scot. To join in the conversation online please tag @histenvscot using the hashtag #HeritageMatters.
Image credit: Historic Environment Scotland
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Doddie Aid 2026 smashes two million mark for MND research
Doddie Aid 2026 smashes £2 million mark for MND research as Kathy Weir hails 'incredible' support for husband's legacy.
READ MORE
Lambs wear raincoats at the National Museum of Rural Life to protect from April showers
Carly Hood, Assistant Stockperson at the National Museum of Rural Life, fits raincoats on newborn lambs to protect them from April's heavy rainfall.
READ MORE
Scottish secondary schools can fundraise to feed hungry children
Secondary schools across Scotland can fundraise to feed an entire school of hungry children by signing up for a charity's life-changing Feed A School initiative.
READ MORE
FREE Event: Discover super powered plants at Dobbies Little Seedlings Club
Dobbies' free-to-attend children's gardening workshop is here for the month of May, giving children the chance to discover the 'Power of Plants'.
READ MORE
M&Ds to host ASN Family Festival
Following the incredible success of the first event, M&D's Scotland's Theme Park is delighted to welcome families back for an ASN Family Festival on Sunday 10th May.
READ MORE
Snap up free tickets to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow or Edinburgh
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Scotland's only dedicated consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, is back and we have free tickets up for grabs!
READ MORE
Spring clean shoes to protect heritage, urges National Trust for Scotland
With warmer days on the way, visitors to gardens at National Trust for Scotland places are being asked to follow biosecurity measures throughout the spring and summer seasons.
READ MORE
Fan favourites return to Vue venues in Scotland this spring
Vue is bringing a roster of much-loved film favourites back to the big screen this spring as part of a special anniversary season celebrating some of Hollywood’s most iconic titles.
READ MORE
Aldi calls on shoppers across Scotland to donate pet food in stores this National Pet Month
Aldi is encouraging shoppers in Scotland to donate pet food at its in-store community donation points this April to mark National Pet Month.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle reveals first look CGIs of new spa and Hebridean inspired cabins
Crossbasket Castle enhances its luxury wellness offering as it reveals first-look CGIs of new Four Angels Spa and Hebridean-inspired cabins.
READ MORE
Dig up some fun this half term at the National Museum of Rural Life
Spring has arrived at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride this half term!
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Springfest is back
Get ready for a brilliant weekend at the free Loch Lomond Springfest on 4th and 5th April, featuring world-class chefs, wild foraging, tasty street food and non-stop family fun for all ages!
READ MORE
Top family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this Easter
Families looking to make the most of the Easter holidays in Scotland will find plenty to enjoy over the break!
READ MORE
Spring starts with Dobbies Spring Shopping Evening
Celebrate the colours of spring at Dobbies Spring Shopping Evening, a free-to-attend evening event dedicated to outdoor living and seasonal inspiration, taking place on Thursday 2nd April!
READ MORE
Last chance to enter for lunch with George Clooney
Entries are closing soon for the chance to have lunch with Hollywood icon George Clooney as part of itison's fundraising campaign for Social Bite.
READ MORE
Cloned sheep that paved the way for Dolly the sheep goes on show at the National Museum of Rural Life
Morag the sheep, an important cloned predecessor to the world-famous Dolly the sheep, has gone on permanent display at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.
READ MORE
Doors set to reopen across the country to some of the most iconic historic sites in Scotland
More than 40 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Wednesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MORE
One of the best loved food brands in the country is bringing back its popular Golden Easter Hunt
Launching just in time for the school holidays, this year it's set to be bigger, bolder and even more exciting - and it's free for anyone to enter!
READ MORE
Spectacular stage productions to enjoy at Vue this spring
To celebrate World Theatre Day (27 March), Vue is highlighting upcoming theatre and opera productions showing on the big screen.
READ MORE
Pool set to reopen following major refurbishment
The John Smith Swimming Pool in Airdrie is set to reopen to the public on Monday 6th April 2026 after the completion of a significant refurbishment programme.
READ MORE
March madness at M&Ds Theme Park Preview Weekend
Scotland’s favourite family destination, M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, is to host a special Preview Weekend to launch the new season!
READ MORE
Venue celebrates 10 Years of supporting community at the heart of Hamilton
Ten years of success gave plenty of reason to celebrate as community members and VIP guests gathered in a popular Hamilton community venue.
READ MORE
Community project delivers nature improvements
A community project to improve Dumbreck Marsh Local Nature Reserve for residents and visitors has been successfully completed.
READ MORE
Time to spring into clean up action again
South Lanarkshire Council is supporting Spring Clean Scotland again this year and is hoping that everyone else will too.
READ MORE
Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring
Scotland's biggest home event is back at Glasgow SEC from 22nd - 25th May 2026 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our readers!
READ MORE
Summer events taking place at historic sites across Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland has announced its summer events programme, with events taking place at iconic heritage sites across the country!
READ MORE
Hop into Easter at Dobbies with Gabbys Dollhouse Little Seedlings Club
Dobbies is teaming up with Gabby's Dollhouse to bring an extra special spring themed experience to families at its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club on 4th April, packed with fun and creativity.
READ MORE
Spring fun returns as New Lanark hosts family friendly Easter Festival
Families are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring at the Easter Festival at New Lanark, with a packed programme of activities, entertainment and seasonal fun for visitors of all ages.
READ MORE
Scottish Excellence Awards 2026 Shortlist showcases strength of hospitality sector
Finalists have been announced for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026.
READ MORE
Support for bereaved families in Scotland is vital ahead of Mothers Day
As Mother's Day approaches, the charity Sands is sharing simple ways anyone in Scotland, and across the UK, can show they care for a mum they know, who's been touched by pregnancy or baby loss.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links