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

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