New body to oversee Scotland’s heritage 9/3/14
Scotland’s first ever strategy for the historic environment has been published.
The publication of Our Place in Time comes as Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop laid a Bill before Parliament which will transform how Scotland’s historic places are managed and protected for the future.
The Historic Environment Scotland Bill will bring together Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS).
The new body will be called Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and will be expected to play a key role in delivering the strategy, developed in partnership with stakeholders including the Built Environment Forum Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland, the Society of Antiquaries, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and others.
Fiona Hyslop, said: “Scotland has a very rich heritage and historic environment which is all around us, whether as physical evidence of our past, such as historic buildings, monuments, shipwrecks and industrial sites or the less tangible things which we link to them such as stories, poetry and folklore. It is a vital cultural asset that helps tell our nation’s story, binding and connecting our past to our present and our future.
“Scotland’s heritage needs careful management based on a clear sense of direction
which is grounded in well-
“Combining the skills, expertise and professional experience of Historic Scotland and RCAHMS, HES will take a lead role in protecting and managing Scotland’s rich historic heritage to ensure it can be enjoyed now and in the future.”