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

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

National Wallace Monument wins Frankenstein approval from renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro made a personal visit to The National Wallace Monument before deciding to cast the iconic Stirling landmark in his new movie ‘Frankenstein’.

Time to Nominate Outstanding Companies for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards

The public has just two weeks left to nominate outstanding independent retailers for Go Forth Stirling BID’s annual Business Awards.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Have your say on new active travel project for south of Stirling city centre

People are being encouraged to have their say in the second stage of a consultation on four proposed active travel routes for the south of Stirling city centre.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Art Exhibition and Fashion Sale to Support Strathcarron Hospice

Strathblane artists are set to captivate the community with a charity art exhibition this weekend, aiming to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice, Denny.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

No tricks, just treats at Thistles Stirling this Halloween

Thistles, Stirling is set to host a spooky spectacular at the shopping centre this October half term.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings