The Archaeological Significance of land at Coldingham

From 9 to 30 August 2022, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on our proposal to designate land at St Michael’s Knowe, Coldingham, Scottish Borders and surrounding area as a scheduled monument.

We were interested to find out what information you had about the site and also to gather views about some or all of the site being designated as a scheduled monument.

We received nine responses, which contributed to our knowledge of the area and also provided insight into how the site is valued.

Most of the responses were in favour of designating the land at St Michael's Knowe as a scheduled monument. Our questions focussed on your relationship to the site, any knowledge you may have that was useful and which areas you felt should be scheduled. Eight out of the nine responded that they felt all the areas outlined in the consultation should be scheduled.

We received additional comments, most supportive of the proposal and recognising the importance of the site. Some comments from respondents include:

"I'm delighted that the area around Coldingham Priory and St Michael's Knowe is under consideration for listing as a scheduled monument."

"The area is of major historical significance and requires further archaeological investigation. Any developments prior to this would be extremely detrimental."

We had a single negative comment: 

"Will it make any difference to the usual train of nonsense and waste as every other designated site other than the ones HES charge to get in to?"

We note the negative comment above. We schedule to recognise our most significant sites and monuments. This provides for the protection and preservation of the cultural significance of scheduled monuments through a series of consents, compliance, enforcement and monitoring procedures managed by us. Being a scheduled monument does not confer any right of public access.

After considering the comments received during the consultation, we will now take forward a designation assessment. We will use the information supplied to inform our designation assessment for St Michael's Knowe and the surrounding area. Once this assessment has been completed, we will consult on our proposed decision.