Have your say in the future of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site

Overview

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney (HONO) was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. World Heritage Sites (WHS) are places that have been judged to have Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) – cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity. Once a World Heritage Site is inscribed it must be managed to ensure that the OUV is maintained and protected for the future. 

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Draft Management Plan 2025-2035

The draft Management Plan identifies issues and opportunities within the World Heritage Site and sets out priorities for action to preserve and enhance the WHS.

It is a ten-year framework to guide the protection and management of the Site that builds on two previous Management Plans and was informed by consultation with the local community and other key stakeholders.

The Plan includes a shared vision, sums up our understanding of the Outstanding Universal Value of the WHS and identifies the key issues that are affecting or will affect the Site. Six long-term Aims to 2050 have been revised and carried forward from the previous Management Plan.

This draft was prepared by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Orkney Islands Council (OIC) with the support of the World Heritage Site Steering Group. 

Please see the bottom of this page to access the draft Management Plan and Summary, as well the accompanying Environmental Report and Non-technical Summary. 

Why your views matter

We’d like to hear your views on the new Management Plan. The local community and other stakeholders have helped to shape this draft Plan and your feedback will be part of the process of agreeing a final version.

When this consultation has ended, a report will be produced and the final version of the Management Plan will be prepared and published by HES and OIC.