We Asked, You Said, We Did

From 26 November 2024 to 7 January 2025, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list The Lappan farm buildings, Toremore, Dunbeath.

The Lappan is a traditional farm complex located on the east coast of Caithness, on high farmland overlooking the Moray Firth. It is an example of an Improvement-period farmhouse and steading complex in the Highland region, that is notable for the survival of much of its 19^th century character and form.  It has retained the historic character of its rural landscape setting and forms part of a modest but coherent group of traditional agricultural buildings. Traditional small scale agricultural complexes survive in large numbers across Scotland but the extent of survival at The Lappan, particularly the interior, is exceptionally rare.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make. 

We consulted directly with the owners of the building and Highland Council as the planning authority. 

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.  

There were no comments following consultation.

We have listed the buildings at category B, listed building ref: LB52624.  

We have published a Report on Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded below:

• Report of Handling - Decision (PDF)

From 2 October to 13 November 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list all of the buildings that were built as part of the earliest phase of King’s Cross Hospital’s development between 1889 and 1903.

King’s Cross Hospital opened in 1889 as Dundee’s first, purpose-built, permanent fever hospital to treat and care for patients with infectious diseases. The earliest phase of King’s Cross Hospital is a rare surviving example of a purpose-built fever hospital that retains much of its late-19th century plan form and good quality exterior detailing. King’s Cross Hospital is one of the most complete examples of an urban fever hospital to survive largely in its original form in Scotland.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make.

We consulted directly with NHS Tayside (the owners) and Dundee City Council planning authority.

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.  

We received four responses to the consultation. The responses from the owners (NHS Tayside) and the planning authority provided no comments on the proposed amendment to the existing designation.

We received two responses with comments from private individuals via our Citizen Space survey. Both of these responses expressed support for the proposal to include the earliest hospital buildings within the existing designation.

No issues were raised that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation. 

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have amended the current designation of the gates and gatepiers to include all of the hospital buildings at King’s Cross Hospital that were constructed by 1903 (as shown on the 2^nd Edition Ordnance Survey map). The hospital buildings are listed at category B, listed building ref: LB25537

We have published a Report on Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded below:

• Report of Handling – Decision (PDF)

From 24 July to 2 October 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list Glasgow Central Mosque.

The Glasgow Central Mosque is a purpose-built Mosque and Islamic Centre and was designed and built between 1977 and 1984. It is a landmark building in Glasgow and is prominently located on the southern bank of the Clyde.

The building is an outstanding example of a purpose-built mosque design in Scotland and a significant example of the use of Postmodern style of architecture. It is the first mosque building designed according to Islamic architectural traditions in the country and reinterprets these forms and features in a contemporary way. The distinctive design also reflects local architecture by using materials such as red brick, pigmented red concrete to reference the red sandstone traditionally used in many of Glasgow’s buildings.

Planned from the 1950s, the building is a rare and very early example of a purpose-built mosque and includes Scotland’s first purpose-built Islamic centre. The building remains Scotland’s largest mosque and is among only a small number ever built.

The Mosque is also of outstanding social historical interest for how it tells the story of the development of the Muslim community in Scotland in the second half of the 20th century.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make. 

We consulted directly with Glasgow Central Mosque as the owners of the building and Glasgow City Council as the planning authority. 

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.  

We received 14 comments at consultation. Of the responses 11 were in favour of listing and three responses objected to listing. No issued were raised that put into question the special architectural or historic interest of the Glasgow Central Mosque. We have addressed the detailed comments we received in our Report of Handling.

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have listed the building at category A, listed building ref: LB52642.  

We have published a Report of Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded below:

• Report of Handling - Decision (PDF)

From 8 August to 19 September 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) asked for comments and information on the red-brick modern housing blocks near Braid Square, St George’s Road and North Woodside Road, to help inform our assessment of the buildings for listing.

A building may become listed if it is of special architectural and historic interest. Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document. 

We were keen to hear from people who know the housing blocks, and/or have a view on their design, history and significance. 

We are delighted to have received 73 responses to our online survey and one response via email.

We will now work to analyse these responses, together with the feedback we received during the drop in event on 29 August. We may publish these responses where we have permission to do so.

Our next steps will be to compile a report on our findings, which we will publish online. If we consider that the housing blocks meet the criteria for listing, we will carry out a formal consultation before making a decision.

From 29 July to 17 September 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) asked for your views to help us shape the future of Managing Change guidance. This was to ensure that our guidance is fit for purpose and to improve it as a tool to support decision making.

The Managing Change guidance consultation document outlined the purpose of Managing Change guidance. It set out the key drivers we identified as leading change in the historic environment and a series of topics we thought Managing Change should address.

We asked for your feedback on how Managing Change guidance is currently being used and the key drivers that the guidance should respond to. We also asked for your thoughts and ideas to inform our topic priorities for new guidance and updates. These topics included retrofit, accessibility, conservation areas, landscape and agriculture.

We engaged with about 50 stakeholders through a Citizen Space survey and online workshops. This included a workshop in partnership with the Built Environment Forum Scotland for conservation officers.

Overall, respondents raised that the usability and accessibility of Managing Change guidance could be improved by clearly linking together guidance where relevant as well as keeping content simpler to read and easier to find on the HES website.

Retrofit was the most engaged with topic in the activities. Many respondents noted more clarity is needed on what retrofit works are acceptable and existing guidance needs to be updated. Respondents also noted that:

• A web hub for retrofit guidance on our website was generally supported.
• Retrofit is a key issue in conservation areas for respondents. The replacement of windows and the installation of renewables can put the management of conservation areas under pressure.
• More case studies on retrofit and conservation areas were encouraged.

Respondents also commented on topics including landscape, accessibility and agriculture, with landscape being the second most engaged with topic.

On the landscape topic, respondents noted that:

• The guidance should use a holistic approach to understand the environment, recognising both cultural and natural factors.
• It should include consideration of how landscape shapes place and influences the development patterns of the past, present and the future.
• Guidance should identify what is meant by ‘landscape’ and explain the significance of landscapes and places, and how the historic environment is embedded in this.
• It should cover cumulative changes in urban and rural areas and the impacts at a landscape scale.   

For accessibility, key messages were:

• Guidance should have a broader scope to include more aspects of the historic environment, such as landscapes and townscapes.
• Respondents need more clarity on how to balance accessibility with preserving cultural significance.

Respondents engaged with the agriculture topic the least. They noted that any guidance should be practical and avoid duplicating advice from local authorities.

We have developed an action plan based on your feedback which will inform our future work on Managing Change guidance.

Key actions include:

• Embed early engagement into future Managing Change activities and maximise opportunities for stakeholder feedback.
• Provide clarity on our retrofit advice and ensure our Managing Change guidance is more accessible on our website.
• Begin scoping for a new Managing Change guidance on places and landscapes in the next financial year (2025-26).
• Ensure focused advice on conservation areas is included in our retrofit work and guidance on places and landscapes as relevant.
• Look to embed advice on accessibility and equity in all guidance, including the new places and landscapes guidance.
• Explore scope to update the accessibility Managing Change guidance note in future rounds of guidance updates.
• Explore ways to provide support on agriculture, including options for training and web content.
• Review Managing Change guidance on historic battlefields following the review of the Selection Guidance for historic battlefields.

From 8 August to 29 August 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list Denny Town House.

Denny Town House is a good example of a purpose-built municipal building that has remained largely unaltered since it was built in 1931-32.  Designed in a historicist Scots Baronial style, it displays features of definite architectural quality that reflect the importance of its civic function. These include the distinctive crowstepped gables, the entrance tower and good quality stonework and simple detailing. The internal layout and decorative scheme also retains much of its earlier 20th century features and character. Since its construction, Denny Town House has provided important civic facilities for the area and has remained in constant use by the local community until its closure in 2021.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make. 

We consulted directly with Falkirk Council as the owners of the building, and as the planning authority. 

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.  

We received one response to the consultation from Falkirk Council, who noted that they were in support of the listing. No issues were raised that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation. 

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have listed the building at category C, listed building ref: LB52629.  

We have published a Report on Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded below:

• Report of Handling - Decision (PDF)

From 3 July to 24 July 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list the St Mary The Virgin Episcopal Church in Port Glasgow.

The church was built in 1982-84 to replace an older church and is part of a complex that includes an adjoining church hall, offices and rectory, set within landscaped grounds.

Designed by Frank Burnet, Bell and Partners, the church is of interest for its high quality interior design, with fixtures and fittings salvaged from its predecessor building. It is a little-altered example of a church of the later modern period that retains all its original ancillary components and setting.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make.

We consulted directly with Inverclyde Council as the planning authority and the owners and occupiers of the site.

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.  

We received a total of 2 responses to consultation. None of the responses raised issues that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation.  There were no responses to our online survey. 

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have listed the building at category C:

St Mary The Virgin Episcopal Church including adjoining hall and rectory, and boundary wall, Bardrainney Avenue, Port Glasgow (LB52608)

From 29 May to 10 July 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to amend the Inventory site, Airthrey Castle in Stirling.

We proposed to

• amend the text of the inventory record to recognise more clearly the interest of the 20th century campus landscape
• change the inventory name to University of Stirling (Airthrey Castle)

The University of Stirling was founded in 1964 as part of the wider government agenda to develop and expand tertiary education near small urban centres across the United Kingdom. It has outstanding artistic interest for the development of the campus within the framework of the 18th-19th century picturesque landscape, and outstanding architectural interest for its collection of buildings. These include innovative Modernist buildings that respond to the parkland setting.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed amendment and if they had further comments to make.

We consulted directly with Stirling Council as the planning authority and the owners and occupiers of the site.

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.  

We received a total of 2 responses to consultation. None of the responses raised issues that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for amendment.  There were no responses to our online survey. 

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have amended the Inventory site as proposed:

Link to Portal - Airthrey Castle, Stirling University, DLRP (GDL00010) (300060192) (historicenvironment.scot)

Link to Amended Record - University of Stirling (Airthrey Castle) (GDL00010) (historicenvironment.scot)

From 18 May 2024 to 13 June 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list the Low Port Centre, 1 Blackness Road, Linlithgow.

The Low Port Centre is a former community outdoor and education centre designed by Wheeler & Sproson and built 1986-88. It includes a mural in the entrance foyer by James Cumming RSA RSW (1922-1991) titled ‘The Community: A Festival of Time’. The mural painted in 1988, depicts a theme of timeless community with a scene of 39 figures and characters symbolising various aspects of community life within a colourful town setting.

The mural is a rare and important public work of artist James Cumming, one of the most significant Scottish painters of the later 20th century and a figure of major influence as both an artist and a lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art. Award-winning architectural practice Wheeler & Sproson had a particular interest in the integration of art and architecture and commissioned this work for the purpose-built outdoor education centre. The building is a relatively rare example of this building type and is designed in modern style with influence of Scottish vernacular, a characteristic style of Wheeler & Sproson.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make. 

We consulted directly with West Lothian Council as the planning authority and the owners and occupiers of the site. 

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.

We received two responses to the consultation. The response did not raise issues that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation. 

We have reported in more detail on the consultation in our Report on Handling, which can be downloaded from the Heritage Portal or from the bottom of this page. 

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have listed the building at category B, listed building record (ref: LB52635).  

We have published a Report on Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded below:

•  Report of Handling – Decision (PDF)

From 22 May to 12 June 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list St Kane’s Hall, in the village of New Deer, Turriff.

St Kane’s Hall is a former Free Church (now in use as a school hall/gymnasium) built between 1884 and 1885. It was designed by the well-known Aberdeen-based architects Ellis & Wilson in the Early Gothic style. This former church has special architectural and historic interest as a good example of a Gothic church in a small rural village, which is little altered to the exterior. The church is prominently situated along the Main Street.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make. 

We consulted directly with Aberdeenshire Council as the planning authority, who are also owners of the site. 

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.

We received one response to the consultation. The response did not raise issues that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation. 

We have reported in more detail on the consultation in our Report on Handling, which can be downloaded from the Heritage Portal or from the bottom of this page. 

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have listed the building at category C, listed building record (ref: LB52638).  

We have published a Report on Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded below:

•  Report of Handling – Decision (PDF)

From 7 March to 15 May 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list the former Mecca Cinema at 124 Balmore Road in Glasgow.

The Mecca Cinema, opened in 1933, is a rare survival of a 1930s cinema which retains its architecturally distinctive character to the main elevation. It is a notable example of the work of architect James McKissack, a foremost Scottish cinema designer of the earlier 20^th century. The cinema is an architectural landmark in the streetscape and its wider setting in Possilpark. It is of social historical significance for the association with town planning, leisure, and industry in the early 20^th century.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make.

We consulted directly with Glasgow City Council as the planning authority and the owner of the site.

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.  

We received a total of 26 responses to consultation, including one response from the owner, one response from an interested party and 24 responses to our online survey.

The overwhelming majority of people who responded expressed strong support for the designation. No one raised issues that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation. Many of the comments noted that the building was a significant architectural landmark in the local area. Some comments noted the perceived impact listing may have on the future use of the building.

We have reported in more detail on the consultation in our Report of Handling, which can be downloaded from the Heritage Portal or from the bottom of this page.

Comments from the online survey are published in full (where we have appropriate permissions). The report can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have

• Listed the front and side part of the building at category C: Listed Building Record (Ref: LB52634)

We have published a Report of Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded from the bottom of this page.

PDF Files:

• Report of Handling – Decision
• Online Consultation Survey Report – Mecca Cinema

From 13 March to 1 May 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list part of the buildings of the Glassford Waterworks.

Glassford Waterworks, constructed in 1895, is a notable example of buildings associated with the provision of clean water in the late 19th century. The buildings survive largely in their original form and retain many of the features associated with their function as a water works. The wider setting has been partially altered but a number of ancillary features are retained, contributing our understanding of how the site would have originally operated. The buildings form part of a group of historic structures that are of social historical interest for what they can tell us about the supply of clean water to the district in the late-19th century and the municipal ambition of the period.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make. 

We consulted directly with South Lanarkshire Council as the planning authority, and with owners of the site. 

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.  

We received four responses to the consultation, including responses from the owners. No one raised issues that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation. 

We have reported in more detail on the consultation in our Report on Handling, which can be downloaded from the Heritage Portal or from the bottom of this page. 

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have listed the buildings at category C, listed building ref: LB52633.  

We have published a Report on Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded below:

• Report of Handling - Decision (PDF)

From 7 December 2023 to 23 February 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth. 

Bell’s Sports Centre, opened in 1968, is one of Scotland’s earliest purpose-built, indoor sports centres. The domed sports hall has special architectural and historic interest as an exceptional surviving example of a new building type that developed in the second half of the 20th century. Designed to accommodate a range of sporting courts and community activities, the building reflects the increase in leisure time and the importance placed on health and well-being for wider public benefit during this period. It is the only domed sports facility in Scotland, and it is the second example of a domed sports hall to be built in the United Kingdom.   

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make. 

We consulted directly with Perth and Kinross Council as the planning authority and owner of the site, and the tenants of the building. 

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.  

We received a total of 40 responses to consultation, including one response from the local authority, one response from an interested party and 38 responses to our online survey.  

The overwhelming majority of people who responded expressed strong support for the designation. No one raised issues that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation. However, many of the comments noted the flood risk at the site and the perceived impact listing may have on the future use of the building.  

We have reported in more detail on the consultation in our Report on Handling, which can be downloaded from the Heritage Portal or from the bottom of this page. 

Comments from the online survey are published in full (where we have appropriate permissions). The report can be downloaded from the bottom of this page. 

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have 

• Listed the structure at category B as Sports arena block, including dome, changing rooms and offices at Bell’s Sports Centre, excluding all other structures and buildings, Hay Street, Perth  

We have published a Report on Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded at the bottom of this page. 

PDF Files: 

• Report of Handling - Decision 

• Online Consultation Survey Report - Bell's Sports Centre 

From 29 January to 19 February 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to include Crawick Multiverse on the Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes.

As the largest and final completed land art project by Charles Jencks in the UK, the site is an important representation of his work, drawing on his earlier works, and a lifetime of postmodern critical enquiry into the nature and meaning of art, architecture and culture.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make.

We consulted directly with Dumfries and Galloway Council as the planning authority, Crawick Multiverse Board of Trustees, Buccleuch Estates and other interested parties – The 20^th Century Society, Docomomo and Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage.

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document. 

We received 4 responses from those we consulted with directly. We received no responses to our online survey.

No one raised issues that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation.

We have reported in more detail on the consultation in our Report on Handling, which can be downloaded from the Heritage Portal.

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have

• Added the site to the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscape as Crawick Multiverse

We have published a Report on Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal

From 21 November 2023 to 9 February 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list Livingston ‘Livi’ Skatepark.

The skatepark is one of a handful of surviving skateparks from the late 1970s – early 1980s in the UK. It has architectural interest for its pioneering design and the innovative approach of its architect, Iain Urquhart. Retaining its public park setting, the skatepark is an important survival of public enterprise architecture by Livingston Development Corporation and has social historical interest as an icon of the Scottish skate and bike scene. 

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make.

We consulted directly with West Lothian Council as the planning authority.

This consultation followed on from an earlier engagement exercise in April-May 2023 in which we received 557 responses to our online survey asking for comments and information to help inform our assessment of the skatepark (Share your views on Livi Skatepark).

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document. 

We received a total of 184 responses including one written response from the Local Authority and 183 responses to our online survey.

The overwhelming majority of people who responded expressed strong support for the designation. No one raised issues that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation.

We have reported in more detail on the consultation in our Report on Handling, which can be downloaded from the Heritage Portal or from the bottom of this page.

Comments from the online survey are published in full (where we have appropriate permissions).

All of the relevant reports can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have

• Listed the structure at category B as Livingston 'Livi' Skatepark, Almondside, Livingston (LB52626)

We have published a Report on Handling for this case at Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

From 30 November 2023 to 21 December 2023, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list the former Cumbernauld Cottage Theatre.

Built in the 1700s as part of the Cumbernauld House estate, this row of cottages was adapted for use as a community theatre in 1962. The building has special architectural interest as an example of 18th century estate workers' cottages. It has historical interest for its pioneering role as a theatre within the developing identity of Cumbernauld New Town during its formative years and beyond. 

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make.

We consulted directly with North Lanarkshire Council as the planning authority and owner of the site, and another interested party.

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document. 

We received a total of 306 responses, including two responses from the Local Authority and 14 other written responses. We received 290 responses to our online survey.

The overwhelming majority of people who responded expressed strong support for the designation. No one raised issues that brought into question the cultural significance of these sites for designation. Many of the comments provided further information about the social historical interest of this site.

We have reported in more detail on the consultation in our Report on Handling, which can be downloaded from the Heritage Portal or from the bottom of this page.

Comments from the online survey are published in full (where we have appropriate permissions). The report can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have

• Listed the building at category C as Former Cumbernauld Cottage Theatre (single-storey cottage row) excluding all later additions to rear, Braehead Road, Cumbernauld http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB52631

We have published a Report on Handling for this case at Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

From 26 September to 19 December 2023, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) undertook a public consultation seeking feedback on their outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park. Participants were asked how they currently use the Park, what they believe the priorities should be for the Park and the role Holyrood Park should play in Edinburgh’s future.

This took place via a Citizen Space survey and face to face engagement. The total returns including written responses, was just under 5000.

The survey responses have been analysed, and a Consultation Analysis Report is available on the HES website.

Respondents to the consultation were a largely local audience of frequent Park users, accessing the Park for a range of different purposes, including leisure and recreation, nature and wildlife and commuting, and visiting a wide range of areas within the Park.

Key issues identified with the Park mainly related to road closures/traffic in the Park, erosion, and safety (between cars, cyclists and pedestrians).

It was also clear from the comments that strong and differing views are held relating to vehicle access.

Despite some polarising views on movement within the Park, one common concern across groups was ensuring that access is maintained for those with mobility issues.

Respondents were also concerned with climate change and maintaining the natural habitat and wildlife of the Park in order to maximise positive impacts to the Park and the city as a whole.

It was clear that consultation respondents felt the Strategic Plan should place people at the heart of any future plans for the Park – however that meant quite different things to different groups.  All this highlights the difficult balance required in meeting the various needs of different Park user groups.

Survey feedback has informed the final Strategic Plan, which is now available on the HES website, with the Landscape Conservation Management Plan for the Park and the Consultation Analysis Report.

Key amendments...

Movement: One of the key amendments to the plan has been to include the development of a Movement Strategy for the Park, which will be developed in collaboration with The City of Edinburgh Council and will align to their City Mobility Plan 2030. Additional, detailed surveys are required to inform the plans for future traffic movement and active travel, ensuring a sustainable future for the Park. 

Landscape: The management of the Park will allow for diversity of habitats and landscape types, helping sustain the SSSI while enabling growing public use and access, as well as responding to our changing climate. Within this landscape, some areas will be more actively managed to conserve important grassland habitats and to create wetlands to manage surface water and support climate resilience.

Rock Fall Risk Safety: This has been taken forward as a separate corporate management exercise and is referred to under the 'Current and Emerging Challenges' section of the plan. While the Plan does not cover rock risk, specialist geotechnical engineers have completed a re-assessment of risk and potential mitigating measures in relation to parts of the Radical Road and other areas. HES plans to improve access in spring 2025, where this can be done safely, at the southern end from the Hawse to the northern end of South Quarry. This area includes Hutton’s Section and Hutton’s Rock, together with the quarry in which climbing is permitted. Due to Holyrood Park’s complexity and unique nature, all proposals need to consider statutory consents and require engagement with the relevant regulatory bodies.

From 12 September to 17 October 2023, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on our proposal to designate Tollcross Fire Station in Edinburgh as a category B listed building.  

The building was constructed in 1986 as the as the central control unit for the Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service. It was designed by the Department of Architectural Services at Lothian Regional Council and is a notable example of public-sector architecture in Scotland from the 1980s.

Tollcross is an exceptional example of a fire station for its late-20th century date and incorporates an unusual, curved drill tower to the rear. Its striking design is both highly functional and artistic, taking elements of traditional Scottish architecture and re-interpreting them in a playful way. It is an early and important example of Postmodern architecture in Scotland.

We received two responses to the consultation, one in favour of the listing and one against. The respondents provided the following comments:

The Twentieth Century Society noted that they were strongly in support of the proposed listing as the building is “…an excellent and significant exemplar of early post-modernist expression in Scotland.” They made further comments supporting the special architectural and historic interest of the building and provided more information about the artist responsible for the relief sculpture.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (the owners) objected to the listing proposal as they had concerns that the consents that listing may incur could compromise or delay necessary changes to the building for operational purposes. They also included individual reactions from station personnel. Two noted they were in favour of listing, and one noted they were not.

We considered the responses carefully and further considered the special interest of the building.  

We have now listed Tollcross Fire Station in Edinburgh as a category B listed building. The listed building record is available on our Heritage Portal, where the final Report of Handling is also available.  

Our historic environment is always changing. Listing does not prevent change, but it does allow for a structure’s special character to be taken into account when changes are proposed.  

From 25 July 2023 to 5 September 2023, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list the Piper Alpha Memorial in Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen and to add the Memorial Garden to the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes.

These sites commemorate those killed in the Piper Alpha Disaster of 1988. Our assessment indicated that the memorial and garden are of national importance for designation. The garden is strongly valued as a public site of memory and for its artistic and other experiential qualities. The memorial is an unusual example of a late 20^th century commemorative monument that adopts the style of earlier figurative war memorials. Both sites relate to a historic event of international significance.  

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designations and if they had further comments to make. We also asked for views on the proposed designation name of the garden because our research showed there are different understandings of its name.

We consulted directly with the Local Authority as owners of the site and other interested parties, including those who had previously given us their views.

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document. 

We received a total of 27 responses: One from the Local Authority, two from interested parties and 24 from private individuals via the online survey.

The overwhelming majority of people who responded expressed strong support for the designations. Noone raised issues that brought into question the cultural significance of these sites for designation. Many of the comments provided further evidence for the values of these sites.

We have reported in more detail on the consultation in our Report on Handling, which can be downloaded from the Heritage Portal or from the bottom of this page.

Comments from the online survey are published in full (where we have appropriate permissions). The report can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have

• Listed the Piper Alpha Memorial at category B http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB52621
• Added the Memorial Garden to the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00412

The designation name of the garden is ‘Piper Alpha Memorial Garden/North Sea Memorial Rose Garden’.  We acknowledge that this will not be satisfactory to all. The designation name has no bearing on determining the official name of the garden or what people choose to call it. The name is solely for the purpose of identifying the designation. We would be happy to consider any updates to the designation name in the future on receipt of any new information.

We have published a Report on Handling for this case at Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

We have published two new records in the National Record of the Historic Environment

Aberdeen, Hazlehead Park, North Sea Memorial Rose Garden | Canmore

Aberdeen, Hazlehead Park, Piper Alpha Memorial | Canmore

From 11 April to 18 May 2023, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) asked for comments and information on Livingston ‘Livi’ Skatepark to help inform our assessment of the skatepark for listing.

A building may become listed if it is of special architectural and historic interest. Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document. 

This is the first time we have been asked to list a skatepark, and we were keen to hear from people who know and use Livi Skatepark, and/or have a view on its design, history and significance. 

We are delighted to have received 557 responses to our online survey.

We will now work to analyse these responses, together with the feedback we received when we visited the skatepark in April.

Our next steps will be to compile a report on our findings, which we will publish online. If we consider that the skatepark meets the criteria for listing, we will consult with West Lothian Council as the owners and local authority before making a decision.

Skateboard Scotland, the official governing body for skateboarding, helped to shape this survey. Where we have consent from participants, we will forward responses to them for their interest.