We Asked, You Said, We Did

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 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.

From 20 April to 11 May 2023, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on our proposal to designate the remnant of the Gulliver Sculpture in Edinburgh at category C.  

The left foot of the Gulliver Sculpture is among the last remains of an enormous concrete human figure play sculpture, conceived and completed between 1976 and 1978 for the Craigmillar Festival Society. Gulliver was largely demolished in 2011. It is an important example of community-led public art in Scotland and a rare surviving marker of the work of the influential grass-roots regeneration initiative known as the Craigmillar Festival Society (1962-2002). 

We received no responses to the Citizen Space consultation.  

Following direct consultation to interested parties, we received comments from The Twentieth Century Society and Docomomo Scotland. Both were in favour of listing.

The Twentieth Century Society noted their previous application to list, and made the following points:

• The Craigmillar Festival Society was one of the most significant community-led regeneration schemes of its time.
• Designed by Jimmy Boyle, later a sculptor and author, Gulliver was constructed under the Festival’s job creation scheme.
• It has both historic and cultural significance as a physical symbol of this important period of community action.
• Despite its denuded state, the sculpture still retains its significance as testament of the importance of the community in Craigmillar, and as a result is of national importance.
• Retention will help to tell the story of the sculpture from a widely used play structure to a neglected, and then almost lost, monument.

Docomomo Scotland commented that the remnant of the sculpture was ‘A rare reminder of the Craigmillar Festival Society and its work.’

The local authority had no substantive comments. They noted no issues regarding the proposed listing from a planning perspective, and no relevant development proposals affecting the site.

We have now listed the remnant of the sculpture at category C. The listed building records are 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 19 December 2022 to 13 March 2023, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) asked for your views on draft guidance on fire and historic buildings. The guidance is an update and refresh to the existing Managing Change guidance note called Fire Safety Management.

The draft Fire and Historic Buildings guidance set out the principles and specific issues that are relevant to fire and historic buildings. It looks at understanding your building and cultural significance, identifying risks, safety measures and responses to damage.

We asked to hear your thoughts and ideas about the proposed content of this guidance and your feedback on any part of it. We particularly asked for your views on the key messages and considerations to guide decision-making. We also asked for suggestions for possible case studies relating to fire safety or works after a fire has taken place.

We received 9 responses of which 5 completed the set survey questions.

The key points from the comments received were:

• 80% agreed with the scope and approach of the guidance.
• The key messages were either agreed or strongly agreed with by participants.
• The guidance should refer to the climate and nature crises and the historic environment’s role in a just transition to net zero throughout.
• The guidance should make it clear that it applies to all buildings with cultural significance, not just historic buildings.
• The guidance should give more information about the risks that historic buildings can experience from fire, including when they are not in use or undergoing refurbishment.
• Some of the detailed advice on some methods of fire suppression should be checked for accuracy.
• The guidance should highlight the need for historic environment expertise when risk assessments or works are undertaken.
• The scope of document could be confusing – some responses suggested splitting into one publication on fire safety and separate document for fire damage.
• We should look at our timescales for publication, in light of other reviews and guidance being underway.
• Welcome signposting to other sources of guidance and policy reference. Suggested this should be done more, including adding specific references from National Planning Framework 4.
• We should prioritise case studies on emergency plans and fire risk assessment.

You can now review the final version of Managing Change: Fire and Historic Buildings on our website.

The key changes that were made post consultation include:

• Made minor edits to key messages, reflecting advice on specific wording.
• Added one new key message (key message 9) which refers to circular economy and just transition to net zero. Made specific reference to this throughout the document, including references to policies in NPF4 and a further information box on other values of historic buildings.
• Added a further information note on how we’re using the term historic buildings – and explaining that we think that the approach set out in the guidance could apply to any building with cultural significance. We have kept the reference to historic buildings as they can experience particular risks from fire.
• Revised one of the key messages in the document to draw out why historic buildings can experience higher levels of fire risk. We will also explore possible case studies for this topic.
• Reviewed and made minor changes to further information boxes for suppression methods – sprinkler systems and doors.
• Highlighted the need for specific expertise working with historic buildings in further information on consents and permissions.
• Decided to keep the current scope of the document as a single publication covering fire safety and fire damage – this reflects the scope of the previous Managing Change guidance note on this topic. We have signposted the scope of the guidance more clearly in the introduction and through design.
• Decided to publish this now rather than wait for uncertain timescales of review and other guidance publications. We do not expect these to alter the messages in this document. We will make minor updates to links and references as and when necessary, but this should not delay publication.
• Added more signposting to other documents and guidance. We have added a further information box on National Planning Framework 4, and added specific policy references throughout the document.
• Started to identify priority areas for case studies, including looking for example cases for emergency plans and fire risk assessment.

From 9 February to 2 March 2023, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on our proposal to designate Stobs Camp and associated sites as scheduled monuments.

The sites are nationally important monuments that were found to meet our criteria for designation. Stobs Camp is a site that makes a significant contribution to our understanding or appreciation of the military heritage of Scotland, in particular the history of early 20th century military training and First World War internment and imprisonment.

Further details can be accessed on our Heritage Portal: Stobs Camp - Portal.

We received 87 responses which contributed to our knowledge of the monument and also provided insight into how the Camp and associated sites are valued.

An overwhelming majority of the responses were in favour of designating Stobs Camp as a scheduled monument. The following table is a brief summary of the survey results, with focus on the key three questions related to our assessment of the site using the selection guidance for scheduled monuments to decide whether the sites were of national importance.

We received additional comments, the overwhelming majority were supportive of the proposal and recognising the importance of the Camp. The Report on Handling on our Heritage Portal (linked above) provides the responses where a query was raised, along with our answers and information. Some comments from respondents did not raise a query but offered their insight and opinion. Some of these comments include:

•  "The site is not only of national but also of international significance; possibly the best preserved WWI POW camp in the world."
• "Have visited the site and feel it is an important reminder of history of the area."
•  "Stobs is unique as a record of Scotland’s contribution to two world wars. It has a completeness that needs to be preserved and more widely shared."
• "Comprehensive and accurate account of Stobs Camp."
• "The site is of huge historic significance. Many thousands of troops trained here and they also contributed to the economy of Hawick."
• "It should be scheduled because of its historical significance and state  of preservation."
• "The report shows how the remains of the camp make Stobs a rare survival among military sites."
• "I was impressed at the work already done to investigate and preserve.  I feel that scheduling the site will help to consolidate the (largely) voluntary effort already undertaken on the ground."
• "The camp is of great importance to descendants of internees." 

After considering the comments received during the consultation, we have now scheduled Stobs Camp and associated sites as nationally important monuments.

Download the Report of Handling from our Heritage Portal: Stobs Camp - Designation. 

Between 28 Nov 2022 and 20 Feb 2023, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a draft of a new strategy for Scotland’s historic environment.

Scotland’s first historic environment strategy, Our Place in Time (OPiT) was published in 2014. Recognising so much has change since its release, in February 2022, the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, commissioned HES to conduct a review and refresh of OPiT.

The new strategy was to prioritise activity that supports economic recovery and renewal, focuses on creating a more resilient and sustainable historic environment, and helps to communicate the contribution that the historic environment makes to the makes to the nation’s economy, wellbeing, and net zero ambitions.

The draft we consulted on was the product of months of engagement with people and organisations across Scotland. In total, 18 workshops and events were delivered between June-September 2022, attended by 191 organisations and 649 participants.

Through the public consultation we wanted your help to test and improve the draft strategy, using the consultation period as an opportunity to listen to your views. We have used your feedback, and your knowledge and insight of Scotland’s historic environment, to help shape the final version.

In addition to the consultation being hosted online, HES and Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) organised 8 events in January-February 2023. These were attended by 147 participants who provided a wealth of feedback.  We also worked with other partners to engage young people, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities, via bespoke surveys and workshops. The consultation was also promoted via social media and articles in national and local press.

We had 137 written responses to the public consultation, received either via our online portal Citizen Space or via emailed responses. An external company was commissioned to undertake consultation analysis and provide a detailed report on findings. Their analysis report has been published along with the other assessments we needed to carry out, Our Past, Our Future – Consultation Reports.

Overall, there was majority support for the mission, principles, and priorities with over two thirds of respondents signalling support, rising to more than three-quarters supporting particular principles and priorities.

Some expressed a preference for the mission statement to focus on protecting, safeguarding, and valuing the historic environment. A minority of respondents thought the mission statement was too vague or that its meaning was unclear; for example, there were some objections to the phrase ‘harness the power’ or the use of ‘our’ or ‘our society’.

Of the six principles set out, all were supported by around two in three or more respondents. The most supported was ‘we must care for, and protect, our heritage assets’ (90% of respondents); the least supported was ‘we must be prepared to make difficult decisions’ (68%).

Of the three priorities outlined, 69% or more respondents supported all three. The most supported priority was ‘Empowering vibrant, resilient, and inclusive communities and places’, by 80% of respondents.

The draft KPIs and Actions received the most suggestions for change and addition and required the most revision.

While respondents were generally positive about the draft strategy, their responses identified a few areas where some improvements could be made in the final draft: 

• There was wide identification of a need to revisit aspects of language and consistency of application, including the use of ‘you, us, we, our’ and the split between ‘nationally’ and ‘locally’.

• Several respondents expressed a wish to make better connection to some elements of the first OPiT, particularly in relation to themes around ‘care and protect’

• Suggestions by some that the built environment was over-represented in the draft and calls for more reference to be made to various sub-sectors or elements of historic environment e.g., archaeology, undesignated assets, landscapes

• Calls to better foreground skills and the sector workforce, including volunteers

• Concerns expressed by some in terms of deliverability, funding, and resourcing, especially the potential ask of Local Government and smaller local organisations in the context of the legacy impacts of COVID, the cost of living crisis, and squeeze on public finances

• Identification of a need to consider how to tackle perception of this strategy being a Scottish Government and/or Historic Environment Scotland (HES) strategy rather than a national one for the sector. Some stakeholders noting also that the sector strategy has lacked visibility and should have an improved web presence that is clearly distinct from HES’s branding.

Title 

We have given the new strategy a new name, Our Past, Our Future: The Strategy for Scotland’s Historic Environment, to distinguish it from its predecessor. 

General

We have added ‘sustain and enhance’ to the mission statement and removed ‘harness the power’, this is to better reflect the ‘care and protect’ values found in OPiT. We have changed the wording around benefit recipients from ‘our society’ to ‘people and communities’ as this was felt to resonate with people on a more personal level.  We have included reference to these benefits being felt now and into the future – this aligns with the sentiment of the original OPiT that some respondents wanted to maintain. We also have also increased the emphasis on sustainable behaviours.

About this strategy

We expanded this section to include more reference to the day-to-day work of the sector, and to make it clear that activities fundamental to understanding, caring for and promoting the sector will not – and should not – stop over the life of the strategy.

We reworked elements of this section to better define who the ‘we’ the strategy refers to is, and what this means for how people use the document.  

Scotland’s historic environment

We included a stronger articulation of what the historic environment is, and what the definition covers. The core definition has not changed from the previous strategy. This section also sketches some of the ways in which people value the historic environment and re-emphasises that the strategy does not list every single element of it, or every way that people relate to or work with it. 

Principles

We have made changes to several of the principles, based on feedback: 

• We have reworded the ‘we must care for our heritage assets’ principle to state that ‘we must protect and promote our historic environment’.   

• We have combined two principles that both touched on decision-making and reworded the strapline away from ‘difficult decisions’ to ‘good decisions’.   

• We have added a new principle on workforce to foreground skills and equalities more overtly as cross-cutting themes.   

• We have made minor additions to the principle on people, to include homeowners as a core stakeholder group, and to foreground the need to eliminate discrimination in our work. 

Our Priorities

We have changed ‘enabling the transition to net zero’ to ‘delivering the transition to net zero’, to emphasise the urgency of action under this priority.

We have revised the ‘responsibility for delivery’ sub-section to reflect updates to how the actions are pitched, and to reinforce points made elsewhere that the strategy should be seen as for everyone, with everyone having a role to play.

KPIs have become outcomes to better reflect the multiple ways that the historic environment contributes to other policy areas and priorities.  Only one – children and young people – has substantively altered in response to feedback to make this broader, and now talks about diversity and inclusion more widely.

We have moved away from the ‘nationally we will, locally you can’ formulation as some feedback suggested this was divisive, as well as missing the regional level. We have adapted the actions so that they now sit under each priority theme, rather than under each outcome within the priority. The actions have been slimmed down and left relatively high-level.

Measuring Success 

This section has been extensively revised, and sources for evidencing success have been identified under each priority. Learning from our experience of reporting on OPiT, and listening to feedback from respondents, we have proposed that a performance framework that measures success using mix of national statistics, sector reporting through strategy delivery groups, and use of diverse range of case studies. We will make reporting more dynamic, highlighting progress and sharing new data as it becomes available.  

Summary

After making a number of changes based on consultation feedback, Scotland’s new historic environment strategy, Our Past, Our Future is to be launched in Summer 2023. 

We are very grateful for the time invested by respondents and workshop contributors in sharing their ideas, views and feedback.