This year, HES has continued to build on its previous efforts, focusing on community investment, building skills and sector support.
Investing in our communities remains a core priority, as evidenced by the publication of HES’s first Grant Funding Report. Despite spending £13.7 million in 2023-24, the demand for funding reached £23.7 million, nearly double the available budget.
In a collaborative effort to address skills gaps in the heritage sector, HES launched a new five-year Skills Investment Plan. This plan, developed through extensive stakeholder consultation, aims to drive innovation and build a sustainable workforce capable of conserving Scotland’s historic environment
Key Statistics:
- Welcomed 4.5 million visitors to staffed sites (2022-23: 3.3 million)
- 195,000 members (2022-23: 184,000)
- Generated £887 million for the Scottish economy from heritage tourism (2022-23: £640 million)
- Invested £13.7 million through our grants programme (2022-23: £12.5 million)
- Earned £66 million commercial income (2022-23: £49.7 million)
- Carbon emissions 18% lower than 2019-20 (2023-24: 3,924 tCO2e)
- Invested £55.6 million in properties in our care (2022-23: £40.3 million)
HES widened access to Scotland’s heritage through a successful free admission initiative during the winter months, attracting new visitors and enriching their understanding of Scotland’s past. We also launched a report examining the connections between our properties and the British Empire.
A rolling programme of high-level masonry inspections, repairs, and reopenings allowed visitors to experience the beauty of many iconic sites, with over 90% of our sites now having full or partial access.
Our role extends beyond historic buildings to managing significant landscapes like Holyrood Park, where we are developing a new Strategic Plan. We also celebrated newer landscapes through our designations programme, including the listing of Scotland’s first skate park.
Annual Report 2023-24Hugh Hall, Chair of the Board at HES said:
“We solidified our position as Scotland’s lead body for the historic environment, building on the groundwork laid previously. The launch of Our Past, Our Future in June, the national sector strategy for Scotland’s historic environment, sets a clear direction for the whole sector, emphasising sustainability, inclusivity and responsible tourism.
“Looking ahead, strategic decision-making will be paramount for HES's continued success. We are undertaking a comprehensive review of our financial strategy, exploring a new business model to ensure the sustainable funding of our vital work. A particular focus will be placed on Edinburgh Castle and investment in its conservation and visitor experience will ensure it continues to be a beacon of Scotland's rich history for generations to come. Our commitment to environmental responsibility will be further strengthened by our ongoing Climate Action Plan and research initiatives.”
Katerina Brown, Chief Executive Officer at HES commented:
“As the new CEO of Historic Environment Scotland, I am very proud of the achievements outlined in this year's Annual Report. The dedication and hard work of our team have been instrumental in driving forward our mission to conserve and promote Scotland's rich heritage.
“Moving forward, we will continue to build on this strong foundation, ensuring that our historic sites and landscapes are accessible to all and that we remain at the forefront of heritage conservation. Together, we will embrace new opportunities and tackle the challenges ahead with innovation and resilience, with a commitment to sustainability and community engagement."
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
- Historic Scotland, Scran, Canmore, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh Castle are sub-brands of HES.
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Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
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