HES adjusts plans for new archive facility

Due to escalating costs and project timelines, the organisation has made the difficult decision not to proceed with the Archive House project in its current form.

The original plans for a state-of-the-art, net zero building have been halted in light of the challenges posed by the rising cost of materials and labour. While the aspiration for a world-class facility remains unchanged, HES will now focus on a more immediate solution to address the need to relocate its collections from John Sinclair House before October 2026.

The immediate focus will be to deliver a temporary solution for storage of the HES Archive while considering a longer-term solution that delivers appropriate care, conservation and access to the archive. This approach will allow HES to carefully consider the most effective and sustainable way forward for the project.

“We are committed to the long-term stewardship of the wonderful national resource that is our archive,” said Craig Mearns, Interim Chief Executive of HES. “While we are disappointed to have to step back from the project as originally conceived, our priority at this time is delivering an appropriate interim solution.”

HES remains steadfast in its commitment to net zero principles and will continue to explore opportunities to incorporate sustainable design and construction into the revised project. The organisation will also work closely with partners and stakeholders to develop a long-term plan that meets the needs of both the collections and the public.

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.

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