Due to be held in Edinburgh before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC) biennial conference will be hosted virtually with its Edinburgh 2020 Congress featuring the theme: Practices and Challenges in Built Heritage Conservation.
Featuring conservators and cultural heritage professionals from 87 countries, the 5-day event features opening welcome addresses from Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop and HES Chief Executive Alex Paterson.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) features heavily across the event programme with an overview presentation of Scotland’s historical environment from HES Director of Conservation David Mitchell.
A special debate centred on conservation and climate change – Climate and COVID: What is the heritage impact? – will also be hosted by Head of Technical Research and Science, Dr Ewan Hyslop.
Delegates will also be able to take a series of virtual tours of Scotland via specially made short films showcasing a flavour of Scottish heritage presented by HES colleagues. The virtual tours feature: Edinburgh Castle presented by District architect Bruce Chandler; The Engine Shed with Technical Outreach and Education Manager, Dorothy Hoskins and the challenges of conserving UNESCO World Heritage site, The Forth Bridge from Head of Industrial Heritage, Miles Oglethorpe.
IIC Programme OverviewCommenting on the Edinburgh Congress, Director of Conservation, David Mitchell said:
"The biennial ICC conference is one of the most prestigious events in the world for conservation professionals and academics and it is a huge privilege to be a part of it and to showcase Scotland’s historic environment and the work we do to conserve and promote it to a global audience.
"Though somewhat different this year, due to the virtual nature of the event as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it will be a wonderful event and we look forward to playing our part and showcasing a flavour of Edinburgh and Scotland’s world renowned historic environment to the world during what is sure to be a very memorable occasion."