HES publishes independent culture review

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has today, Tuesday 2 June, published the recommendations of an independent culture review.

The review, which was commissioned by the HES board in response to the Section 22 report and was led by independent consultant David Martin, commenced earlier this year and took place over a number of months.

The Board met on Thursday 28 May 2026 to consider the report, which it welcomed, and accepted its findings and recommendations in full. The Board has tasked the CEO/COO to develop a plan to implement the recommendations at pace.

An immediate priority was to share the themes, context, and content with key internal and external stakeholders, and most importantly HES staff, ahead of publishing the report in full.

The recommendations will now be taken forward, with staff invited to be part of that process, and more on this will follow in due course.

David Martin, who carried out the independent review said

“I am pleased that the Board of Historic Environment Scotland found the review report helpful and has agreed to implement the recommendations in full. I would like to thank all of those who took the time to provide evidence and ideas into the review process. I am confident that the actions adopted by the Board will help ensure that this strong national heritage organisation fulfils its considerable potential.” 

Read the report

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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