Historic Environment Scotland appoints Interim Chief Executive Officer

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has appointed Stephen Uphill as Interim Chief Executive Officer.

Steve has been serving as HES's Interim Chief Operating Officer since December 2025 and brings extensive experience of leading organisations through change, transformation and operational delivery.

Prior to joining HES, Steve held senior leadership roles across the public, higher education and professional membership sectors, including roles with the Law Society of Scotland and Abertay University. He has led organisational transformation and infrastructure programmes and brings significant experience in governance, finance and operations.

As Interim Chief Executive, Steve will lead the organisation in delivering its strategic priorities, working closely with the Board, colleagues, partners and the Scottish Government as HES continues its work to care for, protect and promote Scotland's historic environment.

Stephen Uphill, Interim Chief Executive Officer, said:

"It is a privilege to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer and to lead Historic Environment Scotland during this period.

"I am committed to providing stability and continuity for the organisation as we continue to deliver our priorities and build on the vital work being carried out by colleagues across HES.

Our historic environment plays a vital role in Scotland's identity, communities and economy. I look forward to working with colleagues, partners and stakeholders across the country to ensure our heritage is cared for, protected and shared for current and future generations."

Ronnie Hinds, Chair of Historic Environment Scotland, said:

"Steve brings significant leadership experience and a strong understanding of Historic Environment Scotland, its people, and the opportunities and challenges facing the organisation. I am confident he will provide HES with stability and the drive that is needed to transform the organisation in the wake of our recent challenges.

"Having joined HES as Interim Chief Operating Officer, he is well placed to hit the ground running and work to deliver the organisation’s priorities. The Board is grateful to Steve for stepping into this role and providing continuity of leadership while recruitment for a permanent Chief Executive Officer is undertaken.

"We look forward to working with Steve in his new role as we focus on the important contribution Scotland's historic environment makes to our communities, culture and economy."

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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Historic Environment Scotland Communications Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot