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9 January 2026

Last chance to shape the future of Scotland’s heritage

We're urging people across Scotland to have their say on the future of its historically significant properties and collections, which they manage on behalf of the people of Scotland.

Four people are arranged in various poses in front of Stirling Castle, it is a clear blue sky day. In the centre, a blonde girl crouches down on one knee, facing right holding a miniature building in her hand. In front of her another women is sitting dressed in period clothing. In the middle ground between them and the castle, a young man hold open a measuring tape, he has a tool belt hanging from his waist. And the final person is on the left, they are looking into an instrument that is on a tall tripod.

Image © Mike Wilkinson

  • Final call for public input on long-term management of cultural heritage in state care across Scotland
  • Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Properties and Collections strategy consultation closes 23 January

HES is set to finalise its long-term Properties and Collections strategy later this year and is encouraging those with an interest in Scotland’s heritage to share their views before the consultation closes on 23 January at 11.59pm. 

HES looks after more than 300 historic sites, 43,000 objects and 5 million archival records on behalf of the people of Scotland. Many of Scotland’s historic assets are facing increasing challenges in their management but there are also opportunities for this national network of cultural heritage to do more for Scotland. 

Proposals within the draft strategy include how HES will adapt to the realities of a changing climate and consider how some properties could be used by community groups. 

HES wants to hear what matters to the people of Scotland when it comes to heritage and how best to care for it, so it continues to benefit future generations.

Scottish influencers Historic Ally and Black Scottish Adventurers have joined the call urging people to take part in the consultation. 

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES said:

“The sites and objects that we look after don’t ‘belong’ to HES - we look after them on behalf of the people of Scotland and we want to hear all views and ideas on the draft strategy. The choices we make now will shape how the properties and collections we look after are managed for decades to come. 

We want to hear from everyone - whether you visit our sites often, work with heritage, or simply feel a connection to Scotland’s past. With the consultation closing soon, we’re encouraging as many people as possible to take part.

“The context in which the cultural heritage sector operates is changing significantly and the time is right to consider what the future of state care should look like - how we can best engage with communities, deal with the traditional skills crisis, deliver more sustainable tourism, and make the right decisions with transparency.” 

The consultation is available now on CitizenSpace and will remain open until 23 January 2026. The final strategy is expected to be published later in 2026 following approvals by Scottish Government Ministers.

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, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.
  • View our press pack and keep up to date by registering to receive our media releases. Already registered? You can unsubscribe at any time by following the unsubscribe link, included in every email. 

Follow HES 

Facebook: @HistoricEnvScotland | @VisitHistoricScotland 
Instagram: @HistEnvScot | @historicscotland 
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LinkedIn 

For further information, please contact:

Claire Mullaney
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot

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