New manual for adapting heritage tourism in the face of climate change

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has published their first Climate Change Adaptation Manual for Heritage Tourism, which has been developed in collaboration with VisitScotland. 

Climate change is bringing about more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and temperature fluctuations, all of which take a particular toll on the historic environment, which is often more exposed to the elements than newer structures. The document aims to provide guidance on how to safeguard Scotland’s heritage tourism sector, which contributes £2.1 billion to Scotland’s economy, from these increased changes. The adaptation manual will help heritage tourism businesses, from guided tour operators and living heritage experiences to heritage museums and natural heritage landscapes, understand the risks these changes pose and implement effective strategies to protect the cultural heritage they work with. 

With detailed examples covering the majority of weather-related events and specific adaptation suggestions for various businesses, the manual will serve as a resource for integrating climate resilience into the daily operations and long-term planning of the heritage tourism sector. The goal is to create a proactive approach to managing climate risks, sharing best practice, encouraging collaboration among stakeholders, and fostering innovation. Ultimately, the manual not only aims to protect and build resilience for heritage tourism, but also to enhance its adaptive capacity, ensuring that Scotland’s rich history can be appreciated by future generations. 

Nathalie Lodhi, Head of Climate Change at HES, said:

“We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this manual to ensure that it is a useful resource for the wide variety of businesses within heritage tourism. It is essential that we build capacity within the sector to understand climate risks and how to improve their resilience in the face of ever-increasing impacts. We hope this manual can support ongoing innovation and demonstrate tangible ways of embedding climate change adaptation into proactive planning. 

“By staying resilient to climate change impacts, we can continue to welcome visitors, support local and communities, and show how heritage tourism is playing its role as part of Scotland’s climate-resilient economy.” 

Tiomóid Foley, VisitScotland Net Zero Tourism Manager, said:

Our natural and cultural heritage is what makes Scotland so special, it is a key part of our tourism offering. We must protect and preserve it for future generations to learn about and explore. 

“The Climate Change Adaptation Manual for Heritage Tourism will be a real asset to the industry, helping them explore both the risks and opportunities that climate change poses and empowering them to take action that allows them to get ahead of these changes. 

“This project is a fantastic example of how the industry and public service can work together, as part of a wider tourism supply chain, to deliver a more sustainable and inclusive visitor economy, one that benefits all areas of the country at all times of the year.”