Historic Environment Scotland are asking the Scottish public which figures from history they would like to see celebrated with a Commemorative Plaque.
Nominations are now open for the national Commemorative Plaque Scheme. Now in its fourth year, the scheme has seen diverse figures from Scottish history remembered – from famous inventors like James Watt and John Logie Baird, to less well-known figures, including the Edinburgh Seven who pioneered education for women. Famous Scots are nominated by the public using an online form, then celebrated by the installation of a plaque on a building connected with their achievements.
The scheme is intended to celebrate the life and work of significant persons from history by highlighting the link between them and a building connected with their work or life This highlights not only the life of the person, but gives insight into the social history of local architecture.
Martin Ross, Policy and Projects Manager for Historic Environment Scotland said:
“The form of a building can say a great deal about the character of the particular person who lived or worked there. It can confirm assumptions or, in other cases, come as a complete surprise, casting a new aspect on the individual concerned.
“The Commemorative Plaque scheme is a wonderful and visual way to recognise people who have made a difference to the world around us, as well as to publicise their links with buildings that many members of the public may think of as insignificant. In previous years we have received applications for some undoubted luminaries of Scottish society, as well as a few less-celebrated, but just as important, individuals and groups.
“Plaques have been made to recognise the contribution of famous poets, arctic explorers, inventors, literary figures, artists, politicians, inventors, and drivers of social change. I am sure that this year’s nomination process will again provide us with some fascinating individuals for consideration.”
This year is again an open theme, meaning that nominations will be accepted for any persons whose life and achievements have made a significant difference to Scotland and its people, or those who have gained international recognition for their accomplishments.
The closing date for completed submissions is 31st January 2016. An independent panel will then consider all the nominations and select the successful applicants, which will be announced in Spring 2016.
You can find more information about the scheme and how to submit a nomination via our website.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- As of the 1st October 2015, Historic Scotland and RCAHMS came together to form a new lead public body charged with caring for, protecting and promoting the historic environment. The new body Historic Environment Scotland (HES) will lead on delivering Scotland’s first strategy for the historic environment, Our Place in Time.
- Historic Scotland is a sub brand of HES.
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Year of Food and Drink 2015
2015 is the Year of Food and Drink, a celebration of Scotland’s natural larder and the role that food and drink plays in shaping our economic success. Scotland generates over £2.5m per day through food and drink tourism. A series of themed months will create an appetite for key areas of Scotland’s food and drink industries – from seafood and whisky to berries and high-quality meat.
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For further information
Alan Bannon
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
Direct Line: 0131 668 8588
Mobile: 07854 366 805
communications@hes.scot