Our stand against racism and commitment to inclusion

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) unequivocally condemns racism in all its forms. Recent reports of racist language have caused harm to our colleagues, our organisation, and our relationships with communities, particularly those who have historically been marginalised. We recognise this impact and are taking meaningful and transparent action to address it. 

Our position is clear: Racism has no place in HES. Inclusion is not optional; it is central to our mission to protect and promote Scotland’s historic environment for everyone. Our vision, Heritage for All, is a promise that every person should see themselves reflected in Scotland’s story. 

We know that words alone are not enough. We are committed to meaningful, measurable action that creates a safe, respectful, and inclusive organisation. This includes: 

• Delivering on Our Equality Outcomes and Action Plan: These guide our work to embed equity and inclusion across everything we do. 

• Anti-Racism Manifesto: Sets the foundation for meaningful action. It drives our organisation to challenge systemic racism, embed equity in all practices, and create an inclusive culture where everyone feels respected and valued. 

• Inclusion Training: Delivered in partnership with Diversity Scotland we are delivering Inclusion Training across HES in a programmed manner over the next two years.  Equality Audit: Currently underway to identify gaps and inform future priorities. 

• Embedding EDI in Governance: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion indicators are now part of our Corporate Risk Register. 

We will continue to review policies and ensure accountability through regular reporting to our Board. Our actions reflect a simple truth: heritage belongs to everyone. We will take any action or behaviour that undermines this truth seriously and deal with them appropriately. 

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