Statutory report on Properties in Care 2024-25 published

The report is published in accordance with Historic Environment Scotland’s statutory reporting requirements under the Historic Environment Scotland Act 2014 and the associated Schemes of Delegation. 

The report provides an overview of activity across 336 Properties in Care and associated collections, including information on: 

• the condition and maintenance of properties 

• inspections and compliance activity 

• public access and visitor numbers 

• investment and expenditure 

• the condition, care and accessibility of collections 

Key factual information reported for 2024-25 includes: 

• Total expenditure of £65.9 million on Properties in Care and associated collections 

• 234 properties (70%) fully open to visitors during the year 

• 4.66 million visitors across staffed Properties in Care 

• Estimated £542 million in net direct tourism expenditure associated with the estate 

• 46,119 collection items reported across collections 

The report covers the final year of Historic Environment Scotland’s 2023-25 Corporate Plan and fulfils performance monitoring requirements set by Scottish Ministers for the delegated management of Properties in Care. 

View the Properties in Care Report 2024–25

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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