Survey Seeks Feedback on Buildings at Risk Register

The Buildings at Risk Register (BARR) is maintained by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and provides information on historic buildings at risk. These include those that are vacant, suffering neglect or threatened with demolition.

Historic buildings link us to history, they provide homes, support businesses, are focal points for tourists, and can glue communities together. They can be emotional landmarks, or can boost cultural engagement, and bolster society.

Just under 2,200 buildings are currently on the register, including churches, pubs, castles, stately homes, and buildings, many listed for their significance.

The survey seeks to engage individuals, organisations, communities, and professionals, who have an interest in reuse of historic buildings at risk.

Philip Robertson, from HES, said:

“The Buildings at Risk Register is intended for use by anyone with an interest in bringing buildings back into use. That includes property developers, heritage organisations, investors, architects, and individuals with an interest in renovating, re-purposing, or saving these buildings. We want to further understand who uses the register and how they use it. ”

The Buildings at Risk Register was established in 1990 in response to the growing concern over vacant listed buildings and those in Conservation Areas that had fallen into disrepair.

A leading research agency in the heritage sector, Harlow Consulting, is leading on the extensive survey to help HES to understand the impact the Buildings at Risk Register is having.

Harlow Consulting will also make evidence-based recommendations from the study that will inform long-term decisions about this resource by HES, and how best to bring buildings at risk back into use.

Jennifer Brennan, Director at Harlow Consulting, said:

“As well as estate agents, architects, heritage groups, developers, housing associations and local authorities, we want to hear from all voices, including those of the general public. We know that many people really care about heritage buildings in their communities, and in their neighbourhoods that are vacant or falling into disrepair.”

"Together, we can make a significant impact and save more buildings at risk. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute their expertise and opinions."

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.

More about our communications office

Sign-up to receive our media releases

For further information, please contact:

Historic Environment Scotland Communications Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot