The individual sites that form part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney (Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, and the Stones of Stenness Circle and Henge) are in the care of Historic Environment Scotland (HES) on behalf of Scottish Ministers. The World Heritage Site is managed in partnership by HES and Orkney Islands Council (OIC), with support from NatureScot (NS), the RSPB, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Archaeology Institute.
The new management plan, which builds on the work of the existing plan, will guide protection and conservation of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney and its exceptional testimony to the cultural achievements of the Neolithic peoples of northern Europe, for which it was given World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1999. The new draft plan development process began with independent consultation, which took place through surveys, community drop-in sessions in Kirkwall, Stenness and Dounby, and engagement with local businesses, community groups, membership organisations, and education providers.
The draft plan builds on previous measures to further mitigate the site’s vulnerability to climate change, which threatens communities, environments and world heritage sites across the globe. The Heart of Neolithic Orkney is vulnerable to the sea level changes, precipitation changes, and storm intensity and frequency increases that Scotland and other places are experiencing on a more elevated scale.
The consultation is also seeking views on how to further balance access to tourists and residents while maintaining the Heart of Neolithic Orkney’s Outstanding Universal Value. Increased footfall can also contribute to erosion of sites - particularly at the Ring of Brodgar, where measures have been introduced to alleviate the impact on the monument and surrounding area, such as a one-way system and alternating routes around the site.
Tourism is vital for the Orcadian economy, as demonstrated by OIC’s Island Visitor Survey 2017 which calculated that tourism was worth £49.5 million per year to Orkney.
Input is being sought from across the islands and beyond to further shape the direction of the plan. The draft plan also lays out how continued engagement with Orkney communities, including the infrastructure surrounding the site, will be a focal point in the sites’ management for the next ten years, which emerged as a key priority from consultations with the public.
Dr James Bruhn, Head of World Heritage and Heritage Policy at HES, said:
As one of Scotland’s seven World Heritage sites, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney is an integral part of Scotland’s story with international appeal, and how we look after it, share and celebrate it is hugely important.
“We’re keen to hear from as many people as possible as part of the consultation and would encourage those who wish to help shape the next ten years for the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, and be part of its continuing story, to take part.”
Councillor Heather Woodbridge, Leader of Orkney Islands Council, said:
“The Heart of Neolithic Orkney - encompassing four incredible sites in the West Mainland - is vital to the ongoing story that weaves through Orkney’s past, present and future.
The community of Orkney has looked after these sites for generations, particularly in terms of providing a warm welcome to those who come to our shores to visit them.
“As we face the challenges of climate and changing visitor patterns, it is important that we take the time to review, alongside our partners, how the sites are being managed now and into the future.
“Our community are an important part of this - and I’d encourage them to make their views known.”
View the management plan and take part in the consultationThe consultation closes on Tuesday 13 May.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
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For further information, please contact:
Robin Kepple
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
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