Equalities
Scotland’s history belongs to everyone. We want it to be understood, shared and enjoyed by all.
Heritage for all
On these pages you can find out about the work we're doing to improve access and widen participation in Scotland’s historic environment.
At our offices and at over 300 historic sites nationwide, we're working to make our experiences and services accessible and inclusive to everyone. We might be making sure visitors with limited mobility can confidently explore castles, delivering tours in British Sign Language or writing about diverse histories in our guidebooks.
Along with our staff-led diversity networks, we've formed partnerships with organisations across Scotland to reduce barriers and give everyone a voice. And we're providing platforms for diverse voices to be shared and celebrated, whether that's a blog or social media post, or a landmark project like Properties in Care and British Empire.
£1
price of entry to Historic Scotland sites for Young Scot cardholders
126
historic sites identified as having colonial ties
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colleague advocacy networks championing a diverse workplace
Equality, diversity and inclusion at HES
Find out what we’re doing to include and represent people of different backgrounds within our organisation and within our work.
Our equality outcomes
Read about the progress we made in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion across three core areas - Our Society, Our People and Our Services.
Our commitment on heritage, history and race
How we're addressing Scotland’s links to empire, colonialism and slavery as we aim to make the historic environment a safe space for all.
Recent highlights
We recognise the importance of listening to underrepresented voices when shaping our equality commitments. To help develop our Equality Outcomes and Action Plan for 2025-29, we met with community groups from a range of backgrounds and took part in "legislative theatre" at Craigmillar Castle.
Go behind the scenes and download the report below.
Mainstreaming and Equality Outcomes Report 2025-29
The Mainstreaming and Equality Outcomes Report 2025-29 reviews our progress in equality and inclusion, outlines future objectives, and sets strategic goals to enhance organisational inclusivity.
Read more