1 Overview
We assess three main types of proposals:
- proposals to add a garden or designed landscape to the Inventory
- requests for reviews of existing Inventory sites
- requests for sites to be removed from the Inventory
Assessing a proposal may involve a number of detailed steps before we can reach a final view.
For large designed landscapes with multiple owners, this part of the process can sometimes be more difficult.
Find out how to propose a garden or landscape for the Inventory.
2 Research
Evidence Gathering and Assessment
When we receive an application we will publish the case on our Portal and welcome comments and information about the site to inform our assessment. We will carry out research to assess the garden and designed landscape using the selection guidance and will consider the evidence submitted to us. A wide range of sources may be considered and this stage may also include a site visit. This stage can take a number of weeks to complete.
We write to the relevant parties if we find that the garden and designed landscape doesn’t meet the criterion of national importance for inclusion in the Inventory or if we don’t intend to proceed for any other reasons.
3 Consultation
Following research, we evaluate the garden or designed landscape and reach an initial view on its merit to the Inventory.
If we find that the site may be of national interest, we prepare a draft Inventory description and boundary map.
We then consult with the planning authority and the owner (where possible) about this view. We also welcome views from interested parties through our portal.
We will also consult if we propose a change to the boundary of an existing Inventory site.
We are primarily concerned with views that relate to the cultural significance of the site. We also consider comments on the purpose and implications of designations.
The consultation period is usually 21 days. For more complex sites or larger projects this stage can take longer.
4 Completion
Following consultation, we consider the responses and make a final decision about whether to:
- include the garden or designed landscape in the Inventory
- amend the record of an existing Inventory entry
- remove a site from the Inventory
We will inform the owner and planning authority of the outcome of the case.
5 Review a decision
Use our application form to ask us to review a site on the Inventory.
We will only review a very recent decision to add a site to the Inventory if there is good reason to do so.
Such reasons might include:
- severe loss to the site since its designation
- significant evidence, not previously considered, relating to the site's merit
6 Notification of designation
We will try to contact the owner of a site that is being considered for the Inventory.
We will normally tell you if a site that you own or occupy has:
- been added to the Inventory
- been removed from the Inventory
- had the boundary of the Inventory record changed, if this directly affects you
We will also inform the planning authority, and we will let it know about all removals.
You can write to us if you want to know who proposed a site for inclusion on the Inventory. We consider each request individually. Data Protection legislation may mean that we can’t name the proposer.
Send your request to:
Designations
Historic Environment Scotland
Longmore House
Salisbury Place
Edinburgh
EH9 1SH
Or email: designations@hes.scot
7 Inventory criteria
The criteria for defining national importance are set out in the Designation Policy and Selection Guidance 2019.
We assess gardens and designed landscapes against these seven value-based criteria:
- artistic interest
- historical interest
- horticultural interest
- architectural interest
- archaeological interest
- scenic interest
- nature conservation interest
A site’s condition and its overall integrity are also important factors.
Inventory sites usually have a mixture of features such as:
- built structures
- planting
- open grounds
- landforms
- water management
- archaeological remains
- natural landscape features
All such features may contribute to the value of a site. Some elements may be important enough to be designated in their own right – whether by us as listed buildings or scheduled monuments, or by Scottish Natural Heritage for their scientific or nature conservation value.
All sites included in the Inventory are considered to be of national importance. There is no category or grading system to show relative merit.
Sites are considered for the Inventory on a case-by-case basis. In exceptional circumstances, we may not:
- designate a garden or designed landscape that is found to meet the criteria
- review an existing Inventory site
Such circumstances might include but aren’t limited to:
- development proposals that affect the character of the site
- an appeal period or an appeal against refusal of planning permission
- other development proposals
Maintaining the Inventory
We welcome requests to assess and reassess sites for the Inventory. We do this in partnership with stakeholders and landowners.
Find out how to propose a garden or landscape for the Inventory.
8 Service standards and timescales
Our overall aim is to provide a high quality, transparent and professional service within defined timescales.
We aim to respond to phone and email queries within 3 working days. Our preferred method of communication is by email.
Individual designation applications
We aim to complete individual designation requests within 6 months.
The timescales for our assessment and decision-making vary depending on the circumstances of the case. We prioritise cases according to factors such as our understanding of risk to a site, the potential impact on people and communities and any planning or development context.
Please note that we are currently experiencing a high caseload and cases are taking on average 6-12 months to complete. Some cases may take longer depending on the case type and priority. For example, some sites may be considered for recording and/or further research in the first instance or for a thematic designation project. We will contact you to let you know if we think the case will take longer than initially expected.
We ask that you let us know if circumstances affecting the site under review so we can consider the priority of the case.
Keeping in touch and feedback
You can follow the progress of your case by checking our portal using the Case ID (ex. 300065300) or by contacting us by email or by telephone.
We welcome feedback about our service. Please let us know what you think.
Telephone: 0131 668 8914
Email: designations@hes.scot