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Research at HES

Person wearing a glove and a hard hat works on a glasswork.

Research lies at the heart of understanding, caring for, and celebrating the historic environment.

Our aim is for our research to drive our activity to investigate, care for, and promote Scotland’s historic environment, and to ensure the benefits of heritage are felt by people and communities across the country.

If you are interested in finding out more abour research at HES, or partnering with us on a research project, you can get in touch at research@hes.scot

We are recognised as an Independent Research Organisation (IRO) by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Our Research Strategy

Our Research Strategy lays out our vision for research, along with the principles and priorities that will guide our work.

How we support research

We provide a variety of resources for individuals and groups looking to research Scotland’s history and heritage.

Partnering with us

Learn more about the opportunities to collaborate or study with us.

PhDs and Masters

Find out how we support research at post-graduate and doctoral level and learn about some of the programmes available.

Featured research projects

Read about some of our research project and partnerships, covering everything from conserving the Honours of Scotland to the impact of the atomic energy industry on the Highlands.

Projects and research
Three people standing indoors in front of a TICCIH banner; the person in the centre holds a book titled The Heritage of the Textile Industry. Exhibition banners and display stands are visible in the background. A conservator wearing gloves holds and closely examines the Crown of Scotland, focusing on its gold arches, pearls and coloured gemstones. Old wooden house with a dusty road outside it and some grass.