Publications

External consultation: Places, People and Planning

"External consultation: Places, People and Planning" is our response to the Scottish Government's consultation on the Places, People and Planning Position Statement in June 2017.

Green Recovery Statement for The Historic Environment

Using Scotland’s Past to Support Our Future

Our historic environment can make a vital contribution to Scotland’s green recovery from the pandemic and its transition to net zero and a climate resilient society. Find out how in this Statement.

Guidance on Conservation Areas

Designation of Conservation Areas and Conservation Area Consent

Interim guidance on the designation of Conservation Areas and Conservation Area Consent.

Guidance on the Principles of Listed Building Consent

Interim document providing detailed guidance on the application of the Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS).

Historic Environment Policy for Scotland

We collectively have a duty of care for our historic environment. This Policy outlines how we should undertake this duty whenever a decision in the planning system will affect Scotland's historic environment.

Historic Environment Policy for Scotland Consultation Report

Building upon the findings of the What’s Your Heritage? project, this report outlines the findings of the consultation exercise on the draft Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS).

Historic Environment Scotland Circular

Regulations and Procedures

This document explains the functions of Historic Environment Scotland in relation to the planning system, designations and consents.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Policy Statement

This statement set out what Intangible Cultural Heritage means, how it relates to the historic environment, and how HES will work with it over the coming years

Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) Initial Screening Draft

The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland

The draft ICIA for the new Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland is being published for comment alongside the strategy draft

Melrose Abbey Landscape Conservation Management Plan

A Landscape Conservation Management Plan prepared for Melrose Abbey

Memorandum of Guidance Regarding Farms and Stables

An extract from the memorandum of guidance regarding farms and stables.

Our Regulatory Framework

How we provide regulatory and advisory services in the planning and other consenting systems

This document explains HES's approach to our regulatory and advisory services and is for anyone who engages with these services or wants to understand more about the decisions we take and the advice we give.