Publications

Forfar Academy, Angus

Use and adaptation of listed buildings

This case study illustrates how a 200-year-old school building in Forfar town centre was transformed to provide much-needed affordable homes.

Green Recovery Case Studies

A series of case studies that demonstrate how 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.

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 Designating Local Landscape Areas

Guidance to help local authorities refresh their approach to local landscape designations, jointly developed by HES and NatureScot.

Guidance on the Principles of Listed Building Consent

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

Guide to Energy Retrofit of Traditional Buildings

This guide looks into the thermal retrofit of traditional buildings to improve their energy performance, through a range of fabric improvements measures to different elements of a structure.

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.

Historic Land-use Assessment of Scotland 1996-2015

A detailed examination of past land-use in Scotland and of the building-blocks that together make up our present-day landscapes.

Historic Landuse Assessment

Results of a two year project involving the development of Historic Landuse Assessment for areas in Scotland.