Explore how we'll deliver the strategy
Our Past, Our Future relies on action being taken by all stakeholders in the strategy. Rather than implement a rigid delivery structure, we have chosen to take an agile programme management approach, to best reflect the complex and shifting context the strategy will be delivered in. This means reviewing and adjusting our short-term and long-term plans on an annual basis.
The strategy's journey began with its official launch in June 2023. In autumn following the launch, a dedicated team hosted by Historic Environment Scotland was appointed to drive the strategy's implementation. Key initiatives in the first year included establishing a new governance structure, with a Steering Group of senior leaders providing strategic oversight. Engagement with stakeholders also began to align and report on action planning across all levels.
The strategy underwent scrutiny by the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs, and Culture Committee in November 2023 to ensure its alignment with national priorities. The first year of delivery concluded with the publication of a Baseline and update on monitoring and reporting. Year Two of delivery has focused on finalising the delivery and evaluation framework for the strategy, alongside targeting support for developing needs areas. The year culminated at Scotland’s Historic Environment Forum (SHEF) 2025 in June where leaders and policymakers explored actions aligned with national priorities.
In Year Three of strategy delivery, we will be continuing to focus on establishing leadership, enhancing collaboration and identifying stakeholders and resources to support our strategic pillars.
Find out more about how we plan to deliver the strategy in the Delivery Framework which sets out the plan for action, development, support, investment, dissemination and reporting.
The national strategy will be driven by the National Strategy Steering Group. The purpose of the Steering Group is to provide direction and oversight for the implementation of the strategy.
Membership will comprise invited senior leaders from a broad range of delivery partners, representing a diversity of interests and perspectives from the historic environment, other relevant sectors, and communities that are essential to the successful delivery of the strategy at national, regional and local level.
Currently, members of the Steering Group are:
Meetings take place at least twice a year, and the minutes of the meetings of the National Strategy Steering Group are available to read:
Steering Group minutes November 2024
Steering Group minutes May 2024
Steering Group minutes March 2024
Scotland’s Historic Environment Forum is where leaders and policymakers from the historic environment and other relevant sectors come together to take stock, discuss emerging and future issues, and set the strategic direction for the year.
You can find out more about Scotland’s Historic Environment Forum (SHEF) 2025 by reading the post-event report or by watching a recording of four plenary speeches.
The plenary speeches include:
We welcome organisations, networks, and individuals to signal where they could be involved in delivering or supporting this mission.
Get in touch with the team at ourpastourfuture@hes.scot.
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