Utilities and telecoms
Many existing utility and telecommunication lines run through and across scheduled monuments. Maintenance of this infrastructure is critical to the people of Scotland.
We work closely and constructively with relevant companies to enable these works to take place, whilst protecting our nationally important archaeological and historical remains.
If work on or near a scheduled monument is required, it should be carefully planned and considered. You should have a clear justification for the work and have completed a thorough options appraisal for access routes and any ground disturbance. This is to ensure that any impact from works on the scheduled monument is minimised.
Our written consent (SMC) will usually be needed in advance of works within a scheduled monument.
Where new utilities are required in the vicinity of scheduled monuments they should be routed outside of the legally protected area. With a few exceptions, it is extremely unlikely that SMC will be granted for new utilities infrastructure within a scheduled monument.
You can read detailed advice in our utilities, telecommunications and scheduled monument guidance:
Utilities, Telecommunications and Scheduled Monuments
Guidance for utility and telecommunication works on or near scheduled monuments
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For more information or if you have any questions, please email us at hmenquiries@hes.scot or contact us by phone on 0131 668 8716