Planning and guidance
Landscape and the historic environment
Find out about Scotland’s unique landscapes and how we’re working to protect and care for them.
Our role in planning
Read about how the historic environment is considered in the Scottish planning system and learn about our advisory role in planning.
Environmental assessment
Learn about our roles in environmental assessment, as an advisor, as a responsible authority and as a consultation authority.
Priorities and projects
Recent and ongoing areas of focus
Regeneration
Download our guidance on the sustainable reuse of historic buildings and read about examples of regeneration taking place across Scotland.
Climate and nature crises
The global climate and nature crises affect every aspect of our lives. We recognise that all our work is part of our response to these crises.
Places of worship
These pages bring together advice, guidance, and support for protecting and adapting historic places of worship.
Policies, frameworks and guidance
View allOur Regulatory Framework
How we provide regulatory and advisory services in the planning and consenting systems.
Historic Environment Policy for Scotland
The historic environment matters us to all. This policy supports good decision making for Scotland's unique places.
Our Managing Change guidance
Our Managing Change guidance notes help you understand and apply national policy when changes are proposed in the historic environment.
Sign up to our Heritage newsletter
Our work is key to increasing knowledge and understanding of Scotland’s historic environment and ensuring that it is looked after for generations to come. Keep up to date with what Historic Environment Scotland’s heritage team are up to by signing up to our newsletter, the Lintel.