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Historic Environment Policy for Scotland

landscape view of sunset at Stones of Stennes

Everyone has a place that matters to them, be it an ancient monument, a natural landscape shaped by human history or a childhood home built in the '70s.

The importance of these places often goes far beyond what can be seen or touched. They resonate with our sense of place, identity and wellbeing.

We collectively have a duty of care for our historic environment.

The Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS) outlines how we should undertake this duty whenever a decision will affect the historic environment. 

What is the policy?

HEPS is a policy statement for decision making for the whole of the historic environment. It's used at national and local levels, from funding decisions to applications to wind farms.

Download the policy
Castle tower with autumn-colored trees beside lake. Imposing ruins of Auchindoun Castle on a remote hillside. A strong wall surrounds a square tower. Aerial view directly over the ruins of Bothwell Castle

There are six policies within the document which define how the historic environment should be managed:

  1. Decisions affecting any part of the historic environment should be informed by an inclusive understanding of its breadth and cultural significance.

  2. Decisions affecting the historic environment should ensure that its understanding and enjoyment as well as its benefits are secured for present and future generations.

  3. Plans, programmes, policies and strategies, and the allocation of resources, should be approached in a way that protects and promotes the historic environment. If detrimental impact on the historic environment is unavoidable, it should be minimised. Steps should be taken to demonstrate that alternatives have been explored, and mitigation measures should be put in place.

  4. Changes to specific assets and their context should be managed in a way that protects the historic environment. Opportunities for enhancement should be identified where appropriate. If detrimental impact on the historic environment is unavoidable, it should be minimised. Steps should be taken to demonstrate that alternatives have been explored, and mitigation measures should be put in place.

  5. Decisions affecting the historic environment should contribute to the sustainable development of communities and places.

  6. Decisions affecting the historic environment should be informed by an inclusive understanding of the potential consequences for people and communities. Decision-making processes should be collaborative, open, transparent and easy to understand.

A way of understanding the value of the historic environment which is inclusive and recognises different views. It supports everyone’s participation in decisions that affect the historic environment.

What is HEPS for? introduction to the Historic Environment Policy for Scotland

Policies for Designation and Scheduled Monuments

Alongside HEPS, there are two policies we use when we designate historic sites and places and when we make decisions about scheduled monuments:

Designation Policy and Selection Guidance

07 May 2026

This document sets out the policy and selection guidance used by Historic Environment Scotland when we designate historic sites and places.

Read more

Scheduled Monument Consents Policy

05 April 2019

This document explains Historic Environment Scotland's processes and policies around scheduled monuments.

Read more