Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Executive, responsible for historic monuments in Scotland.

Its website states:

"Historic Scotland was created as an agency in 1991 and was attached to the Scottish Executive Education Department, which embraces all aspects of the cultural heritage, in May 1999. As part of the Scottish Executive Historic Scotland is directly accountable to Scottish Ministers for safeguarding the nation's built heritage, and promoting its understanding and enjoyment."

Since it is under the rule of the Scottish Parliament, it is part of the devolved powers of the government of Scotland. As an arm of government, Historic Scotland functions in a way similar to its counterparts in other parts of the United Kingdom:

• English Heritage in England,
• Cadw in Wales,
• Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland.

Historic Scotland's role has not been without controversy. In 2002, proposals to restore Castle Tioram in the West Highlands, by putting a roof back on, were blocked by Historic Scotland, who favoured stabilising it as a ruin. This position was supported in an extensive Public Local Inquiry at which the arguments for both side were heardCastle Tioram Inquiry Report. It has been implied that this dispute has led to a review of the operations of the organisationNewspaper story about Castle Tioram controversy. Such disputes on the proper way to conserve a building are common, but are normally resolved within an academic context; Historic Scotland seems to have had trouble dealing with a dispute spilling over into a major public argument, and has been seen as autocratic and out of touch with the economic needs of rural Scotland (which are, after all, not within its remit).

See also

• Historic Scotland
• Conservation in the United Kingdom
• List of Conservation topics

References