What we do

Find out about the core functions of Historic Environment Scotland, from caring for our collections to limiting the impact of climate change on Scotland’s heritage.

Advise and regulate

Learn about Historic Environment Scotland’s heritage management function, including in relation to listed buildings, planning and development support, and World Heritage Sites.
Climate change

Explore how climate change affects the historic environment and what we’re doing to help limit the impact.
Conservation

Looking after Scotland’s built environment goes far beyond the 300+ properties we care for.
Consultations

Your opinion matters to us. Find out how to comment on current consultations and read our responses to external consultations.
Funding

Get an overview of Historic Environment Scotland’s grants and funding, and learn how we prioritise our funding.
Learning and skills

Our properties, collections and expertise provide a rich learning resource for everyone.
Managing the estate

Find out about how we manage the properties in our care and some of the major related projects we are currently working on
Our collections

Find out how we look after the thousands of objects and millions of photographs in our care.
Research

Discover how our research enables us to understand and care for Scotland’s historic environment.
Survey and recording

Learn about how we add to our knowledge of Scotland’s historic environment by surveying buildings, industrial sites, landscapes and even vessels.
Commemorative Plaque Scheme

Find out how we celebrate significant people by erecting plaques on the buildings where they lived or worked.
Skills Investment Plan for the Historic Environment

The Skills Investment Plan recognises the need to support our workforce and to nurture their skills, knowledge, expertise, and personal qualities.