HES seeks views on updated Historic Environment Policy for Scotland

HEPS is a national policy and can be used to inform strategies and guidance as well as providing direction for decision making for places and in the planning system. This consultation is for anyone with a role in decision making for the historic environment!

First published in 2019, HEPS is now being updated to ensure it is fit for purpose and that it reflects social, economic, legal and climate changes. The draft has been informed by the Talking About Heritage public engagement project and by feedback from a pre-drafting stakeholder survey. Key updates include:

• Clarifying the role of HEPS in decision-making, including its relationship with National Planning Framework 4 and other policies and guidance
• Simplifying the language and structure of the document to increase clarity and accessibility
• Embedding considerations for the climate and nature crises, and centring access and people’s interactions with the historic environment

The consultation is open until 3 December 2026, and HES recommends reviewing the draft policy before responding. HES is also hosting two online workshops in November, with opportunities to give feedback and discuss implementation – sign up here.