New Organisation to be Non-Departmental Public Body

8 May 2013

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has today announced that the organisation created from the merger between Historic Scotland and RCAHMS is to be a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB).

The announcement comes at the same time as the launch by the Culture Secretary of the first-ever overarching strategy for the historic environment in Scotland. It is intended that the new NDPB created by the merger will lead and support the delivery of this strategy, drawing on the strengths, skills and experience in both organisations. A 12-week public consultation on the project begins today: you can read more about it on the Scottish Government website.

Unveiling the strategy, Ms Hyslop said: “Until now there has been no overarching strategy for our historic environment. It is central to telling the story of our nation.  It is right at the heart of our cultural identity and has a key role in defining Scotland’s place in the world.

“Too often we take the historic environment for granted, or assume it will last forever.  In practice, the historic environment needs careful management and a clear sense of direction. These proposals are intended to ensure Scotland’s historic environment is understood, valued, enjoyed and enhanced - now and in the future.

Ms Hyslop added: “The economic, social and cultural contribution  of Scotland’s historic environment is important to our country. It contributes £2.3 billion annually to our economy and supports 41,000 jobs.

“There is so much potential within the historic environment still to be realised and we want to ensure the sector not only continues to play its part but increases its contribution to economic growth in Scotland. This new strategy and lead body will help us achieve that ambition.”

The aim of the 12 week consultation is to allow stakeholders and the public to comment and feedback on the purpose and vision of the merged body, along with the new historic environment strategy. The refreshed strategy reflects the importance the government places on the contribution of the historic environment to Scotland’s culture, society and economy.

The public consultation on the strategy will run until 31 July 2013. For more information, e-mail rcahms-hs@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.