RCAHMS Options Appraisal

6 July 2012

RCAHMS Chief Executive Diana Murray

On 4 July 2012 the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop published the options appraisal report on the future of RCAHMS and announced that she has commissioned a detailed business case for a merger between RCAHMS and Historic Scotland.

RCAHMS has been gathering information on the heritage of Scotland for over 100 years and has created a unique and much valued National Collection. Speaking on behalf of the staff and myself, we are inevitably sad that the organisation that we know and love will cease to exist in its present form. However, we are passionate and dedicated to the work that we do, and we will take that forward into the new organisation.

RCAHMS welcomes the publication of the report and will be working with our colleagues in The Scottish Government and Historic Scotland in the formation of the new organisation which will provide the benefits that the Cabinet Secretary seeks for both the public and the historic environment sector.  By putting the National Collection at the heart of a new organisation, this will provide an opportunity to bring together the staff, expertise and functions of two important national heritage bodies to serve Scotland’s heritage and the public. Achieving this will take energy, commitment, innovation and vision from both Historic Scotland and RCAHMS staff.

Alternative structures for the new body need to be explored and tested as the business case progresses.  This process will require careful consideration of the needs of all our existing stakeholders, partners and customers, and we look forward to discussion and collaboration to achieve the most effective model.

While this development work takes place we will continue to deliver on our projects and programmes. We look forward to carrying on working with our many partners, funders and stakeholders and we will ensure that services are delivered efficiently and effectively; that we continue to grow, innovate and deliver projects; and that the data and collections in our care continue to be secure, accessible and protected for future generations.