Balfour Battery
observation post, Hoxa
Head, South Ronaldsay,
Orkney Islands.
SC600931

Aerial view of Broch of
Gurness, Aikerness,
Orkney Islands.
SC551513

Ceiling of Royal Bank of
Scotland, Dundas House,
St Andrew Square,
Edinburgh. SC672037

Vertical aerial view of
Lamb Holm with
blockships in Kirk Sound,
Orkney Islands. WL 10
no. 2.22, 4 July 1942.
SC458742

Scheduled Monuments are monuments of national importance which are statutorily protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

Development proposals which affect the protected (scheduled) areas of these monuments require the prior written consent of the First Minister (Scheduled Monument Consent) in addition to any planning consent which may also be required.

For further information on the extent of scheduled areas and further advice on Scheduled Monument Consent, please contact Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1SH [Tel. +44 (0)131 668 8777].

PASTMAP, produced jointly by Historic Scotland and RCAHMS, provides access to the Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings information.

The vast majority of archaeological sites will not be protected through scheduling at the national level. Nevertheless they may be of recognised regional or local importance and, as such, may be protected through local planning and countryside policy (e.g. policies within Structure and Local Plans). Further advice on developments which may affect such sites should be sought from the relevant Local Authority Archaeological Service.

Further guidance on the appropriate treatment of archaeological sites within development can be found in the following documents: National Planning Policy Guideline 5 (NPPG5): Archaeology and Planning Advice Note 42 (PAN 42): Archaeology the Planning Process and Scheduled Monument Procedures; and National Planning Guideline 18: Planning and the Historic Environment. These publications are part of the Scottish Government series of planning guidance and set out government policy and best practice on how archaeological remains and discoveries should be treated in developments, whether or not these developments are formally in the planning sphere. Copies are accessible at www.scotland.gov.uk/about/planning or from The Scottish Government Development Department, Planning Services, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ [Tel. +44 (0)131 244 7538].

Listing of buildings of special architectural or historic interest in Scotland is a responsibility of the Secretary of State. Historic Scotland acts for the Secretary of State in compiling and maintaining the lists.

PASTMAP, produced jointly by Historic Scotland and RCAHMS, provides access to the Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings information.

If you wish to demolish a listed building, or to alter or extend it in any way which affects its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest, inside or out, you must obtain listed building consent from the local planning authority. The procedure is similar to that for obtaining planning permission.

Generally, unlisted buildings in conservation areas cannot be demolished unless conservation area consent (similar to listed building consent for the demolition of a listed building) is first obtained.

Detailed advice can be found in Historic Scotland's Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas 1998.

All other enquiries should be addressed to: Listed Buildings Section, Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, EDINBURGH, EH9 1SH. Tel: +44 (0)131 668 8707/8720/8702/8981. Fax: +44 (0)131 668 8722. Email: hs.listingandconsents@scotland.gsi.gov.uk. Web: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk.

Under the Protection of Wrecks Act, 1973, shipwrecks of historic significance are designated and protected. Diving is not permitted on designated sites, except under licence.

The Protection of Military Remains Act, 1986, provides for the protection of specified vessels sunk in military service. For further information on these as well as other designated shipwrecks, please contact: Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH. Tel: +44 (0)131 668 8600