A new bill to protect and manage Scotland's historic environment has been published.

The strategy, which is the first of its kind, outlines plans of how the environment can be understood, valued, cared for and enjoyed.

The unveiling of 'Our Place in Time', comes as Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop submitted a Bill before Parliament which will transform how Scotland's historic places are managed and protected for the future. The Historic Environment Scotland Bill will bring together Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS).

It is understood the new body will be called Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and will play a key role in delivering the strategy, which has been developed in partnership with stakeholders including the Built Environment Forum Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland, the Society of Antiquaries, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and others.

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Commenting on the strategy, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, said: "Scotland has a very rich heritage and historic environment which is all around us, whether as physical evidence of our past, such as historic buildings, monuments, shipwrecks and industrial sites or the less tangible things which we link to them such as stories, poetry and folklore.

"It is a vital cultural asset that helps tell our nation's story, binding and connecting our past to our present and our future.

"Scotland's heritage needs careful management based on a clear sense of direction which is grounded in well-researched knowledge and expertise. This is what the new strategy aims to deliver.

"Combining the skills, expertise and professional experience of Historic Scotland and RCAHMS, HES will take a lead role in protecting and managing Scotland's rich historic heritage to ensure it can be enjoyed now and in the future."

Chairman of the National Trust for Scotland, Sir Kenneth Calman, added: "Conserving our historic buildings and landscapes is a challenge for all of Scotland and the strategy is a good opportunity to pool our knowledge, identify priorities and collaborate more effectively. National Trust for Scotland looks forward to working with others in the sector to deliver our shared ambitions."

(JP/IT)