Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has unveiled its plans for the continued management, conservation and maintenance of more than 600 historic assets in Scotland.

The organisation has published its Asset Management Plan outlining four key objectives for the maintenance of not just historic properties and structures, but also modern infrastructure such as car parks, visitor facing facilities, mechanical and electrical installations.

The Plan's objectives are;

• Improve the condition of the assets and manage the infrastructure through conservation

• Maintain a consistently high quality visitor experience

• Understand and communicate the cultural significance of HES assets

• Deliver wider economic, social and environmental benefits and opportunities through asset management in areas such as knowledge generation, community engagement, sustainability and innovation

HES will also use modern technology coupled with regular condition assessments to monitor historic buildings and monuments in its care. Measures range from the introduction of the HES System for Integrated Geoscience Mapping (SIGMA) to capture the condition of monuments, to the development of the Properties in Care Asset Management System (PiCAMS) to provide a single live digital system to link, manage and access data from sites provided by a wide variety of surveys and tools.

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In addition, the organisation has unveiled its new Investment Programme, detailing proposals to invest in the upkeep and improvement of its estate until 2021/22. Backed by investment of £12m of investment in 2018/19 key sites outlined for investment in terms of either condition improvement and/or enhancement of visitor experience include Edinburgh Castle, Glasgow Cathedral, Dumbarton Castle and St Andrews Cathedral.

Speaking at the Engine Shed, Scotland's national conservation centre, HES Chair Jane Ryder said: "Today marks a significant milestone for HES. I am pleased to unveil our first Asset Management Plan, as well as the accompanying Investment Plan.

"The plan provides a new strategic approach to how we manage our assets - over 300 properties including some of the country's most iconic sites such as Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and Maes Howe in Orkney, Edinburgh, Caerlaverock and Stirling Castles, to the magnificent Borders abbeys.

"This gives us a new framework for maintaining, protecting and enhancing access to all of our assets, and ensuing they survive and remain relevant for future generations."

To view the Asset Management Plan, visit here.

(LM/MH)