Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has published a new strategy outlining an updated approach to the system that recognises and protects many of the country's most culturally significant historic places, spanning ancient stone circles to contemporary skate parks.

The designations system already encompasses more than 55,000 buildings, battlefields, gardens, monuments and archaeological sites — including those underwater.

Setting out initial priorities for the next three years, the plan aims to build a more inclusive, collaborative and transparent protection regime that can respond to emerging priorities and future challenges. HES will lead a broader national conversation on how the historic environment is safeguarded, take a more proactive role in identifying sites for protection, and ensure a wide range of voices and perspectives are involved.

HES will also work with partners across the heritage sector to gather new evidence and research to better understand the impacts and benefits of protection.

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The organisation has pledged to improve the information it provides about protected places by enhancing the accuracy, accessibility and usability of its records, while increasing the transparency, timeliness and responsiveness of its designation service.

The strategy was informed by a comprehensive review of how historic places are designated and protected, undertaken in close collaboration with people and organisations involved in, affected by and interested in Scotland's heritage protection system.

Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said: "Designation gives places legal protection and informs the decisions that are made about these places across planning, maintenance and archaeological investigation. Designation has played a central role in shaping our places and communities and protecting our most valued historic assets, from Neolithic tombs to 20th century housing.

"But this heritage is dynamic, and our understanding of its value is continually evolving. Our society is changing too, and with it there are growing expectations for heritage to better represent social diversity.

"That's why it was crucial that we undertook a thorough review of our approach to designation to ensure it remains relevant, effective and fit to face future challenges.

"Through this strategy, our protected historic places will more fully reflect Scotland's rich and diverse cultural heritage. We recognise how important accurate and accessible information about these places is, and in enhancing our service and the information we provide we can enable good decision-making and deliver better heritage outcomes and wider benefits for communities across the country."