Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has welcomed the Scottish Government's continued backing for the heritage sector, confirmed in today's budget announcement.

The settlement acknowledges HES's strong income growth and efficiency savings, and builds on the revised Framework Agreement introduced last year as part of Public Service Reform.

The agreement gives HES greater financial freedom to manage its commercial income, enabling the organisation to reinvest all revenue in protecting Scotland's historic environment, tackling climate change, supporting skills and jobs, and improving visitor experiences. As part of a five-year plan to cut reliance on public funding by £10 million, resource funding will reduce by a further £2 million this year. This approach supports sustainability and long-term resilience across the sector.

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Sir Mark Jones, Chair of HES, commented: "We warmly welcome the Scottish Government's continuing support for HES and the heritage sector through our unique funding framework. These greater freedoms allow us to invest more in safeguarding Scotland's historic environment and delivering world-class experiences for visitors."

HES cares for more than 300 historic properties and their associated collections across Scotland on behalf of Scottish Ministers, delivers outreach, educational and cultural activities, and provides core statutory and regulatory functions within Scotland's planning system.