Scotland's Historic Environment Audit (SHEA) 2026 brings together the latest data on the sector. It finds that in 2024 the historic environment contributed £6.1 billion to the economy and supported around 84,700 full-time equivalent jobs. While heritage tourism generated about £2.3 billion, a larger £3.8 billion came from the repair and maintenance of traditional buildings and the supply chains that support this work.

The audit estimates approximately 17 million visits to historic places in 2025 and reports strong public backing for preservation, with 86% agreeing that Scotland's heritage should be well looked after.

The historic environment stretches well beyond iconic castles and monuments: there are more than 55,000 protected historic places across the country, alongside thousands of traditional buildings, archaeological sites, museums, archives and community organisations, all sustained by skilled people and volunteers.

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The sector supports a diverse workforce, including architects, surveyors, specialist contractors, craftspeople and conservation professionals, whose expertise helps keep homes, workplaces and communities thriving.

The report also highlights long-term challenges, including disrepair and climate impacts on traditional buildings, and points to the need for ongoing investment, specialist skills and routine maintenance to secure future benefits.

Stephen Uphill, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland, said: "Scotland's historic environment contributes far more than many people realise. It supports jobs and investment, provides homes and workplaces, strengthens communities, and contributes to wellbeing."

"The evidence published today demonstrates that heritage continues to play an important role in everyday life across Scotland, while helping us understand the challenges and opportunities facing the historic environment in the years ahead."

First published in 2007, SHEA serves as Scotland's national evidence base for the historic environment, tracking long-term trends and informing policy, investment and action across the sector.

Culture Cabinet Secretary Màiri McAllan said: "These reports highlight the wide-reaching impact of our historic environment, both within Scotland and for visitors from across the world. Our historic environment is more than a record of our past. It is a living, flourishing asset that shapes identity, place and belonging, and provides employment."