Scottish Ministers are to consult on a draft Bill to amend existing heritage legislation next year, Culture Minister Linda Fabiani has announced.

Linda Fabiani MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, said: "It's the government’s priority that the bill achieves the correct balance - without complication or delays to the planning system - and further demonstrates our commitment to protecting Scotland's heritage.

"We believe in a lighter-touch approach and by introducing the bill will make the existing heritage protection system more effective and efficient. Combined with the improvements we have already made to the system, including removing duplication, devolving responsibility, developing capacity and understanding within a clear, concise policy framework, the Bill will align the management of the historic environment with the country's need for sustainable economic growth, while meeting our international commitments."


Historic Scotland, on behalf of Scottish Ministers, will consult on a draft Bill in 2009. The Agency will be looking to involve the public, heritage bodies, charities, local authorities, businesses and individuals in discussions about the proposed changes.

Currently, Scotland has two main pieces of legislation to protect and manage the historic environment: the 1979 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act identifies nationally important 'scheduled monuments' - archaeological sites and ruined buildings; carved stones and ancient settlements - where the aim is to maintain them as far as possible in the state that we have inherited them. The 1997 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act identifies buildings of ‘special architectural or historic interest’, where the main aim is to keep buildings in active appropriate use.

(GK/JM)