09 January 2017
|
Doune Castle
A new report commissioned by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop for Historic Environment Scotland has revealed that £65 million will be required over the next ten years to protect the country's historic sites for future generations.
The report, which is the most comprehensive conservation assessment ever undertaken on the properties cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, confirms a £6.6 million funding boost from the Scottish Government which will be used for repairs, conservation and visitor facility upgrades at 'priority' properties, including Doune Castle (pictured), Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle.
Protecting our history
During a visit to Doune Castle near Stirling, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: 'From Doune Castle to Skara Brae, these iconic buildings and iconic monuments represent more than 6,000 years of Scottish history and include a number of internationally significant sites that attract thousands of visitors every year.
Join the History Scotland community
Follow us on facebook
Follow us on twitter
Sign up for our free e-newsletter
Discover History Scotland magazine
'But by their nature they are often difficult to care for and require specialist expertise to repair. Adding to this challenge, it is well understood that climate change is speeding up the natural process of decay at heritage sites across the world.
'Historic Environment Scotland’s new conservation study gives us a detailed understanding of the impact on our own heritage sites and tells us what is required to protect and preserve them for the future.
'The funding I have announced today underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to protecting and promoting our rich history and heritage and will enable conservation work to begin at several of our treasured heritage sites.'
The effects of climate change on historic buildings
The new report includes information on what future predicted climate change will mean for Scotland's historic buildings, and what plans will be put in place to address this issue. The report reveals that since 1961, Scotland has experienced:
- 27 fewer days of frost
- 32 fewer days of snow cover
- a one degree centigrade rise in temperature
- 21 percent more rain
- 3mm minimum per year rise in sea level (which is continuing to accelerate)
Download the report from Historic Environment Scotland's website.
(Fiona Hyslop image copyright Historic Environment Scotland; Doune Castle copyright Michael Garlick)
